Let’s go through the list of upcoming features and updates coming to iRacing next week. Feel free to review them with us.
Ring Meister Series
The new series that we already detailed in a dedicated post.
iRacing will introduce a new concept of road series starting from the third season of 2023 with the Ricmotech Ring Meister Series. With four-lap races at Nurburgring Industriefahrten and open qualifying, this series will serve as a pilot program for a new concept where cars change every week throughout the season, rather than the track.
Ligier JS P320 LMP3
A new addition to a new class that will be featured in popular endurance series. It will also be present in major special events.
The Ligier JS P320 was launched in the summer of 2019 as the successor to the JS P3, which had achieved multiple victories and championships in global and international series. This new version brings changes to the bodywork and suspension compared to its predecessor, including the addition of traction control and a more powerful Nissan V8 engine due to the new LMP3 regulation.
The LMP3 category was introduced as an entry-level class in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) among other endurance series like IMSA.
Willow Springs International Motorsports Park
A new circuit that is a classic in the state of California. Located in the desert, it features multiple dusty and sandy layouts.
At Willow Springs, you can find the following tracks:
- Big Willow: The main track at Willow Springs Raceway, informally known as “Big Willow,” consists of 9 turns. The layout is built for speed but also incorporates curves and elevation changes to provide a unique challenge.
- Horse Thief Mile: A small one-mile circuit with 11 turns and significant elevation changes, surrounded by a desert landscape.
- The Streets of Willow Springs: Another small track measuring nearly 3 kilometers with a testing area. Ideal for testing or tuning.
- Speedway Willow Springs: A quarter-mile oval track with walls.
- Walt James Stadium: A 3/8-mile dirt oval with highly banked turns and no walls.
New Foliage System
Implemented for the first time in Willow Springs, this is a set of visual improvements associated with vegetation representation on the tracks. Interestingly, Willow Springs is one of the tracks that need this the least, but it adds more realism to the circuit, enhancing immersion. This much-needed change will gradually be implemented in other tracks as well.
Along with this improvement, there are other tools developed for textures and more, but a detailed note is expected when it is deployed.
9 Different Cars per Session
Partly motivated by the introduction of LMP3 in multiclass racing, there is finally an increase in the number of cars available in the series. Now, up to nine (9) cars can be used in a session, providing more variety and options for racers.
Cadillac V-LMDh
We’ll have to wait and see if the new LMDh is confirmed to join the BMW M8 Hybrid on the grid. For now, there is a video showing it running in Detroit, but little can be seen. The sound is supposed to be from an LMDh, but this information should be taken with caution.
The Cadillac V-Series.R, originally known as the Cadillac V-LMDh, is a racing prototype designed by Cadillac and built by Dallara. It is designed to meet the regulations of Le Mans Daytona h and made its debut in the
IMSA SportsCar Championship at the season-opening 24 Hours of Daytona. The car is also competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2023 onwards. The 5.5L engine displacement is the largest of any of the GTP cars that debuted in the revival of the GTP class at the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours.
Motorland Aragón
There is a screen scan suggesting that Motorland Aragón could be included in this release, but it might not be certain. We’ll have to wait and see what happens in the end. If not included now, it is likely to arrive before the end of the year.
Motorland Aragón is a renowned circuit located in the Alcañiz region of Spain. It is almost an icon in motorsport, mainly known for hosting MotoGP events, although it hasn’t been a venue for Formula 1 Grand Prix races. However, it has hosted events such as the World Superbikes Championship, CEV, World Series by Renault, and several national and regional motorcycle, automobile, karting, and autocross championships.
Improvements in Dirt Oval
Several improvements are being made to dirt oval racing, including updates to tracks, cars, and contact modeling in this less popular discipline among Europeans. Dynamic track changes and the representation of racing lines with mud, water, and heat are being enhanced. Additionally, a new damage model is being introduced for some of the vehicles used.
Joining iRacing
For new users, joining iRacing is simple. Just click on this link and select the desired subscription length. Currently, with a 40% discount for new users, the prices are as follows:
- 1 month: $7.80
- 3 months: $19.80
- 1 year: $66.00
- 2 years: $119.40
Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the iRacing website for the most up-to-date information.
