People still joke that iRacing has “PS2 graphics.” Okay, exaggerated… yes. But there’s a grain of truth. We’re not talking about just a couple of outdated textures; it’s the entire visual package that, on certain tracks, clearly feels from another era.
Let’s not forget: iRacing was released in 2008, but its graphics engine? It dates back to 2003—the very same used in NASCAR Racing 2003 Season. Since then, it’s been patched, enhanced, and stretched beyond recognition. But limits… they do exist.
Tracks Crying for Help
Some circuits have aged worse than others. Here are three that urgently need rescanning and full rebuilds:
- Interlagos
- Laguna Seca
- Sonoma
- Summit Point (arguably the worst of all)
In Summit Point, just move a few meters off track and you’ll find 2D trees, poor geometry, and paper-thin textures. Yes, it’s base content but we’re in 2025, and that shows way too much.
One of the most frustrating issues is the night lighting. It’s not just ugly. Sometimes, it’s barely usable. In crowded races, with multiple headlights flashing across the track, the visual noise and erratic lighting changes can genuinely affect your race performance.
And the night sky? Forget it. No stars, no moon, no ambient light. This was promised over a decade ago when night racing was first introduced. But to this day, absolutely nothing has been done.
What iRacing Still Does Best
To be fair, it’s not all bad. The engine, despite its age, powers some of the most realistic vehicle physics in simracing:
- Suspension behavior over curbs and bumps is hypnotically natural.
- Damage modeling is ahead of every other serious sim out there (excluding titles like BeamNG).
- Rain effects, puddles, and spray have been implemented far beyond what this engine was ever built for.
These are miracles on old tech, and credit must be given.
New tracks like Blend or Spa are visually impressive. The difference in geometry, texture quality, and lighting detail is massive. But even they are held back by the engine’s limitations.
And there’s something else—even on modern tracks, there’s still a lack of life: no animated pits, static grandstands, missing ambient lights, few moving elements. The world feels stiff and empty.
That said, none of this stops me from racing. Graphics aren’t even in my top 10 concerns in a simulator. But yes, I still enjoy good visuals. Who doesn’t?
And even with all these visual flaws, iRacing keeps breaking player records season after season. So, clearly, they’re doing something right where it counts.
- Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
Happy Racing!
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This is an irrelevant article lol. Read the whole thing just for you to say it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things… Seems like you’re just nit picking the obvious low hanging fruit..(pretty much iRacing only “issue”).
And it’s barely an issue.. maybe to kids under 25 it matters.
Take a a look at the sims the F1 drivers use… Very base graphics.
Maybe try Forza, it looks amazing..
Everyone will welcome improved graphics. You’re settling for the status quo simply because you don’t like change. I modded the hell out of Grand Prix Legends to make it more graphically realistic—and probably hundreds of thousands of people have done the same with Assetto Corsa. We’re trying to immerse ourselves in something as close to real life as possible. Bring on the new graphics engine—it’s WAY overdue.
I have to say that the graphics for me could do with some realistic updates. What keeps me coming back to iracing along with the realistic driving feel is the rules and adherence to penalizing intentional bad actors. It keeps the competition fun and fair. Unlike great visually pleasing Sims like GT7 in which I don’t even bother with anymore.
Well, Sonoma is getting a total remake next season. And iRacing finally seems to pour a lot of resources into refreshing the textures and geometry of old tracks. It’s been far too long though, and having tracks as ugly as Summit Point is really embarrassing, especially as those tracks are the first ones new members get to see when they join iRacing.
I have high hopes for the new graphics engine though. Building it from totally scratch was the right move, and probably will enable a massive jump in lighting, geometry and effects, not to mention performance.
I’ve been iRacing since July12, 2008. It’s not really how pretty it looks. The driving physics are there. And the online community rivals all others. The best in VR.
Have a look at VIR, that one is abysmal
Look for LMU!! iRacing is too expensive, and you have to buy content if you want do Race. LMU V1.0 is very very realístic and they are continuing to do big updates. Yes you have to buy a few content but not like iRacing, and you dont have to pay “rent” to play. “Noobs and Kids” and update after update are more Championships like iRacing and daily races etc etc. Thanks
if you think iracing looks worse than LMU or ACC you need your eyes checked.
iracings graphics engine is fine and its looks much cleaner than any of its competition.
iRacing physic are spot on. I’ll give it that. However I agree too expensive, you don’t own the cars or tracks. Like other DLC’s. The graphics are not good. Its engine is using old Ray-tracing and open GL features. It doesn’t come close to other sim games visuals.
Iracing blijft een top sim, het gevoel van racen en t contact op de weg. Dat kan geen andere sim beter, en als ik race kijk ik echt niet naar de sterren hoor. Nee je moet lekker acc doen, mooie graphics maar dat was het. Ik ben echt van t grafische gedeelte moet zo hoog mogelijk, maar racen moet gewoon als racen aanvoelen. En niet 1 of ander mooi spel dat je van de natuur geniet
Just another iRacing ad written by an AI that never drove a real car. Mariokart physics.