The top-level prototype roster in iRacing is set to expand again: While the racing sim already has the BMW M V8 Hybrid and the Cadillac V-Series.R on its virtual grids, two more vehicles will join them in competition. Meanwhile, Executive Producer Greg Hill has shown the first video insight into the upcoming weather system implementation - exciting times lay ahead.
Image credit: iRacing
With the influx of manufacturers for the 2023 season, endurance racing in IMSA and WEC has seen renewed interest from fans, and the cars slowly find their way into sim racing as well. BMW's challenger has been in iRacing since late 2022, and the Cadillac joined the sim this June. Thanks to the cooperation with IMSA, two more are set to join them.
Felipe Nasr (left) and Matt Campbell scored the second IMSA victory for Porsche's latest prototype at Road America. Image credit: Porsche Newsroom
Acura has not been doing bad, either: The # 60 Meyer Shank Racing/Curb-Agajanian entry took overall victory in the season-opening Daytona 24 with regular drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun plus IndyCar stars Hélio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud taking the checkered flag in first position. Blomqvist and Braun also won at Mosport in July.
The other ARX-06 entered by Wayne Taylor Racing and Andretti Autosport may not have won a race yet, but Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor are leading the GTP standings, having come second at Daytona and Mosport while also recording a third place last time out at Road America.
The #10 Acura of Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor may not be a winner in 2023 yet, but the entry is leading the IMSA GTP standings after Road America. Image credit: Acura
While the graphics are still placeholders according to Hill, the development looks like it is quite advanced. No launch date for the new weather system has been given yet, and with 2023 Season 4 due to start in September, it seems likely that the system could find its way into iRacing with the release of 2024's Season 1 in December of 2023.
Image credit: iRacing
With the influx of manufacturers for the 2023 season, endurance racing in IMSA and WEC has seen renewed interest from fans, and the cars slowly find their way into sim racing as well. BMW's challenger has been in iRacing since late 2022, and the Cadillac joined the sim this June. Thanks to the cooperation with IMSA, two more are set to join them.
Porsche & Acura Still Missing
While the teaser has both new additions still covered up, the specific mention of IMSA's GTP class can only mean the addition of the Porsche 963 and the Acura ARX-06, as they are the only cars missing to complete the class. For the 2023 season, two Acuras and two Porsches are on the entry list, although the fourth 963 entered by Proton Competition has only raced at the most recent event at Road America this past weekend. Meanwhile, The #7 Porsche-Penske entry took a commanding victory in the hands of Felipe Nasr and Matt Campell.Felipe Nasr (left) and Matt Campbell scored the second IMSA victory for Porsche's latest prototype at Road America. Image credit: Porsche Newsroom
Acura has not been doing bad, either: The # 60 Meyer Shank Racing/Curb-Agajanian entry took overall victory in the season-opening Daytona 24 with regular drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun plus IndyCar stars Hélio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud taking the checkered flag in first position. Blomqvist and Braun also won at Mosport in July.
The other ARX-06 entered by Wayne Taylor Racing and Andretti Autosport may not have won a race yet, but Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor are leading the GTP standings, having come second at Daytona and Mosport while also recording a third place last time out at Road America.
The #10 Acura of Filipe Albuquerque and Ricky Taylor may not be a winner in 2023 yet, but the entry is leading the IMSA GTP standings after Road America. Image credit: Acura
First Rain Video Clips
A crucial endurance element may also arrive soon: After taking a deep dive into the next development steps recently, iRacing Executive Producer Greg Hill showed the first video clips of rain in the simulation during the broadcast of the Race for More 2.4 broadcast, highlighting the different factors that are going to influence weather and the dynamic evolution of tracks in the rain. "It's going to change iRacing significantly. It is already a very dynamic experience, and these rain and advanced weather systems are really going to take it to the next level", stated Hill.While the graphics are still placeholders according to Hill, the development looks like it is quite advanced. No launch date for the new weather system has been given yet, and with 2023 Season 4 due to start in September, it seems likely that the system could find its way into iRacing with the release of 2024's Season 1 in December of 2023.
