So it’s been a few weeks since I got started in iRacing and I’m still having fun, which i suppose is a good sign! Some impressions from that time:

iRating

Once you start, it’s hard not to get a little obsessive about this elusive number - It’s Basically a number that helps the iRacing algorithm decide on how to split up races based on ‘skill’. The higher your iRating, the more you are grouped with drivers of a similar rating. Everyone starts with an iRating of 1350 and this goes up or down after each race depending on your performance. I’m currently hovering around the 1800-2000 mark which usually means top split in the MX5’s but usually in split 7 out of 10 in GT’s. The ultimate goal of course is to get higher in the splits,but in saying that, the standard of racing seems to be pretty good where I am at the moment which means some close but fair racing.

Car Setups

There can be some controversy about this, but I’m of the belief that this can make a huge difference to lap times. Everything from tyre pressure to damper settings play a pretty big role in your car’s performance. When I was younger, I was oblivious to any part of a car that wasn’t the engine playing a role in making a car fast. Now a little wiser, I’ve really enjoyed seeing how the tuning of individual components can make a difference to the whole. I’m definitely aware that tuning on iRacing is completely different to the real thing, but hopefully some knowledge gained here can help on the track!

Technique

Spending some time on the sim has been really effective for learning various circuits that I had no previous experience with. Additionally, I've been able to watch lap guides from people such as Driver61 and start to put into practice some of the tips that they share. It’s also been a great tool for working on smoother inputs - the big one being steering.

Vision

I still remember my first track day and getting ‘spooked’ by a faster car following behind. I’d completely lose track of my braking points and turn in as I was too busy watching my mirrors to let them overtake. iRacing has simulated that sensation quite well and the restrictive view definitely amplifies the importance of vision and situational awareness in a racing environment.

Psychology

I’ve been taking part in a variety of iRacing events; from short 20 minute sprints to 4 hour endurance races with my good friend and journalist Darren Cassey. What has been really beneficial is learning the importance of getting into a racing rhythm and being patient. Learning how to overtake and defend has been great on the sim - fingers crossed will help me to make the right race decisions in reality.

Conclusion

The iRacing experience has been on the whole, very enjoyable and a fun alternative to staring blankly at Project NC sitting static in the car park outside. A large part of it relates to the technical exercise of practicing, competing and then the satisfaction of a good result. In Lockdown, it’s also been a great way to socialise with friends online! I can see why sim racing has been taken so seriously in the past and I agree that it should be viewed as an alternative pathway into racing vs traditional go-karting.

Video: Some fun gaining some experience with situational awareness in the Cayman GT4, but also a lesson that iRacing is still not real racing and that risks have minimal consequences.

Context: I knew that I was going to lose out on the exit onto the straight but from prior laps also knew I could brake deeper into the corner than my opponent, so I went for a dive bomb…but an educated dive bomb?