iRacing just launched its Season 1 2025 update, bringing new content and enhanced physics to the platform. It is shaping into one of the most significant releases in recent years: five new cars, three new circuits and a long-awaited tyre model. Let’s review the upcoming content and Coach Dave Academy’s plans for the next months.
The New Cars
Ferrari 499P LMH
The Ferrari 499P is the star of this update. The 499P is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 268-hp front-axle hybrid system, producing 670 horsepower within the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) class regulations. Since its debut in 2023, it has achieved back-to-back wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and multiple podium finishes in WEC.
This car is the first-ever LMH car in iRacing, as all other prototypes in iRacing followed the GTP IMSA regulations. After the update, the 499P will join the BMW, Cadillac, Acura and Porsche in a reconfigured Prototype Challenge Series.
In addition, the 2025 Season 1 update introduces bump starts for all GTP/LMH cars. Bump starts or silent launches use hybrid battery power and motor generator units to propel drivers out of pit stalls. By tapping into the energy storage system, drivers experience instant torque until they reach the pit lane speed limit. The internal combustion engine takes over from there and carries the car on the track.
Gen 3 Supercars
The Gen 3 Supercars in the Australian Supercars Series are the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, introduced in 2023 to replace the Gen 2 Holden Commodore and Mustang GT. They are designed to resemble road-going counterparts, with simplified aerodynamics and reduced downforce. These cars feature a standard lightweight chassis, control-spec components for cost reduction and a V8 engine.
Gen 2 Supercars in iRacing will be moved to the legacy content. If you purchased them in the past year, iRacing is offering a credit toward the new Gen 3 models.
Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22
The Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22 is a mid-engine race car powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 derived from the production NSX. Competing primarily in the IMSA GT3 series, the Acura NSX GT3 has achieved a few successes in endurance events like Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen in 2018 and 2019.
Despite its ageing design, it remains a competitive choice in GT3 racing. It will be the 10th GT3 car in iRacing, adding variety to the GT3 Sprint Series. Known for nimble handling in other sims, it’ll be exciting to see how it performs in iRacing.
BMW M2 CS Racing
The BMW M2 joins as free rookie-level content to fill the gap between the MX-5 and GT4 series in iRacing. The car is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine producing around 450 horsepower. Designed as an entry-level race car, it competes in a one-make racing series in real racing and provides an accessible option for drivers looking to join competitive motorsport.
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups that include professionally developed setups and referance laps for every car available in the official weekly racing series that you can find on iRacing.
New and Updated Circuits
Thruxton
Thruxton is a fast and challenging motorsport circuit built on a former airbase in the UK. The track features high-speed sweeping corners and long straights, with a notable section being the Church corner, where drivers must navigate a bump and kerb at high speeds.
The circuit is known for its overtaking opportunities, particularly at the Campbell-Cobb-Seagrave sequence, where drivers can make bold moves around the outside or cut through on the inside. The track is only 3.793 km (2.356 miles) long and will host entry to mid-level series in iRacing.
Huset’s Speedway
Huset’s Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt oval track in South Dakota and is renowned for hosting the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. The track is known for its fast-paced racing, with drivers battling through tight turns and slick conditions, leading to exciting, close-quarters action. The circuit has been a staple in the American dirt racing scene and continues to attract top-tier drivers for high-intensity events.
New Hampshire Motor Speedway (update)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is already in the iRacing and will get a full refresh (free for current owners). The update includes a rescan and improvements to its road course layout, ensuring a more polished experience.
A refresh for Las Vegas Motor Speedway is also in development and may appear in the 2025 Season 1 release.
Other changes
Debris model
iRacing pushes boundaries with its dynamic track features, adding mud, gravel and even crash debris that impact grip in real-time for all drivers in a session.
Areas of the track that are traditionally clean in the simulator, like the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, will now develop wear and tear just as they do in real life. This change will bring unprecedented realism, but the full implementation, including carbon particle debris and punctures, won’t arrive until future updates.
Tyre model
The tyre model on road cars is where iRacing lags behind competitors, and it was a significant focus of the 2025 Season 1 update.
iRacing’s current tyres are designed with a stiff carcass to deliver precise corner entry response, but this has come at the cost of feedback to drivers during cornering. Many drivers may feel like passengers after turn-in unable to adjust the car mid-corner. Another common complaint is the instant loss of grip past certain tyre temperatures, which makes saving a car from slides almost impossible.
The update aims to address this by softening the tyre construction, making the tyres more responsive and alive throughout the corner. This change should transform the car’s feel, starting with the LMP2 and GTP classes.
Coach Dave Academy’s Plan for 2025 Season 1
Our team of professional drivers and engineers will continue to develop the best setups for popular series and cars in iRacing across Sports Cars, Formula and Short Ovals.
As usual, we will also provide our weekly in-depth lap guides and our hot laps for many series across 2025 Season 1 on the Coach Dave Academy YouTube Channel, complementing our packages of professional setups and data packs.
To read our full plan for the new season click here.
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible iRacing setups that include professionally developed setups and referance laps for every car available in the official weekly racing series that you can find on iRacing.
