iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

[ChaseB]

In 2004, iRacing was founded by Dave Kaemmer and John Henry. The purpose was to create a driving simulator that would give a person at home the ability to feel and see what professional drivers do on the track. Mr. Henry is the owner of MLB’s Boston Red Sox and co-owner of Roush-Feway Racing. Mr. Kaemmer’s background comes from the video game side of things as he was the co-founder of the extremely successful developer Papyrus. Dave worked on and helped create such titles as Indianapolis 500, NASCAR 2003 and Grand Prix Legends.

Together this duo has helped create the premier online racing simulator known as iRacing. This simulator provides people at home the ability to drive such famous tracks as Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Daytona International, Circuit De Spa- Francorchamps and many more time-honored venues. They also provide over 25 official vehicles and include official licensing deals with such groups as NASCAR, IndyCar and F1. The vehicles are truly replicated by using real-world information and experience, and each and every track has been laser-scanned to provide the driver the feel of every little bump and blemish felt by the professionals.

I recently had a chance to sit down with Steve Myers of iRacing. Mr. Myers played an integral part in developing and securing the track and vehicle licenses that iRacing now provides for its members.

(And for those who read the entire interview, there is a little treat at the end.)

Read More - iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

[RunN1st]

I really have enjoyed the last 2 weeks of racing online.
-There have been some hit and misses in some of the hosted rooms but that's to be expected.
-The online code still needs some improvement but all in all I'm very impressed with how 2.0 Nationwide cars handle.

I would absolutely recommend this sim to race game fans... but as a rookie, be prepared to find yourself being mediocre (at best) since most guys on iRacing are for the most part hardcore.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

For anyone who is interested about trying iRacing free for 1 month, please just pm me your email, and I will relay it to Steve Myers at iRacing.

[King10Sooted]

The new tire model is really good imo, people just need to learn how to drive it.

[kneebon5]

Good article, Steve is a cool guy, along with all the other staff members there. iRacing is just an amazing game/service/tool and it has changed so much since 08, hope to see a few more OS members over there, and get a good OS Series going.

[blurredvision]

I've been off and on with iRacing for over 2 years now, it's really a great simulation and service as a whole. Steve's comment about looking at iRacing as more of a hobby than just a "racing game" is spot-on.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

I've been off and on with iRacing for over 2 years now, it's really a great simulation and service as a whole. Steve's comment about looking at iRacing as more of a hobby than just a "racing game" is spot-on.

I would 100% agree with this. Before I joined, I assumed it was just that...a game. I couldn't be happier that it truly is not a game, but rather a great simulator and incredibly fun hobby. His comments about the community aspect were spot on, as I have met some awesome guys through iRacing.

[PatriotJames]

The reason I am afraid of joining is the fact that it doesn't seem to appeal to the average fan. I would love to jump in and drive a reasonably easy car that is already set-up decent for me without having to go through all that... I know that's what some people enjoy but I feel they are missing those group of racers. I love to race and love racing games but I would like to hop in and have my car be steady and really have to WORK to wreck someone. If I am wrong, please tell me. This is the only reason I haven't joined up is because I don't have time to spend on set-ups to become a great.

[RunN1st]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

You start in road and oval series that will have fixed setups. From there, you have the choice to either participate in fixed or non fixed races. iRacing also provides setups for most tracks. Not only that, they have made it tremendously easy to share setups others create. (It's as simple as joining the room and clicking on Shared Setups.)

If you've ever done something like rFactor or NASCAR Racing Season 2003 without aids, you'll have a pretty good idea how challenging it will be to drive. Keep in mind, this is a "sim" so you wont have automatic tranny or 3rd person driving cams (cockpit only).

I stayed away from iRacing for the last year or so because it just didn't feel it was worth it. I tried moving through the ranks starting on the Legends and Mazda but it just didn't keep me engaged. However, I've acquired the Nationwide B car and more NASCAR tracks, and now I'm sold and hooked completely.

We ran a Nationwide B car hosted session at Michigan last night with fixed setups and the winner (iRacing Vet) lapped half the field. A nice reminder, that there is so much to learn.

If you are accustomed to racing online and winning easily, check that expectation at the door. That doesn't mean you won't have fun. Learning how to conserve tires, keeping a good pace and staying smooth has never been more engaging/important.

I say, give it a try

[gigadkc]

I really like the concept of iRacing but tbh it's too expensive for me. The base subscription doesn't seem to be that expensive but you have to pay $10-$15 for EACH additional track or car? And I thought Activisions CoD DLCs are expensive. Maybe I'll give it a shot in the future but now I just can't / want to afford it.

[GuitarJC13]

I would be on iRacing if it worked on a Mac.

[bluengold34_OS]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

For those concerned about cost....keep in mind.

If you race 1 race a week, in all three seasons, iRacing will credit your account with $40. They also offer major discounts on of multiple item purchases. I turned $14.95 tracks into $11.95 buy purchasing them 6 at a time. I too used to be put off by the cost factor, but then I started to look at it from marathon point of view, and not a sprint one.

I buy NASCAR the Game 11, NASCAR 08, NASCAR 09, rFactor, Race-07, GTR2, Forza 2, Forza 3, NASCAR 2003 and a hand full of other games. When you add all that up, plus some of the DLC that I have purchased, it comes out to a total of roughly $425.

With iRacing I get updated tracks and venues, updated vehicles, updated graphics, updated physics--every 3 months or so. They also just ran a special where you had the ability to buy a whole year of membership for the cost of basically 1 console game. If you're interested in racing with some great guys, who are held accountable for their on-track performance, then iRacing is a no-brainer.

[RunN1st]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

Also, keep in mind, you don't have to buy all the tracks and cars to enjoy iRacing.

But hear what you say, it's not cheap.

[gigadkc]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

damn, you guys and some guys on other forums really made iRacing exciting for me. I know I've said that it's too expensive for me yesterday (see post #9) but I've done some research since then and now I'm really excited about it. I'm sure it won't work on my current notebook (it's almost 4 years old and I have no desktop PC anymore) but I'll get a new notebook soon and then I'll definitly try iRacing. I already got a wheel (G25) and stuff, so I should be good to go when I get my new notebook. I'll probably buy this one, should be good enough to play iRacing, right!?

btw: bluengold, you got a pm

[RunN1st]

Re: iRacing 2.0 Discussion With Developer Steve Myers

...I'll probably buy this one, should be good enough to play iRacing, right!? ...

That laptop will work. I have the ASUS G72 and it works great on 1600x900 settings at full graphics.