The world of iRacing has had a good start to 2017. Following the huge announcement of Porsche joining the PC simulation’s car roster, the team behind the subscription-based racer has now begun to tease the long-awaited addition of dirt driving within the game. Although it’s just a small glimpse of what is to come, it’s certainly exciting.
The image dropped by the team focuses on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt racer in terrain unfamiliar to iRacing regulars, indicating good progress is being made on the new racing style.
Previous updates have indicated which tracks sim racers can expect, including Eldora Raceway and Pennsylvania’s Williams Grove Raceway.
On the car front, so far iRacing has dropped details that the Lucas Oil Dirt LMD and other American-style dirt racers aren’t going to be the only vehicles that will launch with the new tracks: the Ford Fiesta Rallycross cars will also be getting the iRacing treatment. If you prefer the more nimble range of rally cars it looks like there could be a decent selection on offer when the dirt racing launches later this year.
iRacing isn’t the only simulation to incorporate off-road driving into its racing portfolio this year. Project CARS 2 will also inject some muddy terrain into the game with Slightly Mad Studios confirming the discipline way at the game’s crowdfunding announcement.
Gran Turismo Sport will also join in on the fun, with Fisherman’s Ranch and a selection of rally cars being revealed so far. Our man Jordan even got to try it out late last year.
iRacing is held in high regard by PC players thanks to the level of accuracy its racing simulation holds. Taking the plunge into an entirely new driving style is a risk, but the team seem to be making good progress, and we’re curious to see the results.
It certainly means lots of competition for our current favourite off-roader—DiRT Rally—which was recently confirmed for PS VR compatibility on Sony’s console.
With the non-tarmac space becoming more crowded than ever, those who prefer mud over asphalt should be spoiled for choice in 2017. We’ll keep you updated with all the latest in iRacing news as it develops.
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