2026 Season 1 Patch 3 Release Notes [2026.02.02.02]
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This Patch Release contains updates and fixes for 2026 Season 1.
iRacing
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Sessions
A new User Preference has been added, which automatically launches a Session for which you are registered once it becomes available.
You can enable this auto-launch feature in Settings > Preferences.
Steam Members
Improved the purchase flow for our iRacing Members who use Steam.
Fixed navigation errors when clicking payment-related buttons and streamlined the process of making purchases through Steam.
Customers are no longer directed to the Legacy Membersite to complete purchases.
iRacing Simulator
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Race Servers
Fixed an issue where some interim session results were not always being transmitted to customer clients by the race server.
Physics
Fixed an issue where some cones could be extra-bouncy at a select few tracks.
AI Racing
AI Drivers have improved their racing skills with the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Class Cars.
AI Drivers have graduated from a specialized training course for the Porsche 911 Cup (992.2) focusing on preventing the car from rolling over.
Graphics
For a variety of NASCAR tracks, updated the Musco lighting near pit road so that they illuminate properly at night.
User Interface
Fixed an issue where the focus car was changing unexpectedly or not being preserved in Replays.
Fixed an issue where accented consonants and other special characters weren't displaying correctly in text chat.
Spotter
The Spanish language spotter pack has been updated.
Fixed an issue with incorrect spotter calls related to a variety of vehicle wings.
Controls
Wheel definitions have been added for Simucube link port devices (v3 wheel bases).
Cars
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<Car Class> GTP Class Cars
Wet tire treads have been adjusted so they do not appear to wear at the same rate as dry tire treads. This was a visual issue only.
iRacing setups have been updated.
<Car Class> NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Cars
These cars have been updated to the 2026 engine and graphics packages.
A-post flaps have been added.
These additions to the A pillars are flaps hooked up to the roof flaps to help prevent the cars from getting airborne.
Short Track Oval tire parameters have been updated.
iRacing setups have been updated.
<Car Class> NASCAR O’Reilly Series Cars
These cars' names and branding have been updated with the new O’Reilly Auto Parts Series primary sponsorship to match the real world!
The Xfinity branding has been retired.
<Car Class> NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Cars
The branding has been updated to the 2026 NASCAR season.
Cadillac CTS-V Racecar
For the damage model, the scrape damage effects have been tuned.
Dallara IR18
The Nashville Superspeedway package, affecting engine power, aerodynamics, and tires, has been updated to more closely align with the real series.
iRacing setups have been updated.
Global Mazda MX-5 Cup
The physics properties for the trunk lid have been updated. It should behave more realistically in collisions.
NASCAR Cup Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
This vehicle has had its body shell updated to the 2026 season package.
This was a complete rebuild of the body and therefore paint schemes will need to be adjusted to match the new shape.
Super Formula Lights
Brake bias is now fully adjustable during Fixed Setup racing sessions.
Repair bindings have been removed for mounts that do not exist.
Super Late Model
For the damage model, the durability of the nose panel has been increased slightly.
iRacing setups have been updated.
Tracks
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Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (Mexico City)
Additional slowdown penalty areas have been added for cutting the course using pit entry.
(Grand Prix, Grand Prix Historic, & National Historic) - Fixed a course cut exploit.
Daytona International Speedway
Some tire barrier instancing systems have been optimized.
NASCAR branding has been updated.
Miami International Autodrome
Fixed an off-track exploit that could result in faster Qualifying times.
Portland International Speedway
Fixed an exploit where the area between the yellow line and white hash marks at pit exit was not correctly considered part of pit road.