iRacing S1 2023: All You Need To Know

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This afternoon at 13:00 UTC time, iRacing will start to deploy its latest big update with tons of changes and new content. Let's check what we can find in the service in a few hours.

Due to the size of the original release notes of this update, I am going to write a summary with everything that I consider remarkable.

Free content to the current subscribers:
  • Toyota GR86 Cup
  • Ford Mustang FR500S (updated for current owners)
  • Virginia International Raceway (2022 scan)
  • Wild West Motorsports Park
  • Sebring International Raceway (updated for current owners)
  • New Three Dirt Road configs for Daytona and Phoenix
New paid content:
  • BMW M Hybrid V8
  • Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance
  • Lincoln Speedway
  • Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
As many of you already know, iRacing has different collaboration contracts with automotive manufacturers such as Porsche, BMW, Toyota, Ford or Mercedes-AMG F1 so they are constantly trying to be the first in getting these new car developments in the service as soon as they road on track.


The list of changes and modifications for the service is huge, but here are some highlights:
  • AI in 9 new cars and in 23 tracks configurations. For those who want to test something like GT7's Sophy but now.
  • iRacing setups are updated for every car. For those who don't want to look/buy setups out there.
  • Active Reset: you can now train a track-specific sector again and again.
  • New Track Polish Surface Modeling: how the grip behaves outside the race line and how soft surfaces behave out of the track.
  • GT3 Class Tires and Vehicle Parameter Updates, with a New Damage Model too.
  • A New Damage Model also for LMP2.
  • Acrylic Clear Coat custom paint scheme layer.
  • Start Zones for dozens more tracks.
  • Starting Grids expanded to 60 for dozens more tracks.
  • iRacing UI has now Series Stats & Standings available.
  • FFB adjustments to make it more "safe". Some of the old signals have been softened to avoid injuries in DD steering wheelbases. You can disable it.
  • iRacing credits will expire after two years: Referrals and credits awarded from the services will expire now in two years.
So, as usual on these occasions, you have the chance to update your sim while the updates are being deployed and test new changes. You can test some new things in Offline Mode which will be available in the meantime.


What do you think about all these changes and new content? Are you eager to drive BMW M Hybrid V8 or Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance?
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Reactions: PocketsAF, Daniel Monteiro, Kurupt CDN and 5 others
About author
Gonzalo Camara
Gonzalo Camara
More than 20 years enjoying simRacing and watching it grow. Writing and spreading the word to allow real racing fans discover this wonderful universe.

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Comments

L
Looking forward to trying out the GR86. I tend to quite enjoy these kinds of lower level series
 
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Eckhart von Glan
as I read it on their site, the VIR update will not be available tonight but "coming soon". Apert from that: lots of good stuff, downloading 8.sth GB as I write.
 
azaralamouri
1990's sim is very outdated and they still think they can go on with the forever DLC business model.
 
Kurupt CDN
Looking forward to try the new update when I get home.

Any info on what 9 vehicles and 23 track configurations were added AI racing?
Really enjoying the quality of AI racing so far.

Edit:
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User: Dave Slute





HOME› STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS

2023 Season 1 Release Notes [2022.12.06.01]​

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Alex Gustafson
Alex Gustafson Posts: 159STAFF ›
December 5, 2022 3:38PM edited 8:15AM
The iRacing annual December update is here! This release includes a huge amount of content and upgrades for 2023 Season 1, which officially starts on December 12th! This season update includes three new cars: BMW M Hybrid V8, Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance, and Toyota GR86. We have also added two brand new tracks: Lincoln Speedway, and Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. Both the Ford Mustang FR500S and Sebring International Raceway have also received complete art updates for a fresh and modern look. Three new Dirt Road track configs have been added between Daytona Rallycross and Dirt Road, and [Legacy] Phoenix Raceway - 2008. The brand new Active Reset feature is now available to help you repeatedly practice any and all of iRacing’s track sections with only a few keystrokes. Our surface simulations on and off the track have been improved with driving line Track Polish modeling and physics-based soft surface modeling. Dozens more tracks now have Start Zones available and starting grids expanded up to 60 racers! The GT3 class also received tire and aerodynamic updates along with increased mass and engine power; these changes bring performance even closer to their real-world counterparts. A new texture layer has been added to all cars that allow for acrylic clear coats to be added to all custom paint schemes. The New Damage Model is now also in effect for GT3 Class Cars and the Dallara P217. Our iRacing AI have been training all autumn long and are ready to fight you for the podium with nine new cars at 23 new track configs. Bring in the new year with style, and welcome to iRacing 2023 Season 1!


Season highlights include:
  • BMW M Hybrid V8
  • Mercedes-AMG W13 E Performance
  • Toyota GR86 [FREE!]
  • Lincoln Speedway
  • Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
  • Ford Mustang FR500S - Bumper-to-Bumper Artwork Updates
  • Sebring International Raceway - Complete Track Artwork Overhaul
  • Virginia International Raceway - 2022 Laser Scan Version, Coming Soon! [FREE!]
  • Three New Dirt Road Track Configs: Daytona Rallycross and Dirt Road - Dirt Road Long & Dirt Road Short, and [Legacy] Phoenix Raceway - 2008 - Dirt Road [FREE!]
  • Active Reset feature
  • Track Polish Surface Modeling
  • Soft Surface Modeling
  • Start Zones for dozens more tracks
  • Starting Grids expanded to 60 for dozens more tracks
  • GT3 Class Tires and Vehicle Parameter Updates
  • Acrylic Clear Coat custom paint scheme layer
  • Series Stats & Standings in the iRacing UI
  • New Damage Model for the GT3 Class Cars (Audi R8 LMS GT3, BMW M4 GT3, Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020, Ford GT GT3, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO, McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-AMG GT3 2020, Porsche 911 R GT3) and the Dallara P217.
  • AI Racing for nine Cars (BMW M Hybrid V8, Ford Mustang FR500S, Legends Ford '34 Coupe, Legends Ford '34 Coupe - Rookie, Lotus 79, All three NASCAR Classic 1987 Class Cars, and the Toyota GR86)
  • AI Racing at 23 Track Configurations (Atlanta Motor Speedway - Legends Oval - 2008, Autódromo José Carlos Pace - Moto, Barber Motorsports Park - Short A, Brands Hatch Circuit - Indy, Charlotte Motor Speedway - 2018 - Legends Oval, Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Donington Park Racing Circuit - National, Iowa Speedway - Infield Legends, Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Legends Oval, Nürburgring Nordschleife - Industriefahrten, Road America - Bend, Snetterton Circuit - 200 & 300, Sonoma Raceway - ALL non-Rallycross configs, Texas Motor Speedway - Oval & Legends Oval, [Legacy] Charlotte Motor Speedway - 2008 - Legends Oval, [Legacy] Kentucky Motor Speedway - 2011 - Legends, [Legacy] Texas Motor Speedway - 2009 - Legends Oval)
 
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B
Caleb Lee said:
Tell me you've never driven on iRacing without telling me you've never driven on iRacing...
Click to expand...
I was a member of iRacing for a couple years. Both times a friend bugged me to buy into it. The second year, he even paid for my sub. Over that time I had to buy almost every track and several cars just to race every week with him. They change the schedule very specifically so that you have to buy more than you want otherwise you miss 2-3 weeks or more at a time until the track you own comes around again. I found the racing to suck, the handling of the cars to suck, the graphics to suck and worst of all, the mods and the community to suck. That community will defend their behavior and their useless product to the death. No matter what. I reached out to iRacing to not only cancel my sub, but I made them delete my account. I will never go back to the absurd crap that is iRacing. Most of the pros that have tried it during the pandemic even hated it and talked about how unrealistic it is. Any youtuber that shared that footage was summarily asked to cease and desist by iRacing as it would hurt their reputation. iRacing is hot trash.
 
S
Kurupt CDN said:
Looking forward to try the new update when I get home.

Any info on what 9 vehicles and 23 track configurations were added AI racing?
Really enjoying the quality of AI racing so far.
Click to expand...
  • AI Drivers have been fully trained for racing with the following new vehicles:
  • - - BMW M Hybrid V8
  • - - Ford Mustang FR500S
  • - - Legends Ford '34 Coupe
  • - - Legends Ford '34 Coupe - Rookie
  • - - Lotus 79
  • - - NASCAR Classic Buick LeSabre - 1987
  • - - NASCAR Classic Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1987
  • - - NASCAR Classic Ford Thunderbird - 1987
  • - - Toyota GR86
  • AI Drivers have been fully trained for racing at the following new track configurations:
  • - - Atlanta Motor Speedway - Legends Oval - 2008
  • - - Autódromo José Carlos Pace - Moto
  • - - Barber Motorsports Park - Short A
  • - - Brands Hatch Circuit - Indy
  • - - Charlotte Motor Speedway - 2018 - Legends Oval
  • - - Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
  • - - Donington Park Racing Circuit - National
  • - - Iowa Speedway - Infield Legends
  • - - Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Legends Oval
  • - - Nürburgring Nordschleife - Industriefahrten
  • - - Road America - Bend
  • - - Snetterton Circuit - 200 and 300
  • - - Sonoma Raceway - Cup, Cup Historic, IndyCar 2008-2011, IndyCar 2012-2018, and IndyCar pre-2008
  • - - Texas Motor Speedway - Oval and Legends Oval
  • - - [Legacy] Charlotte Motor Speedway - 2008 - Legends Oval
  • - - [Legacy] Kentucky Motor Speedway - 2011 - Legends
  • - - [Legacy] Texas Motor Speedway - 2009 - Legends Oval
 
S
Blagga said:
I was a member of iRacing for a couple years. Both times a friend bugged me to buy into it. The second year, he even paid for my sub. Over that time I had to buy almost every track and several cars just to race every week with him. They change the schedule very specifically so that you have to buy more than you want otherwise you miss 2-3 weeks or more at a time until the track you own comes around again. I found the racing to suck, the handling of the cars to suck, the graphics to suck and worst of all, the mods and the community to suck. That community will defend their behavior and their useless product to the death. No matter what. I reached out to iRacing to not only cancel my sub, but I made them delete my account. I will never go back to the absurd crap that is iRacing. Most of the pros that have tried it during the pandemic even hated it and talked about how unrealistic it is. Any youtuber that shared that footage was summarily asked to cease and desist by iRacing as it would hurt their reputation. iRacing is hot trash.
Click to expand...

You bought almost every track?

Most of the pro sim racers or pro drivers? If it's the former, were there really that many pro drivers that hadn't tried iRacing??? If it's the latter, was there an official poll of all drivers?
 
eg01st
Blagga said:
I was a member of iRacing for a couple years. Both times a friend bugged me to buy into it. The second year, he even paid for my sub. Over that time I had to buy almost every track and several cars just to race every week with him. They change the schedule very specifically so that you have to buy more than you want otherwise you miss 2-3 weeks or more at a time until the track you own comes around again. I found the racing to suck, the handling of the cars to suck, the graphics to suck and worst of all, the mods and the community to suck. That community will defend their behavior and their useless product to the death. No matter what. I reached out to iRacing to not only cancel my sub, but I made them delete my account. I will never go back to the absurd crap that is iRacing. Most of the pros that have tried it during the pandemic even hated it and talked about how unrealistic it is. Any youtuber that shared that footage was summarily asked to cease and desist by iRacing as it would hurt their reputation. iRacing is hot trash.
Click to expand...


Everything heavily depends on personal experience. Handling and graphics for my taste are definitelly better than ACC (Yes, graphics. I just hate UE grainy cartoony image even on max settings). Racing recently for me in GT3 class has been the best I have had online in 5 years, 4 cars, 3 wide, giving space in corner after corner. Because everyone cares about their precious iRating I suppose. Or the fact that actual grownups with money play it.
You are right about their schedule, to make you buy tracks. They run a business after all. Subscription should be free.
Even then, I have spent more on rF2 content, but they refuse to update it, and I can't play online with their stuff anyway. Because they only run 3 official servers apart from competition series, which I don't care about. So no sim is perfect.
 
R00b_Driver
eg01st said:
Everything heavily depends on personal experience. Handling and graphics for my taste are definitelly better than ACC (Yes, graphics. I just hate UE grainy cartoony image even on max settings). Racing recently for me in GT3 class has been the best I have had online in 5 years, 4 cars, 3 wide, giving space in corner after corner. Because everyone cares about their precious iRating I suppose. Or the fact that actual grownups with money play it.
You are right about their schedule, to make you buy tracks. They run a business after all. Subscription should be free.
Even then, I have spent more on rF2 content, but they refuse to update it, and I can't play online with their stuff anyway. Because they only run 3 official servers apart from competition series, which I don't care about. So no sim is perfect.
Click to expand...
rF2 - You can play online with LFM ;)

But yes, the variety in quality on rF2 content is absurd!!

I'm eager to try out the GT3 updates of iracing...
 
eg01st
R00b_Driver said:
rF2 - You can play online with LFM ;)

But yes, the variety in quality on rF2 content is absurd!!

I'm eager to try out the GT3 updates of iracing...
Click to expand...
Yeah, still haven't managed to look at LFM. But still, it's really new. And not even S397s achievement. No excuse for rF2 state over the years.
This downtime is almost 5 hours now, must be a lot.
 
D
Some nice looking features coming with this build, looking forward to seeing how the Acrylic Clear Coat custom paint scheme layer enhances the appearance of the cars on track.

What I think a lot of the naysayers don't realise is that outside of the very active online racing their a literally loads of really good active private leagues, good discussions on discord, even get togethers and many broadcast races. I do maybe 4-5 official races each week, but spend the majority of time practicing with others for the league races. For me it's as much about an engaging community as it is the close on track racing.
 
B
Scottt said:
You bought almost every track?

Most of the pro sim racers or pro drivers? If it's the former, were there really that many pro drivers that hadn't tried iRacing??? If it's the latter, was there an official poll of all drivers?
Click to expand...
Most pros that tried it.
 

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