iRacing’s February 2025 season is set to elevate the simulation experience, bringing updates that will enhance realism and compatibility with high quality sim racing hardware. These updates include new cars, upgraded tracks, improved physics, and enhanced user interfaces, promising a fresh challenge for drivers on all levels. Here are just some of the changes implemented with the Season 2 update.
ARCA Menards Series gets a major overhaul
The ARCA Menards Series, a staple in iRacing for over a decade, is receiving a much-needed refresh. Originally launched with older models, the series will now feature multiple fully licensed ARCA cars, all rebuilt from scratch with new artwork, updated physics, and modern handling characteristics. These changes are designed to provide a more dynamic experience for drivers using setups such as the Gran Turismo DD Extreme Ready2Race Bundle.
As part of this transition, the older ARCA car will be retired from the official series, with credits issued to those who purchased it in the last year. The new models will feature modern physics that won’t be balanced to performance (BOP) with the old version, making the ARCA races feel more authentic and immersive.
GTP and LMP2 tire and hybrid system overhaul
Following player feedback, iRacing is revamping the GTP and LMP2 cars. Previously, the cars were updated with a new tire model that didn’t quite hit the mark for cornering performance. In the upcoming update, set for the S2 release, iRacing will introduce a comprehensive tire model overhaul, utilizing real-world data for better handling, especially in high-speed corners. For drivers using high-end sim racing setups, such as direct drive wheel bases and CSL Pedals Load Cell, the new tire dynamics will offer a more challenging and rewarding experience, as these models are adjusted to more accurately simulate tire grip and wear.
Track updates and 3D curbing expansion
iRacing continues to improve older tracks, with major updates to circuits like Bristol, Darlington, and Homestead coming in Season 2. These updates will be available for free to track owners and enhance the visual fidelity of the tracks, allowing sim racers to get the most out of their hardware, including higher-resolution displays and next-gen racing gear. Additionally, a new 3D curbing system will be implemented on tracks like Jerez, Sandown, and Aragon, providing a more dynamic and realistic racing experience.
Adaptive AI and improved netcode
Season 2 will also introduce the Adaptive AI system, inspired by NASCAR Racing 2003. This new feature allows players to customize the difficulty of AI opponents across all cars and tracks, ensuring a personalized and dynamic racing experience. For users with mid-range to high-end sim racing setups, this provides the perfect challenge. Whether you have a Thrustmaster T300 or a Fanatec podium wheel, Adaptive AI ensures that each race is tailored to your abilities.
Additionally, iRacing has upgraded its netcode with a new Connection Flag system that will automatically flag drivers with unstable connections.
New lighting model and UI improvements
Finally, iRacing is introducing a brand-new lighting model that promises to transform the visual quality of the game. Developed alongside a new graphics engine and sky model, this update will enhance the lighting effects on cars and tracks, making full use of the latest racing monitors, graphics cards, and HDR setups. This lighting model will be particularly beneficial for drivers who invest in high-quality racing peripherals and immersive rigs.
Also, the long-awaited New Sim UI is in development. While it won’t be available in Season 2, it promises a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for all hardware setups
