When you’re fresh out of the Mazda Global MX-5 series in iRacing, you’re likely feeling both excitement and confusion about where to go next. This is a pivotal moment in your sim-racing journey, where you must decide which direction to take.
In this blog post, we’ll break down your best options after Mazda rookies in iRacing, what each series offers, and how it can benefit your driving career.
Where Do You Want to Go in iRacing?
Before jumping into another series, it’s essential to think about your long-term goals in iRacing. Each path offers different challenges and learning opportunities, so where you go next depends heavily on where you want to end up. Some drivers aim for the prestigious GT3 series, while others prefer open-wheel racing or endurance events.
Key Factors to Consider for Post-Mazda Progression
Here are a few key factors to consider as you decide which series to pursue:
- Driving Style: Do you prefer the stable, forgiving handling of touring cars, or do you thrive in the fast, twitchy world of open-wheel racing?
- More Practice: Some series, like the Porsche Cup, require mastering technical driving skills such as throttle modulation and trail braking, while others, like the GR86, are more beginner-friendly.
- Competition Level: Are you seeking a challenging, highly competitive series, or do you want something slightly more relaxed as you continue learning?
- Budget for Paid Content: Keep in mind that certain series in iRacing can be more expensive, requiring you to purchase additional tracks and cars.
Understanding your own preferences and skills will help guide your decision and improve your experience in C-Class and beyond.
What Does C-Class Unlock for You?
When you achieve your C-Class license in iRacing, you unlock access to a much wider array of series. This is where the real journey begins for many players. With a C-Class license, you can now participate in more sophisticated series like GT4, GR86, and multiclass endurance racing.
Some key points to consider about C-Class races:
- ABS and Traction Control (TCS): Many C-Class cars, such as the GT4, feature driving aids like ABS and TCS, making them a good progression from rookie cars.
- More Competitive Fields: At C-Class, the level of competition steps up. Drivers are generally more experienced and races are more tactical.
- Series Variety: You can explore different race formats, from sprint races to endurance racing, as well as single-make and multiclass events.
Once you’ve taken part in C-Class races, you’ll start building the skills necessary to advance into even more competitive events, such as B-Class GT3 races or open-wheel racing in Formula 3.
Top Series to Consider After Mazda Rookies
Now that you’ve achieved your C-Class license, it’s time to dive into the available series that suit your progression goals. These series range from touring cars to endurance races, each offering a unique driving experience.
Why the GT4 Series is a Natural Next Step
One of the most recommended options after Mazda is the GT4 series. This class is perfect for drivers who want a competitive yet manageable challenge. GT4 cars, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman and the BMW M4 GT4, provide a balance between performance and driver aids, making them ideal for racers transitioning out of rookie classes.
Key Features of GT4 Racing:
- ABS and Traction Control (TCS): These cars include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and TCS (Traction Control System), helping prevent wheel lock-ups and minimizing oversteer.
- This makes them more forgiving than cars like the Porsche Cup, while still demanding skill.
- Balanced Performance: While not as fast as GT3 cars, GT4s offer competitive speeds and promote close racing. The cars are evenly matched, leading to tight pack racing and tactical battles.
Advantages of Racing in GT4:
- Stepping Stone to GT3: Many drivers see GT4 as a natural stepping stone to the more advanced GT3 series, which you can access with a B-Class license. You’ll learn essential racecraft that prepares you for the faster, more complex cars in higher classes.
- Great Handling: GT4 cars are heavier than rookies like the MX-5, but they offer great handling, making them suitable for practicing cornering and braking.
- Competitive but Not Overwhelming: GT4 racing is competitive but not overly harsh for beginners moving up from the MX-5. You can focus on improving your skills while still enjoying a friendly competition level.
However, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:
- Cost of Entry: The GT4 series can be expensive, as you will need to purchase both the car and additional tracks for each season. In some cases, only one or two tracks in a season might be free, forcing you to spend money if you want to race every week.
- Heavier Car Feel: Coming from the light, nimble Mazda MX-5, GT4 cars can feel a bit heavier and more sluggish in corners. This requires adjustments in your driving style, especially in managing understeer.
GR86 and Advanced Mazda: Affordable and Competitive
If you’re not ready to commit to the GT4 series, another popular recommendation is the GR86 or Advanced Mazda series. These cars are perfect for racers who want to stay in a familiar environment but add some variety and competition.
GR86 Buttkicker Series:
The GR86 is a fan favorite, particularly for drivers who want a relatively easy transition from the Mazda MX-5. It features similar handling characteristics but with a bit more power and a more forgiving driving experience.
- Easy to Drive: Many racers report that the GR86 is more stable than the Mazda, especially in corner exits where oversteer can be an issue with the MX-5.
- Beginner-Friendly: The Buttkicker GR86 Series is a great option if you want to experience tight pack racing without the stress of managing high-powered, complex cars.
Advanced Mazda Series:
For those who enjoy the MX-5 and want to continue honing their skills, the Advanced Mazda series is a solid choice. It keeps the close, door-to-door racing experience but offers more competitive fields and slightly higher skill requirements.
- Affordable: Since you’ve already driven the MX-5 in the rookie class, you won’t need to buy new cars, making this series a budget-friendly choice.
- High Skill Ceiling: The Advanced Mazda series still provides a challenge as you’ll face stiffer competition, but the familiar car dynamics allow you to focus on racecraft and strategy rather than learning a new car.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective Progression: Both GR86 and Advanced Mazda series are relatively affordable since you don’t have to invest heavily in new content right away.
- Smooth Transition: These series help ease the learning curve while still improving your driving skills.
- Packed Grids and Great Racing: The fields in these series are often large, making for highly competitive races that are fun and exciting.
Exploring Formula Series: Open-Wheel Progression
For drivers looking for a different type of racing experience, the Formula series offers the thrill of open-wheel racing. These cars are lighter, faster, and more agile than GT cars, making them ideal for those who love precision and speed.
If you’re a fan of single-seater racing like Formula 1, starting with iRacing’s lower-tier formula cars is a great option.
Formula Vee and Formula Ford 1600:
One of the most popular entry points into open-wheel racing in iRacing is the Formula Vee or the Formula Ford 1600 (FF1600). Both cars are ideal for developing essential open-wheel skills, such as aerodynamics management, mechanical grip control, and the art of slipstreaming.
- Formula Vee: This car is highly popular for its simple design and reliance on mechanical grip. It offers a perfect introduction to the world of open-wheel racing, focusing on close racing and pure driving skills without advanced aerodynamic features. The lack of downforce and driver aids teaches you to manage weight transfer and grip levels at every corner.
- Formula Ford 1600 (FF1600): A step up from the Vee, the FF1600 offers more speed and better handling dynamics but remains very manageable for drivers transitioning from rookie classes. Its balance between performance and accessibility makes it a favorite among racers looking to step up their skills.
Formula 4 and Formula C: The Intermediate Open-Wheel Step
Once you’re comfortable in the lower-tier formula cars, Formula 4 and C is the next logical step.
Why Formula Series is Worth Considering:
- High Speed and Downforce: F3 and F4 cars are much faster than their lower-tier counterparts, featuring high aerodynamic downforce that allows for much quicker cornering speeds. However, this also means that mistakes are punished more severely, as downforce loss can lead to sudden loss of control.
- Increased Complexity: Unlike the more forgiving FF1600 or Formula Vee, F3 cars require a deep understanding of aero grip, proper braking techniques, and throttle control. You’ll need to develop your skills in managing tire temperatures and learning how to extract the maximum performance from the car, lap after lap.
- Highly Competitive: The Formula 3 series is known for attracting skilled drivers, leading to very tight, competitive races. If you enjoy the tactical aspect of racing, from finding the perfect slipstream to executing precise overtakes, F3 offers a high-octane environment to sharpen these skills.
Formula Series Pros:
- Precision Driving: Open-wheel cars require precise inputs and a high level of driving discipline, which can significantly enhance your overall racecraft.
- High-Speed Thrills: Formula cars are much faster than touring cars or GTs, offering a unique adrenaline rush.
- Stepping Stone to Higher Formulas: If you aspire to race in the top-tier Formula 1 or Formula Renault series, mastering lower formula cars is essential.
Formula Series Cons:
- Fragile Cars: Open-wheel cars are notoriously fragile, meaning even small contacts can result in serious damage, ending your race prematurely.
- Steep Learning Curve: The jump from something like the Mazda MX-5 to Formula 3 can feel overwhelming due to the increased speeds and handling dynamics.
Porsche Cup Series: Mastering a Pure Driving Experience
The Porsche Cup series is one of the most challenging and rewarding series in iRacing. Known for its unforgiving nature, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car lacks driver aids like ABS or traction control, making it a true test of a driver’s ability. While it’s considered a difficult car to master, it’s also one of the most popular series in the sim due to its high skill ceiling.
Porsche Cup Key Features:
- No Driver Aids: Unlike GT4 cars, the Porsche Cup car is purely mechanical. You need to have excellent throttle and brake modulation to avoid wheel lock-ups or oversteer. Many drivers struggle with the car’s tendency to oversteer under braking and acceleration, making it crucial to learn smooth pedal inputs.
- Raw Power and Speed: The Porsche Cup car is significantly faster than the Mazda MX-5 or even GT4 cars. It demands a deep understanding of weight transfer, braking zones, and tire management.
- High-Level Competition: The Porsche Cup series attracts some of the best drivers in iRacing, which makes the field highly competitive. It’s common to see tight, close-quarters racing, where any mistake can cost you multiple positions.
Mastering the Porsche Cup:
- Learn Pedal Control: Given the lack of ABS and TCS, precise pedal inputs are critical. Investing in a set of load-cell pedals can make a big difference, as they offer more realistic and accurate braking feedback.
- Practice Consistency: The key to succeeding in the Porsche Cup is consistency. Unlike more forgiving cars, the Porsche will punish even small mistakes. Focus on keeping your laps smooth and error-free before attempting to push the limits.
- Understand the Car’s Weight Distribution: The Porsche 911 has a unique rear-engine design, which means that weight distribution plays a significant role in how the car behaves. Under braking, the rear end can become unstable if you’re too aggressive, so you’ll need to practice smooth braking and cornering techniques.
Porsche Cup Pros:
- Pure Driving Skill: The Porsche Cup car is one of the best ways to develop your raw driving skills, as it forces you to rely entirely on technique rather than driver aids.
- High Competition Level: If you’re looking for intense, competitive racing, the Porsche Cup series is one of the most challenging and rewarding classes.
Porsche Cup Cons:
- High Learning Curve: The lack of driving aids makes this series very tough for beginners. It’s recommended that you have solid experience in other cars before attempting the Porsche Cup.
- Expensive Repairs: In iRacing, damage repairs can affect your race outcome significantly, and the Porsche Cup car’s fragility means that even minor incidents can result in costly damage.
LMP3: A High-Downforce Prototype Experience
For those interested in high-speed prototype racing, the LMP3 series provides a thrilling experience. LMP3 cars are a step up in terms of speed, downforce, and complexity, but they’re still manageable for drivers moving up from GT4 or Mazda-level cars.
LMP3 Key Features:
- Aerodynamic Downforce: Unlike GT cars, LMP3 cars rely heavily on aerodynamic downforce. This means that cornering speed is much higher, but the car can become unstable if you lose aero grip, especially in high-speed corners.
- Multiclass Racing: LMP3 is often featured in multiclass races, such as IMSA events, where you’ll race alongside slower GT4 cars. This adds another layer of complexity, as you’ll need to navigate traffic while maintaining your own race pace.
- Endurance Racing Focus: Most LMP3 events are endurance races, requiring a combination of speed and strategy. You’ll need to manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and pit stops effectively to succeed in this series.
LMP3 Pros:
- Step Towards LMP2 or GTP: LMP3 racing is a natural progression for those looking to eventually move into faster prototype classes like LMP2 or GTP.
- Advanced Racecraft: Managing traffic in multiclass events hones your ability to think strategically and race tactically.
LMP3 Cons:
- Requires High Focus: With the combination of speed, downforce, and multiclass racing, LMP3 requires intense concentration. It’s not ideal for beginners or casual racers.
Transitioning to GT Series: GT4 and GT3 Recommendations
Once you’ve developed a solid foundation in GT4, moving up to the GT3 series is a natural progression. The GT3 class represents one of the highest levels of competition in iRacing, offering thrilling races with significant strategic elements.
The GT4 and GT3 classes are among the most popular and competitive series in iRacing, providing a mix of performance, strategy, and close racing that attracts many players.
Key Features of GT3:
- Less Driver Aids: GT3 cars have fewer driver aids than GT4, meaning drivers must manage their car’s behavior more actively, focusing on precise throttle and braking inputs to avoid losing control.
- Multiclass Racing: Similar to GT4, GT3 often participates in multiclass races, which require drivers to navigate slower cars. This aspect teaches you valuable skills in traffic management and strategic overtaking.
Why Choose GT3?
- Ultimate Challenge: For those seeking a real challenge, the GT3 series provides high-speed racing with competitive fields, making every race an exhilarating experience.
- Diverse Race Formats: The GT3 series offers various racing formats, including sprint races, endurance events, and special tournaments. This variety keeps the racing experience fresh and exciting.
- High-Profile Competitions: GT3 racing in iRacing often attracts many talented drivers, making it a prestigious series to participate in.
GT3 Pros:
- Skill Enhancement: Competing in GT3 races will enhance your skills significantly, focusing on strategy, tire management, and racecraft.
- Thrilling Racing Atmosphere: The intense competition in GT3 leads to exciting, close races that keep you on the edge of your seat.
GT3 Cons:
- Steep Learning Curve: Jumping into GT3 without sufficient experience can lead to frustration due to the car’s complexity and high-speed nature.
Each class presents its own set of challenges and rewards, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your skills, interests, and racing goals.
Remember, the key to success in iRacing is patience and continuous improvement. With every race, you’ll learn something new and get closer to mastering the art of virtual racing.
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See you on the track!
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The problem with iRacing, with more and more players buying content and subscribing to the “game” is the lack of racecraft, race etiquet ! GT3 is plain chaos, GT4 with LMP3 and IMSA is getting there too, and so on. iRacing is more worried with language and retaliation, in the end also with intentional wrecking ? Even so, it won’t do anything more then a email. Bans and suspensions are only for the crazie mads that may do the same s… 10x times in a row ! Safety rating ? what’s that ? Just a selling point, nothing more … I have almost all road content, cars and tracks. A DD1 and HE sprints. After 4 years playing in iRacing, I feel stupid and defrauded.