iRacing News

A Hotfix Release has been completed.

You can find the Release Notes for this deployment below, or on the iRacing Forums here:
https://forums.iracing.com/discussion/49237/2023-season-4-patch-2-hotfix-1-release-notes-2023-09-29-03#latest



=====================================================


This Hotfix includes critical fixes for issues introduced with the 2023 Season 4 Patch 2 Release.


[h2]SIMULATION:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Dirt Racing
Fixed an issue with excessive grip and smoke generation on dirt track surfaces that are on top of asphalt surfaces.

Replays
Fixed an issue with replays where strange shadowy areas could appear on, across, or near track edges and surfaces.


[h2]CARS:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Dallara IR18
Fixed an issue where some body kit elements were removed while having the New Damage Model applied, but were later not reattached. They were found on the garage floor, and have been reattached!

Ferrari 296 GT3
For the New Damage Model, strengthened the nose and rear panels, and slightly strengthened the wheels.

Super Formula SF23
Fixed an issue with the available Sponsors and fonts for this car in the Paint Shop.


[h2]TRACKS:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Kern County Raceway Park
(Asphalt Track) Fixed an issue where a gate along the back wall could snag cars that got too close.

2023 Season 4 Patch 2 has been deployed.

This Patch includes updates and fixes for the 2023 Season 4 Release, including the new Super Formula SF23 Honda model version!

Release Notes can be found below, or on the iRacing Forums here:
https://forums.iracing.com/discussion/48989/2023-season-4-patch-2-release-notes-2023-09-26-02#latest

========================================================================


This Patch includes updates and fixes for the 2023 Season 4 Release, including the new Super Formula SF23 Honda model version!


[h2]iRACING: (8.39.0)
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
General
All tables displayed throughout iRacing have been updated so that they always show the most important and relevant information regardless of the iRacing window width.
- - This means the most important information for all tables will remain, even if the iRacing window is extremely narrow. Also, as window width increases, a logical priority of additional columns will be added to the user's view while maintaining optimal legibility and column width.
- - This also means some items are no longer visible at some breakpoints. Typically this information is available by either making the UI wider, decreasing the scale, or clicking on a row to open the relevant menu.
Logic added to prevent the Updater from being launched more than once, even if Update is clicked multiple times.
- - This should prevent users from getting into a state where they need to manually execute the iRacingUpdater.tmp.exe in order to complete the update process.
Fixed an issue that could cause iRacing to fail to load when freshly installed and using a screen resolution of 1920x1080 or smaller.
Fixed an issue that could cause iRacing to fail to refresh when Maintenance mode ended.

Results
An event log table is now available on the Results screen.
- - It appears below the Results table and displays the lap number, time, and event description. It also includes checkboxes that highlight the associated rows in the table when selected.
- - There is another update coming to improve the behavior of the "Highlight By Event" selection to allow it to work for big, some might say “Special”, events.

Paint Shop
Fixed an issue with rendering cars.


[h2]SIMULATION:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Race Control
Fixed an issue where some Drive Through Penalties were behaving like Stop-and-Go Penalties.
Fixed an issue that could allow the “Ready to Race” button to appear when a registered driver was already in the final Session of an event, and there were no additional Sessions for which to be ready.

Graphics
Fixed an issue that could cause older track surfaces to appear extra shiny.
Fixed an issue where car paints could shuffle onto incorrect cars when a Session’s video memory requirements greatly exceeded the GPU’s dedicated RAM. For example, when running a very large session on an older GPU. In this case, texture quality needed to be reduced to fit the Session into video memory, and that was interfering with the Simulation’s car paint management.
Fixed an issue where the Simulation only supported 44 paint jobs if the user’s GPU VRAM allocation was set to less than one gigabyte in the Graphics Options. So if the field was more than 44 cars and the GPU was older, some of the cars would remain unpainted.
Fixed an issue where if a car in a Session had an invalid paint scheme or invalid paint files, it could cause other cars to appear untextured or white.
Fixed an issue where if there was a car visible in the world, but the previous driver had exited the car, the car would not repaint until a driver got back into the car.

Audio
The selection order for the Driver Audio Filters have been reorganized in order of intensity.
Fixed an issue that was causing extra static sounds in the Spotter/Crew Chief and Voice Chat channels.

Spotter - Crew Chief
Requested damage report calls will now be received regardless of the chattiness level.

Spotter - Foreign Language
The Russian Dmitry Eniseev spotter pack has been updated.
- - Spasibo, Dmitry!


[h2]CARS:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
ARCA Menards Chevy / Gen 4 Cup
(ARCA Menards Chevy) - iRacing setups for Kern County Raceway Park have been added.

Audi R8 GT3
A logo stamp position from the top of the hood has been removed since it was conflicting with the number board.

Dallara IR18
iRacing setups have been updated.

Ferrari 296 GT3
For the New Damage Model, substantially lowered the break limits for the engine cover.
For the New Damage Model, fixed an issue where the rear wing could fail to break even if the rear panels were broken.
Fixed a dashboard issue with the display of tire pressure in Metric units.
Fixed an issue where cockpit mirrors would fail to render when the Old Damage Model was in use.
Fixed an issue where the vehicle engine sound emitters were incorrectly in the front of the vehicle.
Fixed a rendering order issue with the driver’s right foot and the gas pedal at certain camera distances.

Ford Mustang FR500S
For the New Damage Model, the front suspension has been strengthened to reduce potential damage from curb strikes.

Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO
Fixed an issue where the rear wing was using an incorrect pivot point when viewed from inside the cockpit.

Lotus 79
iRacing setups have been updated.

Porsche 963 GTP
Ambient occlusion of the footwell has been improved.
Garage parameters have been updated to reduce the likelihood that fringe setups fail tech once loaded into the world.

Ray FF1600
Fixed an issue where cockpit mirrors would fail to render when the Old Damage Model was in use.

Super Formula SF23
NEW HONDA MODEL VERSION!
- A new Honda model version of the Super Formula SF23 is now available for use!
- - The Honda model version of the Super Formula SF23 comes with the New Damage Model enabled, and is AI Racing ready!
- - All customers who already own the Super Formula SF23 (Toyota model version) immediately gain access and ownership of this new Honda model version.
- - Any customer who purchases the Super Formula SF23 now gains access and ownership of BOTH the Honda and Toyota model versions.
Repair bindings have been updated to fix an issue that was preventing the front wings from being repaired.
Helmet visor tear-offs are now enabled for this car.
Fixed an issue where the start page on the digital display was not rendering correctly.
Fixed an issue where the vehicle engine and transmission sound emitters were incorrectly in the front of the vehicle.
Adjusted the position of the driver name on the roll hoop to better suit longer names.
Paint templates have been updated for areas that should appear as carbon fiber.
iRacing setups have been updated.

[Legacy] V8 Supercars Holden VF Commodore - 2014
Fixed an issue that prevented this car from receiving service in the pits.


[h2]TRACKS:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Circuit Zandvoort
(Oostelijk) - Pole sitter and odd positions now start on the right side during rolling starts.
Flags have been added to the pit building.
Fixed some issues with the pit walls and Turn 1 barriers appearing to flicker as the camera changed distances from them while using certain camera settings.
Fixed some issues with some environment objects appearing to flicker as the camera changed distances from them.

Fuji International Speedway
An additional gain-time checkpoint has been added to the final corner.
- - This is to prevent using the runoff area to get an advantage when taking the green for qualifying.

Homestead Miami Speedway
Removed a patch of racing dirt surface from near a Turn 1 curb that could confuse Race Control.

Kansas Speedway
The paved area below the innermost white line on the back stretch is now considered an apron.
- - This should prevent cars that are stopped here from causing full course cautions.

Kern County Raceway Park
(Asphalt & Legends) - Fixed an issue where the dynamic track surface was not behaving correctly.
(Asphalt) Added two missing caution lights.
Fixed an issue with the radio towers appearing to flicker as the camera changed distances from them.

This Hotfix includes critical fixes for the 2023 Season 4 Patch 1 Release.


[h2]SIMULATION:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------

Security
Addressed an issue with local loading of assets across environments. (Fix deployed with 2023 Season 3 June release)
- - We would like to thank Ander Gómez for the responsible disclosure of the reported issue.
As a reminder, security issues can be reported at [email protected].


Graphics
Options have been added so users can more directly control dynamic object shadows in mirrors.
- - Previously the "Higher Detail In Mirrors" option would control turning these shadows on for mirrors, and cube maps would always include these shadows.
- - We've changed this so there is an option to control if dynamic object shadows are used for the main view or for both the main view and mirrors. We've also changed cube maps so that they will never render dynamic object shadows.
- - This allows users to use higher detail mirrors without the additional cost of shadows. It also makes using cube maps less expensive.
Fixed an issue where the maximum allowable rendered shapes amount was too low for the recent graphics changes to the Deferred Rendering List with 2023 Season 4.
- - Overrunning the shape buffer was causing the user to crash out of the Simulator.

A new Patch has been deployed for iRacing 2023 Season 4.
Read the full Release Notes below, or on the iRacing Forums here:
https://forums.iracing.com/discussion/48081/2023-season-4-patch-1-release-notes-2023-09-08-05#latest


========================================================================


This Patch includes a variety of updates and fixes for the 2023 Season 4 Release.


[h2]iRACING:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Paint Shop
Fixed an issue where the Paint Shop could freeze or run very slowly upon switching cars.


[h2]SIMULATION:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Race Servers
Fixed an issue where a driver could crash the Simulator when transitioning from an Open Practice race server to a Race race server if their video memory usage would exceed the video memory slider’s limits.

Tires
Off-track surface parameters have been rebalanced for tire interaction.

Audio
Removed the "disableWindowsCoreAudio" entry from the “app.ini” file, as WindowsCoreAudio is essential for XAudio2.9.
- - This will automatically be removed after restarting the Simulator.


[h2]CARS:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
GTP Cars
Fixed an issue where some rear view camera portals were using the incorrect aspect ratio.

Aston Martin DBR9 GT1
For the New Damage Model, the break limits for the hood have been reduced.

Acura ARX-06 GTP
Updated the UI images for this car.

Ferrari 296 GT3
Mirrors have been updated when viewing from farther camera distances.
Several artwork updates and fixes have been completed, including:
- - Fixed an issue where tires could flicker or render in front of other objects incorrectly.
- - Fixed an issue where the cockpit glass was turning white at certain viewing angles.
- - A missing windshield wiper has been found and attached.
- - The hue for white colors on the vehicle chassis have been updated.
- - The UI image for this car has been updated.
- - Ambient occlusion textures have been updated.

Global Mazda MX-5 Cup
Fixed an issue where the driver of this car could “T-pose” when the steering wheel was turned to its maximum rotations.

Modified - SK / NASCAR Whelen Tour Modified
For the New Damage Model, fixed an issue where the front bumper was made of ghost-metal. It is now a solid object, and will impact things in front of it correctly.

Porsche 963 GTP
Fuel economy has been adjusted slightly for improved class balance.

Super Formula SF23
Car Rules information has been added for this car.
Fixed an issue where this car was refueling during pit stops.
Fixed an issue where the rear wing lights could appear to detach from the car at far camera distances.


[h2]TRACKS:
[/h2]--------------------------------------------------------------
Circuit de Lédenon
Many artwork updates and fixes have been completed, including:
- - Improved some visual popping as a camera changed distances from some objects, including trees and trucks.
- - Fence adverts have been added.
- - Some retaining walls have been added and the terrain has been molded to fit them.
- - The central trees have been updated.
- - Terrain detail textures have been updated.
- - The track marshal shed has been updated.
- - A floating tree has been relocated.

Circuit Zandvoort
Fixed an issue where some curbs were making incorrect sounds.
Pit entry bollards have improved physics.
Many artwork updates and fixes have been completed, including:
- - Fixed an issue where the pit garage building could appear to be floating in the air.
- - Fixed an issue with the pit wall surfaces flickering.
- - A variety of track surface, dirt, and terrain edge textures have been updated.
- - Fixed an issue with flickering pit wall textures.
- - Some catch fences have been updated.
- - Fixed an issue where the pit entrance fence was cutting through a wall.
- - Fixed some issues with the appearance of grandstands at certain camera distances.
- - Flagpoles have been updated.
- - Marshal hut safety cages have been installed and the numbers and signs for them have been relocated.
- - An embankment platform has been added.
- - Street lights have been added to the tunnel entrance and surrounding areas.
- - Waste bins have been updated.
- - A variety of dumpsters have been deployed to keep the track clean.
- - Some floating environment objects have been grounded.
- - Fixed an issue with the bloom on the roof of the pit building.
- - Various buildings outside the track area have been updated.

Kern County Raceway Park
Barney, Legendary Flagman, has brought his flagging booths over to the Dirt Track!
Catch fences have been added near the pit area.
Various walls near Turn 3 have been updated.

The iRacing 2023 Season 4 Release is here! This release contains a boot-load of both content and upgrades for 2023 Season 4, which officially starts on September 12th at 0000 UTC! The iRacing garage expands by FIVE bays to include: Acura ARX-06 GTP, Ferrari 296 GT3, NASCAR Classic Pontiac Grand Prix - 1987, Porsche 963 GTP, and Super Formula SF23. In addition, the iRacing map plants TWO new flags and updates a long-awaited third to include: Circuit de Lédenon, Kern County Raceway Park (Asphalt Track, Dirt Track, Legends, and Dirt Mini Oval), and a complete rebuild of Circuit Zandvoort using 2023 data (Grand Prix, Grand Prix w/ Chicane, Nationaal, and Oostelijk).

Our senior software engineers have continued their mission to squeeze every bit of optimization they can into the Simulator, and have further improved load times from last season as well as reduced the memory required to run iRacing. This has enabled us to allow up to TWELVE different car models to be in the same Session at a time without disrupting performance. Our Spotter system has also continued training from the previous season, and is ready to assist you with a variety of new calls, including: incidents or off-track events are ahead or behind you, reporting on damage taken and repair time estimates, reporting on the Strength of Field for the Session, and warning you when you’re on your last laps or time is running out for the event. A brand new audio feature has been added which can simulate the driver wearing ear protection or the effect of a helmet, adding to the immersion on-track. The Results page has received an overhaul for improved usability, including a fully featured “Find Past Results” button, which provides a bevy of selectable fields and filters to help you find exactly the sessions you want to see.

The New Damage Model has been put into practice on ALL FIVE brand new car models, and it has also been enabled for SEVEN existing car models. Our artificial intelligence trainers have given the green flag for ALL FIVE brand new car models, and for THREE existing car models, as well as all SEVEN non-dirt new race track configs, and ELEVEN existing race track configs. We have also added brand new top-notch vehicle setups for nearly every car in the service. Welcome to iRacing 2023 Season 4!


Season highlights include:

• Acura ARX-06 GTP
  
• Ferrari 296 GT3
  
• NASCAR Classic Pontiac Grand Prix - 1987
  
• Porsche 963 GTP
  
• Super Formula SF23
  
• Circuit de Lédenon
  
• Kern County Raceway Park (Asphalt Track, Dirt Track, Legends, and Dirt Mini Oval)
  
• Circuit Zandvoort, 2023 rescan and full update (Grand Prix, Grand Prix w/ Chicane, Nationaal, and Oostelijk)
  
• SIM Optimizations (Improved loading times, & reduced memory usage footprint)
  
• Ability to load 12 car models per Session
  
• Rolling drag improvements for tires on off-track surfaces
  
• Additional Spotter Calls (Incidents & off-track ahead/behind, damage report, time/laps remaining, and Strength of Field report)
  
• Driver Audio Filters (ear protection and helmet effects)
  
• Results Page overhaul and Search function
  
• New Damage Model for 12 vehicle models [Acura ARX-06 GTP, Dirt UMP Modified, Ferrari 296 GT3, Ford Mustang FR500S, Modified - SK / NASCAR Whelen Tour Modified (both models), NASCAR Classic Pontiac Grand Prix - 1987, NASCAR Xfinity Class Cars (all 3 models), Porsche 963 GTP, and Super Formula SF23]
  
• AI Racing for 8 vehicle models [Acura ARX-06 GTP, ARCA Menards Chevy / Gen 4 Cup (Gen 4 Cup Car), Audi 90 GTO, Ferrari 296 GT3, NASCAR Classic Pontiac Grand Prix - 1987, Nissan GTP ZXT, Porsche 963 GTP, Super Formula SF23]
  
• AI Racing at 18 track configurations [Circuit de Lédenon, Circuit Zandvoort (ALL 4 Configs), Kern County Raceway Park (Asphalt Oval & Legends), The Milwaukee Mile, Nürburgring Grand-Prix-Strecke (Grand Prix w/out Arena, Kurzanbindung w/out Arena, Sprintstrecke), Road Atlanta (Club, Short), and [Legacy] Silverstone Circuit - 2008 (ALL 5 Configs)]
  
• Hundreds of professionally crafted iRacing vehicle setups
  

Visit our 2023 Season 4 features page here: https://www.iracing.com/seasons/2023-s4/


Read the full 2023 Season 4 Release Nots on the iRacing Forums here: https://forums.iracing.com/discussion/47512/2023-season-4-release-notes-2023-09-05-03