iRacing

Profile picture for user Blevar

iRacing.com is an online, subscription-based racing simulation service for Windows, Mac and Linux created by iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations. In addition to accurately modeled vehicles and tracks, iRacing provides servers on which to race and practice and a sanctioning body to organize and oversee competition within the service.

From the start, iRacing has been marketed as both an entertainment service and a training tool for real life racers. They have established numerous partnerships with real-world racing organizations and series, including NASCAR, GRAND-AM, IndyCar, V8 supercars, the SCCA, the Skip Barber Racing School, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, the Star Mazda Championship and Williams F1 among others.

Support Summary

Widescreen
Ultra/Super‑Wide
Multi-Monitor
4K Ultra HD
Support
Method
HUD
Cutscenes
FMVs

Game Information

Game Status:Released
Release Date:
Tested Version:3 Jan 2012
Setting:Modern

Screenshots Comparison

4:3 Screenshot
16:10 Screenshot
16:9 Screenshot
21:9 Screenshot
A monitor with a question mark on it. The text above it reads "There is currently no image uploaded for this field." There is a semi-transparent WSGF logo in the background, while the main background is white. The image aspect ratio is 21:9.
32:9 Screenshot
Eyefinity / Surround Screenshot
Solutions & Issues
Widescreen Solution & Issues:

Native - although FOV needs to be set manually in the Options screen. A calculator tool is provided via the in-game Options to assist the user. (see screenshot of graphic options menu)
The calculator tool takes in to consideration the users unique setup by requesting the distance of the users eye to their center monitor, monitor width...with and without bezel, and the angle of the side monitors relative to the center one.
NOTE: This tool is an approximation of what is best for each user. When first playing the game and different cars, users should experiment with moving the driver position forward or backward 1-4 clicks to see if it makes the car more stable to drive. It has been noted in iRacing forums extensively that this is a crucial part of being competitive.

Controller buttons can be assigned so the user can adjust FOV on-the-fly. (up, down, forward, backward)

Positioning side monitors at 45 degrees and the center monitor close to the racing wheel is often considered the best triple-display setup for a driving game, but not crucial to being an excellent player.

The only view available for driving is the in-car view. While viewing a replay, all typical game views are available. (TV, Chase, etc)
If the user wants to play in triple-screen, but record replays in single-screen, it is very easy to change. The in-game Options area has a setting for 1 or 3 displays that has to be changed. And the FOV can be easily changed if controller buttons are assigned. (see screenshot of graphic options menu)

In some user display scenarios, the in-car view while driving will need to have the FOV set so one cannot see the vehicle dashboard, and therefore important aspects such as gear, rpm, speed and other details will not be visible. However the HUD has separate movable elements that duplicate this information. There are also third-party apps and hardware that exist to show this information. In other words, it is more important to set the FOV for better driving/controller response, not so you can see the dashboard controls. Some of the screenshots on this WSGF page show FOV settings that are inappropriate for driving because the view is too far back. The opposite is usually true, in that the in-car view is almost always set so the dashboard and car mirrors are not visible. A virtual rear-view mirror can be turned on our off to compensate.

The HUD is no longer static as of 2013. Most elements can be moved, even with triple screen setup. (see "User Interface" under "Release Notes for 2014 Season 2" from the iRacing web site)
http://members.iracing.com/jforum/posts/list/1841655.page#4136111 (accessible to members only)
An excerpt:
Quote:

- By default you can only move elements that are currently visible on the display, but if you set app.ini [Graphics] forceVisibleWhenMove=1 then all movable elements will become visible when you enter the UI edit mode.
- If you are using a triple screen setup and you want to move the UI elements onto your side displays you can now turn off the code that restricts the UI to just the center monitor. In app.ini [Graphics] set DriveUIFullScreen=1 to allow the driving UI to span all three monitors and set SessionUIFullScreen=1 to allow the replay screen to span to all three monitors.
Eyefinity / Surround Specific Solution & Issues:

Native - althou FOV needs to be set manually in the option screen

4:3 Screenshot
Fov 90
16:10 Screenshot
Fov 95
16:9 Screenshot
Fov 100
21:9 Screenshot
A monitor with a question mark on it. The text above it reads "There is currently no image uploaded for this field." There is a semi-transparent WSGF logo in the background, while the main background is white. The image aspect ratio is 21:9.
32:9 Screenshot
Eyefinity / Surround Screenshot
Fov 150
4:3 Menu
Game menu is browser based. Option screen is always the same size.
Uploaded by: Rose
Uploaded by: Rose
Uploaded by: Rose
Uploaded by: Rose
Uploaded by: Rose
Uploaded by: Rose
Uploaded by: Rose
This is how the in-game menu looks by default.
Uploaded by: Rose
This is how the in-game menu looks if you change 2 lines in the app.ini file.
Uploaded by: Rose
Various relevant settings under the in-game "Options" menu. (HUD zoom; FOV Calculator; Button assignments)
Uploaded by: Rose
HUD Zoom default of 100%
Uploaded by: Rose
HUD Zoom at 150%
Uploaded by: Rose
HUD Zoom at 200%
Uploaded by: Rose
HUD Zoom at 200% while driving (additional elements shown)
Uploaded by: Rose
BMW Z4 GT3 - FOV for monitors at approx. 3 ft. away (if displays are closer you would see more dashboard, so closer is better)
Uploaded by: Rose
ChevySS-Gen6- FOV for monitors at approx. 3 ft. away (if displays are closer you would see more dashboard, so closer is better)
Uploaded by: Rose
HPD ARX-01c - FOV for monitors at approx. 3 ft. away (if displays are closer you would see more dashboard, so closer is better)
Uploaded by: Rose
Indycar DW12 - FOV for monitors at approx. 3 ft. away (if displays are closer you would see more dashboard, so closer is better)
Uploaded by: Rose
Legends Ford - FOV for monitors at approx. 3 ft. away (if displays are closer you would see more dashboard, so closer is better)
Uploaded by: Rose
Skip Barber - FOV for monitors at approx. 3 ft. away (if displays are closer you would see more dashboard, so closer is better)