A New Light Model For iRacing
With the arrival of Season 2, iRacing is introducing a vastly improved lighting model that promises to enhance the way we experience the sim.
For those who have spent countless hours racing through the digital world of iRacing, the visuals have at times been often underwhelming when compared to other modern-day simulators. This has often been a bug bear with many iRacers the world over.
Enter the season 2, 2025 build. We now get our first glimpse at some visual enhancements that have been teased to be coming to the iRacing service for some time. Not only does the new patch enhance the overall look of the game, but it has also made a significant impact on how the spec map paints look—especially under varying track conditions like overcast skies or bright, sun-drenched days.
The new lighting model, which has been developed alongside a new renderer and sky model, transforms the way light interacts with the track, racecars, and scenery. Whether you’re racing under a clear blue sky or in the midst of an overcast afternoon, the lighting improvements are much improved and immediately noticeable. The technical work behind this update is impressive, with the iRacing team porting aspects of the new system to the current renderer to ensure that players get to enjoy the visual improvements immediately, without having to wait for the entire graphics overhaul (although we expect this will come).
One of the standout features of this lighting update is its impact on the spec map paints. Spec maps, which dictate how shiny or matte a surface appears, have always been an important part of customising the look of a racecar in iRacing. But with the new lighting model, spec maps now interact with light in a much more nuanced and lifelike way, bringing out details in the paintwork that were previously hidden or washed out in certain lighting conditions.
Spec Maps: Better Than Ever in Overcast and Bright Conditions
Under overcast skies, the new lighting model really shines (no pun intended). The diffuse, softer light created by the clouds gives cars a more subtle and consistent shine, especially in areas where reflections would have been too harsh in previous lighting models. This means that even in overcast conditions, the spec map works its magic, revealing the car’s surface texture in a way that feels grounded and authentic. Previously matte layers appeared washed out, dull and sometimes more like an old chalkboard than a potentially iconic part of a sim racing team’s paintwork.
On the other hand, when racing under bright, sunlit skies, the new lighting model also has a profound effect. The intensity of direct sunlight now interacts with the spec map in a more complex and dynamic manner, amplifying highlights on the car’s bodywork. Cars now appear even more reflective and polished in direct sunlight, while still maintaining a realistic level of gloss, especially on curved surfaces or areas where the paint is meant to shine the most. This is especially noticeable in situations where you’re racing at times of day when the sun is at a lower angle, casting long, dramatic shadows and creating strong highlights.
The Impact on Track and Racecar Realism
Of course, it’s not just the cars that benefit from the new lighting. The entire track environment, from the asphalt to the surrounding scenery, now has a new level of depth and realism. The interplay of light on the track surface makes it easier to pick out subtle variations in the tarmac, such as tire marks, wear patterns, or the glint of sunlight bouncing off puddles after a rainstorm. This heightened realism gives you a better understanding of your environment, which can actually influence how you approach driving.
For example, on a bright and sunny day, the glare on certain parts of the track might affect visibility, while in overcast conditions, the overall lack of harsh shadows makes for a more forgiving but still challenging driving experience. The updated lighting model’s ability to dynamically adjust to these conditions gives players more nuanced feedback about their surroundings.
A Potential Drawback: Increased Load on PC Components
While the new lighting model undoubtedly elevates the visual experience in iRacing, one potential drawback is the increased load it places on PC components. The enhanced lighting effects, along with the added complexity of the new graphics engine, require more processing power and graphical resources to render accurately. As a result, some sim racers have reported a noticeable drop in frame rates since the update, particularly on lower-end systems or older hardware. The more detailed lighting interactions, coupled with the additional textures and materials reworked by the art team, demand more from the CPU and GPU, which could impact performance. This means that racers who were previously enjoying smooth frame rates may need to adjust their graphic settings or consider hardware upgrades to maintain optimal performance. It’s a small trade-off for the visual improvements, but it’s something that users with older systems might need to take into account when experiencing the update.
Conclusion
The new lighting model in iRacing is a massive leap forward, bringing with it a level of realism that will change the way players perceive the game. The effect on spec maps is particularly noticeable, with paintjobs now coming to life under all kinds of lighting conditions. From overcast clouds to intense sunlight, the new system allows for more intricate reflections, better shine, and an overall more polished look for both cars and tracks.
It’s clear that iRacing is committed to pushing the boundaries of racing simulation, and with this lighting update, iRacers are treated to what is hopefully, the first of a string of graphical improvements with the simulator.
