iRacing 2026 S1 Patch 3 update
iRacing’s 2026 Season 1 Patch 3 adds session auto-launch, fixes server/UI issues, updates AI, and delivers car and track-specific changes including 2026 NASCAR packages and exploit fixes.
We’ve logged the main changes in iRacing’s 2026 Season 1 Patch 3 release notes. This patch includes simulator fixes, AI updates, car package revisions, and several track exploit closures.
What changed
Sessions and simulator
- Added a new user preference to automatically launch a registered session when it becomes available.
- Improved the Steam purchase flow by removing payment-navigation errors and avoiding redirects to the legacy member site.
- Fixed a race server issue where some interim session results were not always transmitted to clients.
- Fixed overly bouncy cones at a small number of tracks.
- AI racing was updated for NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen cars, and Porsche 911 Cup (992.2) AI received rollover-prevention improvements.
- Updated Musco pit-road lighting behavior at various NASCAR tracks for night racing.
- Fixed replay focus-car changes not being preserved correctly.
- Fixed text chat display issues for accented consonants and other special characters.
- Updated the Spanish spotter pack and corrected some wing-related spotter calls.
- Added wheel definitions for Simucube link port devices on v3 wheel bases.
Cars
- GTP class cars: wet tire tread wear visuals adjusted; iRacing setups updated.
- NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen: updated to 2026 engine and graphics packages, added A-post flaps, updated short-track oval tire parameters, and refreshed iRacing setups.
- NASCAR O’Reilly Series: names and branding updated; Xfinity branding retired.
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: branding updated for the 2026 season.
- Cadillac CTS-V Racecar: scrape damage effects tuned.
- Dallara IR18: Nashville Superspeedway package updated for engine power, aero, and tires; iRacing setups updated.
- Global Mazda MX-5 Cup: trunk lid collision behavior updated.
- NASCAR Cup Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: body shell rebuilt to the 2026 package; existing paint schemes need adjustment to fit the new shape.
- Super Formula Lights: brake bias is now fully adjustable in fixed setup sessions; removed repair bindings for non-existent mounts.
- Super Late Model: nose panel durability increased slightly; iRacing setups updated.
Tracks
- Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez: added slowdown penalty areas at pit entry to close a course-cut exploit on Grand Prix, Grand Prix Historic, and National Historic.
- Daytona International Speedway: optimized some tire barrier instancing and updated NASCAR branding.
- Miami International Autodrome: fixed an off-track qualifying exploit.
- Portland International Speedway: corrected pit-exit track limits so the area between the yellow line and white hash marks is treated as pit road.
From the changelog
Structured change list parsed from the official notes.
cars
- 2026 Season 1 Patch 3 Release Notes [2026.02.02.02] --------------------------------------------------------- This Patch Release contains updates and fixes for 2026 Season 1. iRacing --------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------- 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 --------------------------------------------------------- <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 --------------------------------------------------------- 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.
Sources
Running a iRacing league?
Racey automates signups, stewarding & standings — so you run the racing, not the spreadsheets.
Get started free →More iRacing updates
iRacing 2026 S3 Patch 3 update
iRacing’s 2026 Season 3 Patch 3 adds an early multi-class multi-pace car start test path, fixes several race control, graphics, spotter, telemetry, UI, car, and track issues, and adjusts pit stop timing for NASCAR Cup Series Gen 7.
iRacing 2026 S3 Patch 2 update
iRacing’s 2026 Season 3 Patch 2 delivers fixes across launcher, sim stability, race control, UI, telemetry, GT3 and specific car behavior, plus a few track-side corrections.
iRacing 2026 S3 Patch 1 adds Qualcomm AI support, GT3 TC fixes, and telemetry expansion
This patch focuses on fixes and small improvements across AI, UI, controls, telemetry, cars, and several tracks, plus support updates for Qualcomm Circuit and the BMW M2 Racing in Demo Drive.