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iRacing
7 key additions in iRacing’s Season 4 2026 update
iRacing uses a quarterly structure, timed around its race series and special event calendar. Once ‘Week 13’ comes around on its schedule, you know a new season is imminent, and with every new season comes new content and platform updates. That time is now. There are several new cars, updated tracks and quality-of-life platform changes in iRacing’s latest Season 4 2026 update. Here’s all you need to know about the most important additions.
Caterham Seven Academy and 420R cars
There’s a headline-grabbing hypercar available alongside this update; however, could these two Caterhams be the more popular machines in iRacing?
We think there’s a strong likelihood.
This is one purchase for two surprisingly different vehicles, which at first glance seem similar.
Sure, they are both front-engined, rear-wheel-drive British sports cars that were originally based on a Lotus design from the 1950s. But that’s where the similarities end.
The Academy has an H-pattern gearbox and a measly 130bhp. Sim purists will want to use a matching shifter and heel-and-toe on the downshifts, while desperately trying to keep their minimum corner speed up. A sudden input will rob the car of hard-earned momentum, and slipstreams will be vital. It should be an ideal car for those near the beginning of their iRacing journey.
The 420R, meanwhile, is a snarling, angry, aggressive car with a six-speed sequential gearbox and nearly twice the power. Yet it weighs only 635kg. Unlike, say, a Radical, it doesn’t have much in the way of downforce either.
While different in philosophy and driving style, they both provide a driving experience not seen in iRacing to date.
It should be an ideal car for those near the beginning of their iRacing journey. If you’re still building your pace, our guide on how to get faster in iRacing covers seven practical ways to improve.
Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH Hypercar
Okay, now it’s time to cover the Hypercar. This is the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH, a car that currently competes in both the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championship competitions in the real world, and is already available in competing sim racing titles.
Considering the rising prevalence of this car category in sim racing, and iRacing being among the first platforms to offer a similar vehicle (with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in 2022), it is surprising how it’s been comparatively slow to keep its lineup updated.
That starts to change with the naturally aspirated V12 British bruiser, with its ear-piercing soundtrack and lack of hybrid components. This omission of electrical systems will make for a more straightforward driving experience compared to, say, the Ferrari 499P.
However, expect it to have performance parity with these machines on iRacing, and become part of special event rosters such as next year’s Daytona 24.
Mazda MX-5 (ND) car update
So far we’ve predicted that the Caterhams will be more used than the Aston Martin, but this change will trump them all.
The Mazda MX-5 will receive a ground-up rebuild, with updated physics and a new tyre model.
iRacing has added a new damper system, updated the suspension kinematics and tweaked its aerodynamic properties specifically to work better when bump-drafting, something often seen in real-world MX-5 races.
Recent stats show that the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup is consistently in the top 10 most-raced series. It’s also included as base content for iRacing subscribers, making it among the first cars many race on the platform. As a result, this is arguably the most important change for the season ahead.
Three rescanned tracks
Road America, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and the Milwaukee Mile have been rebuilt for Season 4, each receiving new versions based on fresh laser scans.
For all three, the track surface should be closer to their present-day real counterparts, while kerbing should be more authentic for Road America and Mid-Ohio.
The former also now receives two new short layouts, East and West, thanks to the new inclusion of a bypass road in Turn 5.
The Milwaukee Mile venue is updated predominantly for oval use. Alongside its reimagining, iRacing is also adding a 'roval' road course layout.
Two track upgrades
What’s the difference between a re-scan and a track upgrade?
Well, these two venues feature new textures, trees, curbs, surface visuals and even trackside scenery, so they will look different.
But, as the track hasn’t been laser-scanned again, its surface accuracy hasn’t changed.
In this instance, Road Atlanta and Summit Point Raceway are receiving the lick of paint, but not a re-scan. Still, it’s a pleasing addition, especially as, alongside the aforementioned MX-5, Summit Point is one of the most-used pieces of base content in the service.
Multi-class, multi-pace car soft launch
Always a missing feature that robbed iRacing of some authenticity in multi-class racing, this long-awaited safety car update is finally rolling out. It means there will be a pace car for each class at the start of a race, and while it won’t eliminate opening lap incidents, it should help reduce them.
This feature is being “soft launched”, in the words of iRacing, so expect it only in IMSA series races initially.
Pit summary and car damage HUD
There are some small HUD tweaks, such as further on-screen information for ghost cars and a new quick settings layout.
But more importantly, when in the pitlane, a new summary user interface provides estimated pitstop duration, a damage overview, your active service selections and a clearer visual indicator for your box location. On the surface, this seems like a significant improvement for those who may struggle to understand iRacing’s pit process initially.
The same goes for damage, which will now have an optional colour-coded on-screen indicator during the race.
There are further, smaller changes, as ever, such as enhanced smoke effects, a new Gen 4 Grand National stock car and a reworked Sprint Car. You can view the full changelog on iRacing’s support website.
The full patch notes can be found on the iRacing forum.
Season 4 brings plenty of new content to try, but getting comfortable with a new car, updated tyre model or rescanned circuit still comes down to understanding where you’re gaining and losing time.
That’s where trophi.ai can help. With real-time AI coaching, lap analysis and telemetry tools, you can get clearer feedback on what to work on instead of relying on trial and error. Start your free 7 day trial.
If you want to dig deeper into your data, check out our guide on how to use iRacing telemetry to find faster lap times.
FAQs
When does iRacing Season 4 2026 start?
iRacing Season 4 2026 begins following the platform's Week 13 transition period. The update introduces new cars, refreshed tracks, vehicle physics changes and several platform improvements for the new season.
What new cars are coming to iRacing Season 4 2026?
The biggest new vehicle additions are the Caterham Seven Academy, Caterham Seven 420R and Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH. Season 4 also includes a major ground-up update to the existing Mazda MX-5.
Is the Aston Martin Valkyrie coming to iRacing?
Yes. The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH joins iRacing in the Season 4 2026 update. The naturally aspirated V12 Hypercar expands iRacing's top-level prototype lineup and could eventually appear in endurance and Special Event racing.
What changed with the Mazda MX-5 in iRacing Season 4?
The Mazda MX-5 has received a ground-up rebuild that includes updated physics, a new tyre model, a new damper system, revised suspension kinematics and aerodynamic changes designed to improve behaviours such as bump-drafting.
Which tracks were rescanned for iRacing Season 4 2026?
Road America, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and the Milwaukee Mile have all received new versions based on fresh laser scans. Road America also gains new East and West short layouts.
Which iRacing tracks were upgraded but not rescanned?
Road Atlanta and Summit Point Raceway have received visual upgrades including new textures, trees, kerbs and trackside scenery. Unlike the three rescanned circuits, their underlying track surfaces have not been recreated from new laser-scan data.
What is the new multiclass pace car system in iRacing?
The new system allows individual classes in a multiclass race to have their own pace car at the start. iRacing is initially soft-launching the feature in IMSA series races.
What changed with pit stops and damage in iRacing Season 4?
A new pitlane summary displays information such as estimated pit-stop duration, vehicle damage, selected services and pit-box location. Drivers can also enable a colour-coded damage indicator during races.
Is iRacing Season 4 2026 a major update?
Season 4 brings changes across several areas rather than relying on one major feature. New cars, an extensive Mazda MX-5 overhaul, three rescanned tracks, visual track upgrades, multiclass pace cars and improved pit and damage information all arrive as part of the update.
