iRacing Expands Australian Content with New Scanning Project

by Annabelle Stephenson
in $$$, PC, Release, VR
on 9 August 2024

A new era of Australian content is set to join the popular online sim racing service, iRacing. The company has sent a crew of technicians to Australia to start laser-scanning The Bend Motorsport Park, with plans to also scan the Adelaide Parklands Circuit later in the year. This announcement was made by iRacing executive producer Greg Hill in his regular development updates.

The new content and updates for iRacing are released with a new ‘season’ build, with scheduled releases throughout the year. The upcoming ‘Season 4’ build for 2024, which is set for early September, was expected to include the highly anticipated Gen3-spec Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro Supercars. However, these new Supercars missed the build as the team needs additional time to implement the data received from their Australian partners. No specific release dates have been announced for the cars or tracks yet.

Australian content has always been a significant part of iRacing’s offerings. Currently, users can race over 100 machines such as Project Blueprint, Car of the Future, and Gen2 Supercars. The list of available circuits and ovals worldwide also includes famous Australian tracks like Mount Panorama, Phillip Island, Oran Park, Winton, and Sandown.

In addition to the scanning projects in South Australia, iRacing has also managed to strike a deal to include Pukekohe in New Zealand after its closure. The popularity of iRacing extends beyond virtual racing enthusiasts, with Supercars drivers and the series itself utilizing the platform for their annual Eseries.

With the new scanning projects and upcoming releases, iRacing continues to cement its position as the go-to online sim racing service for Australian motorsport enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting additions to the platform.

Additional facts:

1. The Bend Motorsport Park, which is being laser-scanned by iRacing, is located in South Australia. It is a state-of-the-art motorsport facility with various circuit configurations, including the International Circuit, the GT Circuit, and the West Circuit.

2. The Adelaide Parklands Circuit, which iRacing plans to scan later in the year, is a temporary street circuit that has hosted the Australian Grand Prix in the past. It is known for its challenging layout and iconic turns.

3. The Gen3-spec Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro Supercars, which were expected to be included in the upcoming ‘Season 4’ build, are highly anticipated by iRacing users. These cars are based on the newest generation of Supercars and feature updated aerodynamics and technical specifications.

Most important questions and answers:

Q: What is iRacing?
A: iRacing is an online sim racing service that provides a realistic racing experience for users. It features a wide variety of cars and tracks from around the world.

Q: Why is iRacing expanding its Australian content?
A: Australian motorsport has a strong fan base, and iRacing aims to cater to the demand by offering popular Australian tracks and cars.

Q: What does laser-scanning involve?
A: Laser-scanning is a process where a 3D laser scanner is used to capture precise measurements of a track’s surface. This data is then used to recreate the track accurately in the virtual world of iRacing.

Key challenges or controversies:

One key challenge for iRacing in expanding its Australian content is the need for accurate and up-to-date data. Laser-scanning a track requires access to the actual circuit, and agreements need to be made with the track owners or authorities. Additionally, implementing the data received from Australian partners can take time, potentially causing delays in the release of new content.

Advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of iRacing’s expansion of Australian content include:

– Providing an authentic racing experience for Australian motorsport enthusiasts.
– Allowing users to race on iconic Australian tracks without the need for physical presence.
– Including popular Australian cars like the Supercars in the sim racing experience.

Disadvantages of this expansion include:

– Potential delays in releasing new content due to the time required to implement data.
– Limited availability of scanning projects, as not all Australian tracks may be included.
– The need for a reliable internet connection and compatible hardware to access and enjoy iRacing.