iRacing 2020 Season 2 Patch 8 Released

Last updated on May 11th, 2020 at 05:23 pm

Traditionally, Tuesday is the day when the iRacing schedule updates with the latest circuits for each series. So it’s not a bad time to get some changes out to the racing public, which is why we’ve just seen iRacing 2020 Season 2 Patch 8 released.

It’s not a massive update as the iRacing team continue to publish patches on a weekly basis. But it does contain a big change for qualifying, with the re-enabled Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny System aiming to stop drivers from exploiting any unrealistic behaviour to gain an advantage.

iRacing 2020 Season 2 Patch 8 Patch Notes:

SIMULATION:

Installer

– The iRacing Installer has been updated.
– – This fixes a couple of bugs that could degrade a new user’s installation experience.


Connectivity

– Fixed an issue that would cause the Simulator to get into a bad state if you connected to a Session using an IPv6 connection and then were forcibly disconnected (either due to a connection issue, or because the Session ended and the race server intentionally disconnected you).


Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny

– The Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny System has been re-enabled!

– A new system is now available to run during Qualifying Sessions to help prevent unrealistic preparation exploits. Generally speaking, the officials expect a driver to pull out under control, get up to speed relatively quickly, and complete their qualifying laps in a timely and controlled manner. In an Open Qualifying Session, some accommodations for slowing are made based on proximity to other racers.

– The Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny system first applies a furled Black Flag as a warning to drivers who have not been compliant with the expectations. If the behavior continues, a Black Flag will be issued and the driver will be disqualified from the Qualifying Session.
– – A furled Black Flag warning will be reset when leaving the car, resetting it to the pits, or completing the current lap. However, this does not clear the warning – a second violation will trigger a disqualification from the Qualifying Session.

– There are several levels of strictness available for the Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny system. The more strictly the system is being administered, the less leeway is granted to the racers before warnings and penalties are issued.
– – The levels of Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny available are: Off, Permissive, Lenient, Moderate, Strict, and Severe.
– – The strictness level of Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny is customizable for User-Created Sessions from both the iRacing BETA UI and the Classic Membersite.
– – For official sessions, this feature will initially only be applied to select high-level Series.

– Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny is only available for use and is only applied for Qualifying sessions at asphalt tracks. There is no effect on tracks partially or completely composed of dirt racing surfaces.

– Qualifying Conduct Scrutiny information for an event is visible in the Simulator in the Info tab under “RACE STATUS”. This also includes loaded Replays.

– The admin command: “!clear #” may be used to remove a Qualification Conduct Scrutiny disqualification Black Flag.

CARS:

Ford GT – 2017
– 2020 Season 2 Balance of Power Adjustment: Aero drag has been increased slightly.

Ford GT GTE
– Gearshift compressor volume has been decreased slightly.

Global Mazda MX-5 Cup
– Improved audio levels for gears and starter/ignition sounds.

Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (991)
– On-board transmission whine sounds have been improved.

[Legacy] Mazda MX-5 Cup & Roadster – 2010
– (ALL) – Improved audio levels for starter/ignition sounds.

TRACKS:

Martinsville Speedway
– SAFER barriers have been added to this track.
– Night lighting is now available at this track!
– Track lighting has been updated.
– Placement of the east grandstand has been updated.
– Some curb textures have been updated.
– Some advertisements and banners have been updated.
– A new loading screen background has been added.

Road America
– Track and terrain surface textures have been updated.
– Some advertisements have been updated.

So the Ford GT 2017 is only car to be particularly tweaked with the latest changes, and everything else mainly includes visual and audio improvements. Not surprising when series are already underway, and big changes could cause some major upsets.

You can keep on top of the latest iRacing updates and news, here. Or check out our current and updated iRacing car list, and iRacing track list.

And if you want to sign up and start with iRacing, it’s still currently 50% off for new members via the official Sign Up page. If you use that link, please enter dan.thornton@onlineracedriver.com when asked for a referring email address. It won’t cost you more, and gets me some credits to spend on tracks and cars!