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| Chris Thorman (60), Chad Parker, and Bobby Childs (TCR) battle in the Bus Stop at Daytona |
Road Atlanta Results
Usually there would be an entire race write-up, but there's a lot to go over this week with the major iRacing update that just dropped so I'll be brief; Chad Parker is the man in TCR. He's having an amazing run this season, and just scored P2 overall this past Monday night. It's clear now that he has the car figured out and is leading the way for D2D behind the wheel, making the most of some excellent setups being provided by Brandon Whitworth. Way to go, Chad!Also, I'd like to send a shout-out to Andrew List with a hard fought P6 in the ST class (Mazda MX5). Should have been P5; we'll get 'em next week.
Testing the 2020 Season 2 iRacing Build
GTE/GT3 Tires
Let's start with the smaller story first - the tire updates to the GTE and GT3 cars. No longer referred to as "new tire model", these changes were much needed to breathe life into these cars and compete with ACC - and they do not disappoint. David Paton and myself took to the track at Watkins Glen in the Ferrari GTE and BMW Z4 respectively, and I could barely contain my joy at how much more solid the car felt. Genuine feedback from the tires, where you could feel the grip come in, or feel the ABS lock up.In a recent video reviewing ACC, Nicki Thiim stated that you can "attack the corner" in ACC as opposed to simply running one line to be fast on iRacing; I feel this is no longer the case. I was able to chuck the BMW Z4 into corners and utilize multiple braking points while still making corners. David was impressed by how much less lock-up under braking he experienced in the Ferrari GTE, and by seeing his lap times come down after a few laps rather than go up. We practiced several GTE/GT3 passing moments; it was a lot easier for the cars to run around each other. We both felt more confident in turns, and even raced side by side uphill through the esses without feeling like one of us was about to die.
Last but not least, it's nice to be able to save a slide when the TC cuts in for a change. There's still room for improvement, but it's better than it used to be.
GT4/TCR
For D2D, this was the shining moment of the build. We are heavily invested in the Ricmotech Sportscar Series at Xtrememotorspots99.com, and understanding that this is the future of the series it was important for us that the update be amazing.iRacing did not disappoint here, either.
As seen in the included screenshot, we took the cars to Daytona for some multi-class fun. There have been a lot of naysayers on the forums about mixing the cars; some object to multi-class racing, some want the SRO based GT4 only series, some want a TCR only series. I am certain, however, that those members have not watched the real life Michelin Pilot Challenge. The combination of these cars makes for some great racing, with the faster TCR drivers mixing it up with the slower GT4 drivers - and the new build brought this in to perfection.
First, the tires on the TCR were updated and the car is much easier to drive now - not just at the beginning of the stint, but all the way through. Drivers who have been loathe to try it due to the FWD nature of the car should give it a second look, because the "fun level" of the car just went up.
Secondly, the Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 is simply stunning, inside and out. The amazing Cosworth DDU includes solid data and is in a great position for use in-sim, and the engine sounds wonderful. Being rear engined, cold tires means massive - and I mean massive - oversteer. Drivers will also have to back up their braking points until the tires come up to temp as well, but neither of these situations is unmanageable. Simply take it easy for a lap or two and then begin pushing bit by bit, and the car turns into a truly fun machine to drive.
Lastly, the multi-class racing lived up to all expectations. In the Daytona infield, I was on pace in the TCR with my teammates in the Porsche GT4; some may consider this frustrating, but what this really means is passes between classes will happen more naturally - the lack of a massive speed differential will actually make the passes safer and less hectic. In other words, in many turns the GT4 will not be driving so much faster than the TCR that the driver "bombs" the corner to get by. Coming onto NASCAR 2, the Porsches were able to power by and pass cleanly before the bus stop - where the TCR was actually able to close the gap a bit, as seen in the included screenshot. Heading into NASCAR 3 and 4 the Porsches really stretched their advantage, but in situations where the TCR was still close heading into turn 1 it could pull back ahead of the GT4 and then both classes raced through the infield.
Unlike ILMS, SLPCC, and IMSA Sportscar that feature massive speed differentials in some of the cars, the inclusion of the Michelin Pilot Challenge to iRacing should ignite a new appreciation for multi-class racing and a better experience for drivers who have been frustrated in the past. All in all, this build is changing the landscape for road racing on iRacing an extremely positive way. To some extent, this should also help the bleeding in regards to ACC - but in my own opinion iRacing will need to enhance the IMSA Sportscar Series with more makes on the grid and at the very least EVO updates to the existing active GT3 makes on the service; adding the Lambo would be a solid move as well if possible, as it could then be leveraged for both IMSA and a standalone Super Trofeo series.
That aside, my teammates and I applaud iRacing for this phenomenal update.
