iRacing Reveals Impressive 2022 Season 1 Release Notes

iRacing 2022 Season 1 Build Notes 01.jpg
iRacing's first season of 2022 will include a large amount of new content and another major step forward in AI implementation.

The next season of iRacing will give players the chance to own some interesting new content, including news cars and new or improved tracks, plus practice racing against AI at a number of circuits that didn't previously support AI racing.

The likely headline-stealer will be the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance Formula 1 car. The current generation of F1 cars are the fastest racing cars to ever compete in a series, and iRacing members will soon be able to get their hands on Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas' current car.

Two new TCR series cars are also being added: the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Elantra N TC. TCR cars are a favourite amongst many sim racers due to their ability to be raced wheel to wheel with minimal effects from unintentional bumping.

Knockhill circuit is also coming to iRacing in the next major build. The Scottish circuit is a challenging 2 kilometer course featuring 9 corners. Watkins Glen is also cited in the season notes, as the American track will be given a major facelift using new laser-scan data from 2021.

Highlights of the upcoming build are below. Let us know in the comments what's got you most excited to race.

iRacing 2022 Season 1 Build Notes 02.jpg


Season highlights include:

  • Honda Civic Type R
  • Hyundai Elantra N TC
  • Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance
  • Knockhill Racing Circuit
  • Watkins Glen International (Fully re-scanned and re-built for 2021)
  • Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg - 4 New Track Configurations for the Porsche Experience Center
  • Ability to Require the use of Multiple Tire Compounds
  • Tire Scuffing Visual Effect
  • New “Ready to Race!” Button in the Simulator
  • New Damage Model has been enabled on the Dirt Street Stock, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N TC, and the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance
  • AI Racing for THREE New Cars (Dallara IR18, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N TC)
  • AI Racing at NINETEEN New Track Configurations (Charlotte Motor Speedway - All 6 Non-Rallycross Road Configs, Homestead Miami Speedway - Indy Oval, Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Oval and IndyCar Oval, Knockhill Racing Circuit - All 4 Road Configs, Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway - Oval, Watkins Glen International - All 4 Configs, World Wide Technology Raceway - Oval)
About author
Mike Smith
I have been obsessed with sim racing and racing games since the 1980's. My first taste of live auto racing was in 1988, and I couldn't get enough ever since. Lead writer for RaceDepartment, and owner of SimRacing604 and its YouTube channel. Favourite sims include Assetto Corsa Competizione, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, Automobilista 2, DiRT Rally 2 - On Twitter as @simracing604

Comments

Really looking forward to this build so I can whip one of those TCR cars around knockhill.

Also looking to compare the rebuilt laser scan version of Watkins Glen to the recently released AMS2 version.

Any mention of rain in this build?
 
Last edited:
Premium
Really looking forward to testing out the IR-18 Indycar with some AI races.

The new touring cars also interest me, looks like a good build!
 
Was hoping for rain, too. but after waiting for 10 years and not really missing it much for all of these ten years, I can wait another season or two. massive update for sure, Will buy Knockhill, loved it in Race Driver back in the day, hope it brings back some good memories.
 
Personally, I could wait forever for rain. I don't like driving in it.

A couple things I like about sims. The cars don't surprise you with a mechanical failure and the weather can be excellent all the time.
I am right there with you on the mechanical elements going away, but there are some racetracks which I enjoy in bad weather. I like the option to be available, mostly because I never know until I try it.
 
Premium
I am right there with you on the mechanical elements going away, but there are some racetracks which I enjoy in bad weather. I like the option to be available, mostly because I never know until I try it.
Dirt Rally 2.0 has rain stages. I get through them, but for me it takes away rather than adding to the experience.

Personal preference. I wouldn't mind it being optional as long as you could chose if you wanted to race in rain against others who shared the desire to race in rain.
 
Bought the Civic and tested the new Watkins layout.....Watkins looks great and the Civic is a blast to drive. Very stable with hardly any signs of the rear wanting to come around like many FWD cars in other sims.
IMSA Pilot series is gonna be fun this season!

Off to test Knockhill :)
 

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