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iRacing is one of the world’s most popular motorsports simulators so we’re breaking down why right here.
The Online Racing Sim Explained
Participating in motorsports can be incredibly expensive and time consuming. One alternative to the real deal is sim racing. Of the many platforms and games that offer sim racing there’s one that stands out for a number of reasons and that’s iRacing.
Today, we’re going to break down exactly what one can expect when they get into iRacing, what its biggest strengths are, and why one might choose to skip over it. Here’s everything you need to know about iRacing.
History
The origin of iRacing dates all the way back to 2003 when its website, iRacing.com was launched. In 2004, development of the game itself began and then, in 2008, the team launched the very first playable version of iRacing.
Less than a full year later, iRacing announced partnerships with both NASCAR and the Indy Racing League. Today, it’s partnered with most of the major racing organizations across the globe. That includes Australia’s V8 Supercar Series, USAC Racing, IMSA, and World of Outlaws Dirt Racing. It also works with automakers like BMW, Lamborghini, McLaren, Ford, and Mazda to bring cars into its virtual world.
How Is iRacing Different Than Other Racing Games?
There are lots of sim racing games on the market today including Forza, Gran Turismo, Assetto Corsa, and more. Players on iRacing tend to pick it out of the group due to two major factors. First, there’s a mutual respect for other players that isn’t necessarily found on other platforms. Anyone who’s ever played Gran Turismo for example knows what the “GT-Bump” is and how sketchy that first turn can be when racing online.
On the other hand, iRacing players tend to be extremely careful about just how they drive around the rest of the pack. Part of that consideration comes down to the other big factor that iRacing has going for it, namely, something the company calls Netcode. At its heart, Netcode is all about keeping the racing as realistic as it can possibly be and it does that by smoothing out the way cars move about on the track.
As a result, players can rely on realistic behavior from their own car and competitors. That creates an immersive experience and enables tighter racing that feels more intense. As of this writing the game boasts nearly 7 million downloads over its life and somewhere around 100,000 active players.
Realism On The Ground Level
Another big key factor on iRacing is just how heavy the focus on realism is. For example, the tracks included are all laser scanned so they’re as accurate as they can possibly be. Drivers that spend time practicing a course on iRacing can be confident that they’re learning the real track and not just an artist’s rendition of it.
To that extent, players could look at the game as a training program more than a game. And in fact, some real race car drivers look at the game in just that way. NASCAR drivers Hermie Sadler, William Byron, and Dale Earnhardt Jr have all been regular players in the past. Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Rubens Barrichelo, and Fernando Alonso also spend time on iRacing from time to time.
In addition to having big names on the grid, iRacing does a great job of including all skill levels. Players are matched based specifically on their driving skill level so that competition is as fair and level as it can be. At the same time it encourages players to continually improve their skills so that they can graduate to higher levels of racing.
All players start as rookies but can graduate through licenses from D through A as they improve. Additionally, a Pro license is available to those who qualify for premier eSports series hosted on iRacing.
The Misfires
No video game is perfect and iRacing has its own share of potential flaws and issues too. For one thing, it’s not like a console game that players buy once and own for good. Instead, it’s only available via a subscription model starting at $13 for a month or as much as $199 for a full two-year membership. On top of that, some cars and tracks are held behind further paywalls. Only after coughing up more cash can a player access those assets. The good news there is that those purchases are one-time only.
Players who prefer a super-polished and stunning visual experience might be put off of iRacing too. Where the simulator shines in terms of realistic handling and laser-scanned tracks, it gives up ground in terms of graphics.
Very few cars in the game have the same level of detail and beauty that one can find on games like Gran Turismo. For some players, that won’t matter. For others, it’s a dealbreaker. Finally, iRacing lacks the weather changing conditions available on other platforms. That means that temperature and precipitation play no role in the game so players can’t practice navigating those challenges.
