A new season in iRacing always generates expectations, and the launch of the 2026 Season 1 arrives with enough substance to justify. This build introduces two fully new cars, a substantial expansion of track configurations, AI upgrades, refinements to the UI and Sim-UI, and a collection of improvements that continue shaping iRacing as one of the most mature and comprehensive online racing simulators.
Each year, the service is structured around four seasons, and each one acts as a content milestone. Season 1 sets the tone for the year, and in this case, it does so with breadth and ambition. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2026 opening season: new vehicles, circuits, configuration updates, simulation improvements, and what all of this means for active iRacing drivers.
Release date
iRacing 2026 Season 1 was officially released on December 9, 2025, establishing one of the largest builds of the year and setting the foundation for the competitive calendar ahead.
New cars in iRacing 2026 Season 1
Two new vehicles headline this season’s content drop, each designed to expand the simulator’s range and appeal to different types of drivers.
Porsche 911 Cup (992.2)
The new-generation Porsche 911 Cup arrives as a complete addition to the car roster. The model is fully equipped for wet-weather racing, includes specific rule integrations for tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and supports ABS and traction control—bringing modern Cup-car behavior to the service. Drivers who owned the previous version will receive this one automatically.
The introduction of modern driving aids has sparked debate among the community, reflecting the ongoing tension between authenticity and accessibility.
FIA Cross Car
The FIA Cross Car joins the platform as an off-road entry-level vehicle intended for dirt road disciplines. It becomes default content for all subscribers, offering an approachable way for newcomers and veterans alike to explore iRacing’s off-road ecosystem without requiring additional purchases.
In addition, the Dallara IR18 receives a full hybrid-system update and a refreshed visual model, aligning it with current real-world specifications.
New tracks and configurations
Season 1 2026 brings several notable additions to the circuit roster, expanding both competitive and practice possibilities.
Adelaide Street Circuit
A historic Australian street circuit, known for its Formula 1 heritage and its demanding layout defined by close walls and shifting surface conditions.
Miami International Autodrome
The modern circuit surrounding Hard Rock Stadium arrives with multiple configurations, including several variations of the main layout. It blends fast straights with slower, technical sequences that challenge both consistency and precision.
Lucas Oil Speedway – Dirt Road
A dirt road configuration is now available for users who already own the dirt oval, adding a crossover-style mixed-surface layout to the track’s offerings.
Rockingham Speedway Oval (rescanned)
Rockingham has been fully rescanned with updated laser data, offering improved accuracy and visual detail.
New configurations and track enhancements
Beyond new circuits, this season incorporates:
- Multiple new configurations for the Miami International Autodrome, including GP, Marina Loop and Extended Loops
- Expanded AI Racing support, with AI drivers now capable of running the new Porsche 911 Cup 992.2 and additional layouts across Adelaide, Miami and Rockingham
These additions increase replay value and bring more diversity to both official racing and private hosted events.
Improved Artificial Intelligence
AI Racing continues to evolve, with developers training computer-controlled drivers to handle the latest vehicles and track additions. This enhances offline practice opportunities, non-competitive sessions and mixed grids for drivers who rely on AI for testing or structured custom events.
UI improvements and user experience updates
Season 1 includes refinements to the user interface and Sim-UI aimed at improving clarity and customization:
- Updated HUD and Sim-UI visual elements
- Improved localization and language options
- New widget customization tools, including lap timers, standings modules and weather indicators
These changes support a more adaptable racing environment, allowing drivers to shape the information flow to their personal needs.
Other minor improvements and adjustments
Complementing the headline features, the build also introduces:
- Updates to existing tracks and additional layout variations
- Optimization passes on setups, including new “precision-crafted vehicle setups” for a broad selection of cars
- Continued work on stability and vehicle physics fidelity
What this season means for active iRacing drivers
Season 1 2026 represents:
- A broader variety of content across both asphalt and dirt road disciplines
- Further refinement of the simulator through modernized vehicles and track updates
- A more dynamic competitive calendar, blending legacy circuits with contemporary venues
- Continued evolution in AI behavior, UI flexibility and layout diversity
iRacing maintains its rhythm of seasonal development, providing its community with the tools to compete in GT, open-wheel, oval and off-road racing at a consistently high level.
Conclusion: Season 1 2026 begins the year with promising expectations
The opening season of 2026 arrives with confidence. The expansion in circuit content and the introduction of modernized vehicles signal an effort to grow the simulator meaningfully, while polish across the UI and AI systems demonstrates ongoing commitment to refinement.
For active iRacing drivers, this update delivers new challenges, new machinery to master, more sophisticated AI opponents and a cleaner, more flexible interface. As a foundation for the year ahead, Season 1 2026 sets an optimistic tone for the evolution of the service.
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