iRacing.com’s Tim Wheatley has put together two new iRacing trials, letting sim racers try the iRacing service for a full month, completely free of charge.
The two trials are aimed at sim racers who still use two simulations made by the iRacing creators – Grand Prix Legends and NASCAR Racing 2003.
The first trial package is aimed at open-wheel fans, including the Skip Barber Formula 2000 car and Virginia International Raceway. Furthermore, all the base content that’s needed to start your iRacing career is included.
The second package is aimed at stock car racing fans, including Chevy Monte-Carlo SS Late Model stock car and Martinsville Speedway, plus all base content.
How does it work?
To start your trial, visit this page and enter the promo code (PR-GPL for the open wheel package or PR-NR2003 for the stock car package).
Important: This offer is only valid for new accounts, the content can’t be added to an existing content. To make use of this trial, you must provide credit card or Paypal details as the account will be automaticly renewing in case you don’t cancel.
Should you cancel before the month is over, all bought content and all your stats and licenses will be saved in case you´ll pick your subscription up later again.
Via iRacing Facebook
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 04:06
NOPE. I’m not giving my credit card info, to try a demo. If I forget to jump through their hoops. They automatically start (taking) money from me. What Universe do these people live in????
MadCat360
September 4th, 2009 at 04:27
You can cancel the auto-renew within 30 seconds of creating a trial account.
I’m bummed. I signed up for the Radical one about 10 days ago. I won’t even be able to race the SR8 by the time the trial is up!
Crazy Bored
September 4th, 2009 at 04:27
Sounds to me you could just setup a paypal account, put no money in it, and use that.
ForzaBarca88
September 4th, 2009 at 04:32
The paypal method isnt auto-renew anyway…..
Its good theyve finally come up with some sort of demo (even though it should be aimed at everyone not just GPL/NR2003 users) – no more excuses for people dumping on iracing without having played it first.
TheSTIG
September 4th, 2009 at 04:49
I’m standing here, looking for the word that best describes the man who thought of this kind of free tiral/demo/whatever (and the Radical thing too), and i can’t find it. But how mutch i do not want to sign in something (free) that has no button like “Receinve Code” or something, but instead “Select a Payment Method” in the bottom. I mean what kind of F…-money-making-robots are these ppl? That’s the future (of simracing)? No thanks i’d rather take a shi(f)t…
Dave
September 4th, 2009 at 04:59
This is from the page where the trial was introduced:
How the subscription works/things you need to know:
The promotion code creates a new account. Therefore, this cannot be used to add content to an existing account in any way.
A credit/debit card or Paypal account is required and will be needed to access the trial.
This is a free first month. You can cancel payment for the second (and onwards) months at any time. When logged into the members Web site, go to the My Account link, click cancel and cancel again.
Some credit/debit cards (especially European banks) will not accept a $0 transaction. To get around this, we sometimes request $1 – which will show as pending, but this $1 will drop back into your account and will not be taken.
MadCat360
September 4th, 2009 at 06:21
The reason why they use the credit card, as explained to me was, they need it for name confirmation since they want you to use your real name.
aliasx
September 4th, 2009 at 07:10
Not enough customers?
massarob
September 4th, 2009 at 09:15
Yes, indeed some time and combo (evenings euro time/road races licences A nd B) are like deserts.
Being an iRacer, I’d suggest you to try it, but then I guess you’ll confirm my opinions:
- FANTASTIC tracks, really the best out of this sim
- totally aseptic community
- most cars with crap physics (I own only road ones but I guess US and A cars are better)
Waiting for something better, I don’t think it’ll be an hard task with rF2 coming soon (let’s hope).
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 09:37
Some cars have issues with physics, but most of them are very good, and some very close to the real thing, as confirmed by real life drivers that are proficient in sims, too.
This trial is something that should probably have been available from the very beginning, but it’s a good time to come up with it now, when probably the most important addition to the service is just around the corner (hosted racing and leagues).
Jack_NL
September 4th, 2009 at 10:37
deleted by myself
ForzaBarca88
September 4th, 2009 at 11:11
Agree about the tracks and community (in general) but imo the physics are good to top notch in all the cars. Although I can see where you’re coming from….if im paying a shitload more for iracing compared to the rest (rfactor, nkp,etc) then I expect it to be better allround compared to the rest, which certainly isnt the case with iracing.
Jack_NL
September 4th, 2009 at 11:13
note to self: Have coffee first when just awake before posting
massarob
September 4th, 2009 at 11:29
Indeed, but still some cars (eg the Riley) seems way off the real one in terms of physics and behaviour, this from real driver(s) words.
About the next to come private leagues: tha fact that if you’ll race in official races you may get $ credits seems like a way to fill holes (fragmentation of drivers in too many series) in a sinking boat.
The lack of drivers in not-Rookie road series is a fact.
steve30x
September 4th, 2009 at 11:37
Theyre bringing on a lack of customers because of their redicolously high subscription. If they lowered the price by half (Which is what it should be) then they would have a lot more customers. Also since when is it acceptable to be forced to use your own name and to ask for credit card details for a demo? Ive Tried iRacing and im not impressed.
the.cosmic.pope
September 4th, 2009 at 11:59
There can never be enough customers, for any of the current simulations. However, if we ignore the obvious and tackle the underlying motive of your comment which is “haha, free trial, they must be doing badly” then seriously, what will it take to please everyone? One of the big gripes about iRacing in the beginning was you couldn’t sample the work. You had to pay to even try it. Now they rectified it – so stop crying about how it is only a month and go try it. One month is longer than the rFactor trial period.
It is a FREE trial, with FREE content. There is nothing to lose by trying it.
It isn’t a “demo”. It is a “trial”. You do not have limited content or useage. You are in the system the same as everybody else. You just aren’t paying anything for your subscription.
If people would actually read anything then they’d discover you aren’t “forced” to use a credit card, since PayPal is an option. And you aren’t “forced” to renew, as that is a ticky box. If you haven’t mastered the ticky box, then you have no place on the internet.
I trust iRacing with my credit card details far more than I trust TryMedia with them.
massarob
September 4th, 2009 at 12:05
I don’t think it’s just a matter of $. An yearly subscribe is quite good as you can buy some other stuff with the credit applied.
BTW it’s probably people (me included) expect(ed) more for the money WE pay.
Bar the tracks, all the other things are not a big step forward compared to other sims, or even there’s a lack of basic features (live track, changing wheather/time, realistic clutch, realistic wears, etc etc).
IMHO try this “demo”, but I guess you are going to stick with GPL or NK2k3 if you already love them, as nothing much has been added in terms of “feel” of driving.
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 12:17
Well, if you desperately want to stick with the ’90s… iRacing is a huge step forward from GPL in all aspects of simulation software: physics, force feedback, graphics, netcode, tracks, etc. There’s less difference from NR2003 obviously, but still it’s a whole new experience even compared to that. There’s a reason why all the fast NR2003 drivers have migrated to iRacing (those who have managed without leagues so far and don’t have bad feelings about the lawsuit deal, at least).
massarob
September 4th, 2009 at 12:31
no I use iR, atleast for some months yet but not anymore when other titles will come out with better features (and this’s not gonna be too difficult if things will not improove
).
As you say it’s maybe the best option right now, but compared to Nk2k3 I don’t see HUGE steps ahead as you mention, and, btw, they are mainly because we have HUGE better hardware.
However iR is closer to ’90s than GPL which was steps ahead for its time. Wear in brakes?livetrack?weather?……where are they?? even GPL hadn’t those but that was eleven, yes 11, years ago……so maybe it’s iR that’s still in the 90s
iR should be better than a Aplha (last year) and a Beta (this year) for 156$/yr.
How many NR2k3 servers are active nowadays
Martko
September 4th, 2009 at 12:39
Where did a real DP driver post “the car seems way off” or something similar?
I’m asking for a link. Thanks.
massarob
September 4th, 2009 at 12:59
http://members.iracing.com/iforum/profile.jspa?userID=19736
look for his last posts in “brake temps…” thread
In particular the part where he explains why locking up tyres of any car at 150MPH in iR is not realistic and why/how brakes should be corrected.
The extra lateral grip was not discussed though, as it’s OT there (here too).
People try the “demo” but don’t get intimidated by fanboys, they are everywhere, and share your opinions
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 13:14
It’s still quite a bit different from the car being “way off”, and if anything, Riolo’s feedback in the general DP thread in the Pro series forum confirmed that the DP car is much closer to real-life than the criticism by some sim racers might have led one to believe.
JasonSix
September 4th, 2009 at 13:16
I signed up for the “free” demo at the beginning of the week and was charged $1. Yeah, yeah, a measly buck, I know, but I still felt mislead and a bit ripped-off.
The sim itself is pretty good, tracks look nice, and even though I’ve only driven the Solstice, Legends Car and Ford Spec Racer they “feel” like I imagine they would in real life. For $15 per track/car PLUS the subscription fee it’s just not worth it unless you have a lot of extra cash.
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 13:19
From Tim Wheatley: “Some credit/debit cards (especially European banks) will not accept a $0 transaction. To get around this, we sometimes request $1 – which will show as pending, but this $1 will drop back into your account and will not be taken.”
If you’re confident that you didn’t get the $1 back, just contact them and they’ll refund you.
Stephen
September 4th, 2009 at 13:29
Nice, soon they’re gonna pay us to try their game
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 14:34
I could try the Windows 7 OS for months without letting them put their hand in my pocket. What kind of bug does the iRacing Admistrators have up their
$$$?
sediol
September 4th, 2009 at 15:27
Yeah, but you’re going to be fined ’cause you called it a ‘game’…
Zenitchik
September 4th, 2009 at 16:01
Howie47 – just do it!
Paul Kelly
September 4th, 2009 at 16:53
Ever heard of marketing and promotion? Something tells me that major game companies are still solvent, yet they offer free demos of console games via Xbox Live.
It’s called marketing and promotion.
Paul Kelly
September 4th, 2009 at 16:56
How is iRacing putting its hand into your pocket? It’s a FREE demo. Cancel before 30 days, and you pay nothing. If you’re too lazy or lack the attention to detail to press two buttons to cancel, then maybe you should avoid this FREE trial.
And for a guy who clearly has a bug up his azz about iRacing, why do you feel the need to post in every iRacing thread about how horrible it is, especially when you’ve never tried it?
No one is forcing you to play it. But the longer you bleat on about the pricing and the game without any experience with it, the more you look like a fool.
It’s funny: I don’t see any regular iRacers going into GTR 2 and rFactor threads and polluting them with drivel about how those games suck, etc.
Is it an inferiority complex? Veiled lust? Too much spare time? Sometimes I wonder.
Paul Kelly
September 4th, 2009 at 16:59
Yeah, God forbid that a service which has dedicated servers, licensing fees to pay for the most accurate car and track models and teams sent around the world to get laser-scanned data of tracks and information on physics of cars actually has the balls to charge for that service.
Running a sim racing service like a business instead of a charity? That’s simply unthinkable.
Paul Kelly
September 4th, 2009 at 17:01
That’s hogwash. iRacing’s laser-scanned tracks have MUCH, MUCH more feel than any track in GPL or NR 2003.
Peter
September 4th, 2009 at 17:14
What are joke. Your offered a free trial with a free car and track and you still find a reason to not try it?
Keep hearing how iRacing are greedy yet their offering 30 days of free service with all the basic content plus 1 free car and track and that’s still not good enough.
Seems like their is just no pleasing people.
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 17:32
Let’s see, do I want to try the demo, whoops, “trial”, or do I not want to bother? Could just fire up rFactor, or should I just wait for the much more exciting prospect offered by the “Shift” Demo. Wonder if EA wants to hold my wallet, while I try their demo? Well I’m sure iRacing is good. But it’s not the only game in town, doesn’t have the latest innovations. Not even the promise of the latest which are on the horizon. If they’re going to compete they better make the (novice) level and basic content FREE. Then when they got people hooked. Ask for money to advance into the more involved content. Just the way all the other Sim Racing Providers do. P.S. I’m glad iRacing exist. To bad it is such an exclusive club.
Zenitchik
September 4th, 2009 at 18:14
Go Howie47, do it and review it!
Peter
September 4th, 2009 at 18:24
Um the basic content is free with any subscription but with this trial you also get ontop of the basic content a free car and track.
JasonSix
September 4th, 2009 at 18:39
Well that’s good news. I didn’t pay with a credit/debit card though, I used PayPal. Thanks for the info.
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 18:48
I went to the “this page” link and didn’t see anything about a free, “trial”.
Do I need some one to lead me by the hand?
NombreyApellido
September 4th, 2009 at 18:56
Proceed to Subscribe today, enter promotion code, click apply, complete the forms.
Please tell us your user name so we can look you up.
/Chris
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 19:07
So exactly how easy is it to cancel? Since due to problems in the past I’ve vowed never to sign up for “free trials” unless it’s extremely easy to cancel it. (I’m looking @ you MLB.TV! And Xbox Live. (Good god that latter one is EVIL!))
I am prepared to give iRacing a try if I know I can cancel it easily, so someone in the know can you tell me the process please?
Though of course now I have to decide which trial to go for. Both are appealing.
riches
September 4th, 2009 at 19:08
Hey, it’s hobby, hobbies cost money.
If do not want to spend any money on it… fine.
If you don’t like it… unsubscribe before the end of the term.
But don’t start taking iRacing because it cost to much.
Nobody is telling you have to pay, only governments do that.
Is see some company offers pedals or steeringwheels for 500,- to 1500,-.
They wont’ make you go much faster.
See nobody complain so much as with iRacing.
Probably most of you are just jealous for the ones that did.
NombreyApellido
September 4th, 2009 at 19:13
It’s quite simple actually. Go to “My Account”, select “Cancel/Renew Membership” and then uncheck autorenew.
A Paypal account takes care of this issue since you can’t get billed automatically.
/Chris
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 19:16
Thanks Nombrey. It’s just so many services make it dead easy to sign up and extremely painful to unsubscribe.
Will definitely give this trial a go. A friend whose opinion I trust has said it’s dull, but when it comes to racing we tend to have different tastes. (He almost never races online for example.)
Zenitchik
September 4th, 2009 at 19:18
Comon Howie47 and UncleChuckle, don’t give up!
I would suggest taking the late model, it is really fun, both on ovals and road.
the skippy is not that different from the SRF that is already included.
Paul Kelly
September 4th, 2009 at 19:24
You’ve never played the game, yet you insist it’s not that much better than rFactor. That makes about as much sense as beating a bag of condoms against a cactus and then selling them as intact.
Please do everyone a favor and come clean: You want nothing to do with iRacing. So therefore, why bother posting about it in every thread about the game at VirtualR?
Then again, there’s a sliver of a chance that someone will hold your hand through the simple iRacing free demo process and you’ll try it for 15 minutes, returning to trumpet how you gave the game an exhaustive trial and that it sucks.
I’m expecting that to happen, actually. It’s about as predictable as a news bulletin that reads: “Sun sets in west, will rise again tomorrow morning in the east. Details at 11.”
OK, apologies for my sarcasm. But seriously, your resistance to iRacing — even when a free trial is planted in your lap — yet continued insistence to post negatively about it despite having zero experience with the game is damn exasperating.
I only post, Howie, because nine months ago I was as withering and prolific of an iRacing critic as you. Then I actually tried it …
NombreyApellido
September 4th, 2009 at 19:30
I understand…. I was a skeptic myself. But I’m totally hooked now. I’m Christian Schegtel BTW. Say hi if we come together in any session.
Have fun!
/Chris
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 19:41
OK, Got through all the regermarole. Now they want me to install updates to try the test drive? They have my PayPal, are they going to charge me 15.– for a tract and car? I can’t drive. It says “updates Required”.
Dave
September 4th, 2009 at 19:44
If you put in the promo code then it will not charge you. The updates are normal…just click the Updates Required button and it will install itself. Pretty simple.
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 19:55
Big question: How much HD space am I looking at needing? To the nearest gigabyte. Just don’t want to sign up if I’m going to discover I need to spend a day burning stuff to clear space.
I’ve always been negative about it, but I’m happy to give it a chance to change my mind.
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 19:56
Thanks. I usually race under “Howie47″. date of birth. It didn’t give me a chance to enter a handle. and is using my real name. Ugh! Howard Motz
Dave
September 4th, 2009 at 20:01
There is no one who races under a “handle” we all race under our real names. When you see Dale Earnhardt Jr..thats really him.
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 20:34
You need very little space, since you can choose which content you want to download. If you choose to download all rookie content, the installation takes about 1 gigabyte, I think.
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 20:38
Cool. Thanks.
STILL can’t decide which trial to go with. ARGHHH! I loved GPL and NR2003 so that’s no help.
Siding with the NR2003 side as no sim I currently play does oval racing well.
But VIR… ARGHHH!!!!! DECISIONS!!!
Zenitchik
September 4th, 2009 at 20:53
Yeah VIR is a very nice track. There is a bit of everything in it! and it comes with many configurations.
Late model @ VIR was a lot of fun, its a shame that the skippy and late model is not in the basic package
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 21:08
Still no closer to making a decision.
NombreyApellido
September 4th, 2009 at 21:34
@UncleChuckle
Since you have an oval background, I think the Late Model is your way to go… As said somewhere, the Skip Barber is kind of similar in feel to the Spec Racer Ford which is part of the basic (free) content.
/Chris
Martko
September 4th, 2009 at 21:41
But the Spec Racer does not have as nice feeling as the Skip.
I’m sure a lot of won’t like iRacing, but I’m also sure some will like it as I did :)
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 21:47
Here is my little review after 1hr.15min. Driving. Of course I’m only reviewing the actual physics, graphics, and track. The track wasn’t like the Virgina of Modding fame. So it took me almost 20 laps to get the latter out of my head and remember the laser scanned. I rolled away with default every thing, and was immediately reminded of GPL and NR2003 physics. Especially the FF. When the car slides on the tires I think there is some thing missing in the FF. That should telegraph through the steering how to react to the slide. Maybe that is the way the “Skip Barber Trainer” really is? Any way after wrestling with it for 21 laps I managed a 2:25. I then loaded up the “advanced set-up”.
Did a couple more laps, and cut off 5 seconds from that. I like NetKpro just as good. I’d have to drive both for a much longer time to see witch is best.
I’m not interested in subscribing at this time. I’d rather spend my monthly sub. money at a league, racing a series I’m more interested in. I don’t have time or money for both. I’d give physics a 90%, graphics (well done, but older graphic engine) 80% When in a race; is their audiances, flags, officials and other immersive items? Finally The track, laser scanned, beatiful grass, well done curbs and dirt. I didn’t notice any dirt or rubber build up on track. So I’ll give the track. 90%
Paul Kelly
September 4th, 2009 at 21:52
Fair enough, Howie. Glad you gave it a go.
But did you RACE the car or just drive it? It would be a shame if your only impression of iRacing was based solely on 75 minutes of solo hot-lapping, with no racing or practicing with other drivers on track.
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 22:00
Thanks, I didn’t think I was able to race with this free trial. I’ll do so later after getting a little better feel for the car.
NombreyApellido
September 4th, 2009 at 22:00
Racing under Safety Rating and for iRating and championship points is the best part of the service IMHO.
Nice to read that you like it overall. See you on track, Howard.
/Chris
the.cosmic.pope
September 4th, 2009 at 22:04
You can do everything normal members can do in this trial. You are in the system like everyone else.
Zenitchik
September 4th, 2009 at 22:20
Howard, thanks for sharing your thoughts, I hope that you’ll give it some more time and get in a race or two!
I’m not an expert to make advice about the skippy FF settings, but jump in the forums and ask if someone could help with configuring the settings for your wheel.
I’m using different FF settings for each car. Solstice need a to be over 20, maybe its the same for the skip.
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 22:21
After discussions with a friend we’re going open wheel due to VIR and the fact that we’re better setting up those sort of cars than oval ones.
Plus we get to turn right:)
Disposable_Hero
September 4th, 2009 at 22:28
Well, after following the controversial discussions about iRacing on the net for quite a long time i was glad that i had the chance to test it for myself free of charge.
Here are my personal comments:
- graphics a bit outdated (but that´s the same with GTR Evolution etc.)
- immediately after the installation the online update selected some cars/tracks which i would have had to pay for -> not a nice way to try to get some money from me -> selecting update before going to test track did not have this “bug” though
- only cockpit view: could live with that if there was some real life seat adjust, i barely couldn’t read the rpm gauge
- no metrics change e.g. mph->kph, very hard for a german driver to adopt to
- no offline play possible
- way too expensive
- physics feels a bit weird (i also agree with Howie47 about the FF): found that the brakes lock way too early compared to other sims and i could not induce wheelspin when starting with full throttle
Overall, i won’t subscribe to iRacing, i´ll stick with Simbin´s titles (maybe NFS Shift) because to me it´s more bang for the buck.
Howie47
September 4th, 2009 at 22:29
Yes, I should have mentioned that, that could have been the problem. The steering as I had it configured, felt way to quick and heavy. It will take some work to get it right. Then I’ll be better able to see what forces come into play when slidding.
UncleChuckle
September 4th, 2009 at 22:39
Well I can’t get it working at all with Firefox. Simply won’t work. Having to use IE which sucks.
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 22:41
There is metrics change in the options. Wheelspin and brakes depend on the car. I think the only car included in the trial that you can’t spin the wheels with when starting is the Skip Barber. It has a very long first gear with only a bit over 100 hp. Some of the cars also have stronger brakes than others. With the Spec Racer you must brake much harder than with the Skip Barber, for example.
Dave
September 4th, 2009 at 22:41
I, as well as many others, have only ever used it with Firefox. It is not a problem with Firefox.
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 22:44
It depends on the wheel, of course, but usually you shouldn’t use much more than 10 as the in-game FF setting. It might make the steering feel a bit too light at times, but with higher values you’ll begin to lose the details of the feedback.
Dave
September 4th, 2009 at 22:45
Obviously you aren’t checking the menu options of how to change seat adjustment or moving the brake linearity slider. Same for the change to metric which is just a simple button click even a german could figure out.
If your going to complain about cost of a free trial at least give it more than 10 minutes …wouldn’t want your objectivity to be questioned.
Disposable_Hero
September 4th, 2009 at 22:55
Well, perhaps the menu´s are just not intuitive enough?
I played that game for about 1h and couldn’t find metrics/seat adjust when clicking through the options.
And who said i complain about a free trial?
In my post i said that i was glad about the chance to try it for free.
So read first before you start bashing at people!
Just because you seem to love iRacing doesn’t mean that other people have to!
jux
September 4th, 2009 at 23:00
There is no real “seat adjustment” in iRacing, actually. Only FOV.
steve30x
September 4th, 2009 at 23:03
Ive tried this for a few hours. Although it is a bit of fun the cockpit only view isnt for me. The FFB isnt that good and the graphics are more outdated than LFS. Also the system to select a race , qualify or time trial is a bit cumbersome. I wont be subscribing.
Zenitchik
September 4th, 2009 at 23:48
would you also complain about iPhone, that it is not intuitive enough, due to the lack of buttons?
Give it some more time, try different settings, when changing the graphics you might click on the advanced and try with everything on max. And you need to restart the sim before some of the graphic setting would change.
NombreyApellido
September 5th, 2009 at 00:48
There’s nothing to do if someone is in total denial and want to pose as an expert by putting down this or any other game.
I’d say iRacing graphics are outdated only if the computer it is run in is a bit old, since the installer detects and configures the game to run as smooth as possible. But on higher settings, especially with shaders and shadows on, I think it’s up there with any other current game. If flares, blur and overfiltering is you kind of thing, look somewhere else though.
FOV and mirrors are fully adjustable BTW.
/Chris
NombreyApellido
September 5th, 2009 at 01:09
It may not be related to Firefox… I have it working with both Chrome and Firefox, though I have to make sure to deactivate nod32 before because its IMON module will not let the browser launch iRacing applications.
/Chris
Howie47
September 5th, 2009 at 01:16
Bah Humbug! I’m not even going to brag about my system. While the graphics are clear. What is being asked of the graphics hardware is very last decade.
NitroStar
September 5th, 2009 at 01:19
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to try iRacing, because I have sim raced since Nascar 1 and 2. Could not imagine paying a monthly fee though. I’m not well off. I do admit that I am spoiled from buying Nascar 2003, rFactor, GPL, Grand Prix 4, GTL and GTR2 and being able to play them with MUCH fun and interest and more tracks than I can race on for several years by just paying one amount for a boxed package. I will try iRacing when my work schedule allows me to put more time into it near the end of next week. I LOVE sim racing and still have lots of fun racing any of the above mentioned titles. I have read a LOT about iracing and know that it does feel more real than anything out there right now, but I know I could not have a lot more fun with it than all my favorites knowing that I am never going to be through paying for it. It’s ONLY the total cost that has kept me away for this long. It costs way more money than I feel confortable with paying for.
FooAtari
September 5th, 2009 at 01:21
I agree with this to an extent.
I think many (but not all!) critics want to use iRacing. They just don’t want to pay for it. Rather than just come out and say that it’s to much from them, they would rather try and justify their reasons for not using it, by criticising it.
For example, Disposable_Hero, clearly has no interest in giving the game a fair go. The in game menus are stupidly easy to use, I had no problems adjusting either the FOV, MPH/KPH or any other options. If he had spent even a couple of minutes browing the menus he would have found these options. iRacing has been designed with accessibility in mind. It’s far easier to get it up and running and use than any other sim.
The graphics are a bit dated, but they are more than functional, it still looks good. The high quality of the rest of the iRacing service more than makes up for it what it lacks in eye candy.
Sure iRacing wont be everyone, that’s fine. But it’s painfully obvious who has given the game a fair test and those who have not. To be honest, I gain some enjoyment from most sims available at the moment, and if given ANY of them free for 30 days, I would put a lot more than a couple of hours into it before making a decision on weather to buy or not. It a little stupid not take full advantage of something given to you for nothing :)
NombreyApellido
September 5th, 2009 at 02:05
iRacing with Gfxs@max will put many systems to their knees… 2pass shadows are very, very demanding for example.
I don’t deny that it will probably look much better with real time reflections among other things. Driver and pit crew animations will certainly add to the whole kewl factor…
The same can be said about the audio subsystem: it’s nice to have surround, but real 3D audio would be so much cooler.
I can’t agree on force feedback. I think it’s by far the best implementation bar none of the genre.
But in any case, it all ends up being a matter of personal taste.
/Chris
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 02:12
Huh? I’ve used FF for the last five years and have no problem whatsoever. Hope you can get it sorted out. A cookies issue, perhaps?
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 02:14
Agree with this 100 percent.
What kind of wheel are you using, Howie? There’s an easy hack costing about $1 that provides way more sensitivity and feel with a DFP/DFGT/Momo brake pedal. It’s great with iRacing and every other sim, especially some of the rFactor sims that have “black ice” physics under braking.
Let me know if you’re interested!
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 02:15
FFB isn’t that good? That’s a first …
In what way isn’t it that good, and compared to what sim? What car are you driving?
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 02:18
DING-DING! And we have our Post of the Thread, possibly the iRacing-related Post of the Year.
Howie47
September 5th, 2009 at 02:24
Yes, they sent me a reciet for trying their demo. I saved more then 54 USD, for using one track and one car for 30 days. By the way the physics are not that much better, if any, then rFactor’s spec racer with real feal. I think the later has
better FF.
FooAtari
September 5th, 2009 at 03:00
Have to agree with this. IMO FFB is one area where iRacing excels.
UncleChuckle
September 5th, 2009 at 05:10
NoScript was causing it. Info is in their Knowledge Base.
Went with the open wheel in the end. Not raced yet, but done a lot of laps. Liking it so far but we’ll see how it in a week or so. All I’ve managed to do so far is drop my SR 0.01 point… *sigh*
And the FFB is fantastic in what I’ve tried so far.
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 05:45
That’s cool, Chuckle. Glad you got it sorted! Feel free to ask any questions during your trial. We’re here to help, man.
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 05:54
One very positive, yet often overlooked, aspect of iRacing is how truly plug-and-play it is. Maybe some of those who are trying this free demo have recognized this; maybe some haven’t.
Think back to all of the tweaks you had to make to get rFactor running at its optimum. Numerous controller.ini tweaks with Notepad. Finding accurate RealFeel settings online or testing with MoTeC to determine accurate RealFeel settings for each car. Inserting the RealFeel FFB section into your controller.ini. Changing tire parameters for every mod in an .ini file with Notepad every time you switched mods if you wanted accurate FFB with the Leo’s FFB plug-in. The different, and sometimes confusing, user interfaces automatically installed with otherwise fine mods such as HistoriX or IndyCar Series. Test various combinations of screen resolutions, antialiasing and DX settings to maximize FPS if you weren’t on state-of-the-art hardware. And so on …
Now think of what you had to do to install iRacing. Download one file and execute it. The setup automatically adjusts your graphics settings to your hardware. You can easily make a tweak or two, depending on your preferences. Then press one button to download an updates package that automatically installs. Then calibrate your wheel and pedals, possibly tweak the default FFB setting and drive. Everything is done.
I spent tens of hours — hell, maybe even 100 — researching and testing FFB and other settings over the last 2 1/2 years with rFactor before I finally found video, controller and other settings that were right for me. It took me about 15 minutes to do the same in iRacing.
Your mileage may vary, but I still think plug-and-play setup is a HUGE plus for iRacing. If you keep everything default, you can be on the racetrack with optimal settings within 10 minutes of your initial software download after signing up.
UncleChuckle
September 5th, 2009 at 06:45
Paul: Thanks, I will. Took me a while to figure out exactly how to race:)
And yes, definitely plug and play. It was on the second loading I thought “Man this loads fast!” because it’s not processing hundreds of addon cars and tracks.
Realfeel is why I gave up on rFactor. I spent more time trying to get that setup than I did racing. (I’ve since reinstalled rFactor and haven’t bothered at all with Realfeel.)
Using a web interface to set everything up is nothing short of genius. Makes things so streamlined and slick.
Only complaint I have so far about iRacing is a lack of AI. But then I’ve yet to get a real feel (no pun intended) for the amount of competitors I can expect to see online around this time of night and later. Hoping they’re more reliable than the “quit at the third corner” idiots on public servers for Evo etc…
It’s still a little overpriced for me, but the 3 month isn’t too bad I guess.
So, with the game credit you get, if you don’t spend it in that sub period, I guess they just knock it off the next bill?
Dave
September 5th, 2009 at 07:03
Hopefully you make it into the practice sessions which are run all the time and sometimes quite full. Practices are great because they don’t affect your Safety Rating when you have incidents. Also remember to Qualify..most new racers don’t figuring they can start from the back and work to the front. Well..sometimes the bad drivers are in the middle and you get caught up. Start up front and you will be much better for it.
The game credits can be used for either tracks, cars or you can click on use toward monthly subscription which is under “My Accounts” I belive.
UncleChuckle
September 5th, 2009 at 07:17
Thanks. Just had my first bad experience with someone seemingly deliberately crashing me not once but twice on an oval in the Legends car. First time they deliberately moved over on me and put me in the wall. Second time they spun me into the wall.
Disappointing. But yes, will qualify. Got a session ready to go right now. THough it’s 20 minutes off. Not sure if I’ll be able to do it or not.
Figure the person who crashed me is probably a newbie and he’ll soon get weeded out if he’s a jackass.
Dave
September 5th, 2009 at 07:46
if its intentional ..send in a protest. Nim or someone will take care of it pretty quick. Protest@iRacing.com All the information that is needed is to copy and paste the session info, tell them what happened and make sure to save a replay.
steve30x
September 5th, 2009 at 10:48
I have a G25 and tried all cars available in this trial. The FFB isnt near as good as NK pro.
The Graphics arent that good on my machine which is far from old. My SPECS are :
Intel Q6600 @ 3.2ghz
Raid0 HDD’s SATA II
Asus Rampage Formula
1200 Watt PSU
XFX GTX280
So its not my hardware is the problem. Its the game which runs @ 46FPS @ 1920 x 1200 everything set to maximum. So that statement about the graphics is hog wash. But if this sim had Hood or roof cam I would pay the registration. The way it is with forced cockpit cam I am not too much interested.
UncleChuckle
September 5th, 2009 at 10:54
Damn, wish I’d thought to save the replay. Will do that in future. Thanks for the tip.
Hoping I get to actually race tomorrow. Little annoyed that qualifying sessions have been completely unusable for me so far as my timing of when they are and when I can drive has been way off.
jux
September 5th, 2009 at 11:24
That’s the most probable reason, but it’s also possible that he has joined with the free trial just to cause trouble. That’s one of the downsides of having a trial with full online access. I hope one of the guys in the race filed a protest. It’s something that should be done in blatant cases. The rookie Legends will be a mess sometimes though. The other series much less so.
ForzaBarca88
September 5th, 2009 at 11:30
How does that make the FFB “not good”? NKPro has the best FFB out there period, but iracing’s FFB is better than rfactor and lfs, and both of those has good FFB. Just struggling to see what you’re actually complaining about…..
As far as graphics are concerned, obviously you’re gonna be disappointed if “next-gen” graphics are what you’re after, but with everything maxed out it looks quite natural. I do think its an area that needs improvement though.
And as for the forced cockpit view……NKPro is the same?? As a simracer I dont see why it should even be such a big issue.
steve30x
September 5th, 2009 at 11:38
NK Pro has different camera views in the Beta so no its not forced camera view. Also not every sim racer enjoys forced cockpit view. With cockpit view you have limited visibility towards hood or roof camera.
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 15:45
Definitely more reliable because quitting a race KILLS either your iRating or Safety Rating, can’t remember which.
The golden rule of iRacing is to finish a race, regardless of the damage to your car. I think you have one or two repairs with Rookie class cars, so if you get into a big wreck, you can go to the pits and return to the race. You’ll be a lap down, but you won’t maul your IRating or Safety Rating as badly because at least you’re finishing the race.
Again, the golden rule: Do. Not. Quit. Any. Races. Ever.
Dave also is right. Find a practice session. They’re huge fun because you have human competition, yet there is no penalty to your Safety Rating for mistakes. Sure, some people drive a bit more loosely in practice because of this, but I’ve found that nearly everyone uses practice as a tool to try to improve, not as a method to return to the Harvey Wallbanging ways of their Gran Turismo days.
And again, feel free to ask any questions, Chuckle. We want you to enjoy this!
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 15:49
Well, that alone proves you’re not interested in this sim. There aren’t many real-life race drivers who are strapped to their hood or roof while driving.
iRacing also never has been about graphics. It’s been about the racing experience, the physics, the laser-scanned tracks, the force feedback.
I’ve driven NKPro, and I disagree with your assessment of its FFB compared to iRacing. The FFB in iRacing has more subtlety than NKPro, possibly because the tracks are modeled so much better. I seek subtle fidelity across the range of FFB. Big, pounding jolts or constant vibration do not equal sublime FFB to me.
But different strokes for different folks …
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 15:54
Fair warning to those who progress from the demo to the full game: iRacing models FFB based on the car’s suspension and original purpose brilliantly. You’re not going to feel anywhere near the fidelity or strength of forces in a Rookie Solstice that you do in a Formula Mazda because the Solstice is a street car while the FMazda is a race car.
I couldn’t believe the difference between the FFB in the Legends car and the Solstice when I first started iRacing. The Solstice felt like a boat riding on a Serta Perfect Sleeper, while the Legends felt like a whippy little colt on cobblestones in comparison.
That’s because the Solstice is a heavier street car with a soft, compliant suspension, and the Legends is a 1,000-pound, purpose-built race car. Took me awhile to wrap my head around that!
steve30x
September 5th, 2009 at 16:01
I dont mind your opinion aboyt NK Pro. Your entitled to that opinion but its total anal to say I am not interested in playing a sim just because I dont want a restrictricted view of the cockpit. You go brown nose the iRacing developers some more while I play other sims that dont restrict my view.
NombreyApellido
September 5th, 2009 at 16:40
Those are nice system specs you got there. I think your post actually reinforces what I said about iRacing gfxs being quite demanding if configured for maximum quality. I wouldn’t race at anything less that a steady 60fps with a full field for instance.
And since the installer sets parameters according to the hardware it detects, I keep my statement: graphics are a let down only if older hardware is used, at least in my opinion.
And yes, I also think they’re far better from those on NetKar Pro, which is a great game in every sense. So it’s not a matter of one or the other to me: I take both and enjoy the best out of each one.
/Chris
NombreyApellido
September 5th, 2009 at 16:45
@Paul: Don’t forget that the Solstice and the Jetta both use power steering. I think that’s the main reason why they feel numb compared to the more advanced cars.
/Chris
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 16:50
I’m not brown-nosing any developers. I play the cockpit view in EVERY sim because it’s nonsensical to me to spend money on a wheel and a good PC to play a sim and then use a view that in no way is sim-like.
Drivers in race cars can’t turn their heads to get a panoramic view. They can’t see over their front wing or bumper. They can’t crane their necks, mainly because of the HANS device or wraparound seats.
So I find it hard to see how anything but cockpit view stays true to the concept of a sim. Race drivers aren’t strapped on the hood or the front bumper. They’re strapped into the cockpit. That’s why I have no problem with a forced cockpit view. If you want to re-create the true driving experience in ANY sim, not just iRacing, cockpit is the only proper view because it’s the only one that approaches reality.
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 16:53
Good point, Chris. Thanks!
steve30x
September 5th, 2009 at 17:26
There is a big difference from looking in cockpit view in a sim and sitting in the driver seat of a real car. Theres a better panoramic view through or FOV in a real car aka you see a lot more through the windscreen than in a computer sim. So the cockpit view in a sim is very limiting.
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 18:07
I’ve driven a race car (late model stock car), too, but thanks for the remedial lesson about being strapped into a cockpit.
But you’re right that there’s a big difference between being strapped into a race car and a real car. In a race car, your field of view is MUCH more limited than in a race car, even if that car is open cockpit. If you’re wearing a five-point harness, a HANS device and have a high-sided cockpit with padding, you’re not going to see anywhere as much as if you’re in a passenger car.
You can set buttons on your wheel to look left and right from the cockpit view, which simulates looking in those directions in real life while in a cockpit. Sure, those views snap into action, which isn’t as realistic as a smooth glance or smooth head turn, but drivers in the middle of a race often just do quick spot checks of their mirrors and periphery. It’s not like they have time to make a smooth, languid look at the panorama in front of them.
There is no “perfect” view in a sim that mirrors reality. But real drivers are strapped into cockpits, not onto hoods or front bumpers. So cockpit is the closest thing to reality, in my opinion.
Diswanio
September 5th, 2009 at 18:26
“The FFB isnt near as good as NK pro”
Haha what a joke(er)
Paul Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 20:26
Man, a lot of posts in a thread about a game that’s on the verge of imminent collapse!
(SARCASM METER SPIKED)
ForzaBarca88
September 6th, 2009 at 04:02
Haha, its funny cos its true
Dave
September 6th, 2009 at 04:41
FFB is pretty much one of the most personal settings you can get in sim-racing in my opinion. As much as some like none..some like a lot and its never a consensus opinion from everyone on it. Be that as it may..here are the settings that the developer of the Real Feel Plugin for rFactor who was a Beta Tester and is a driver in iRacing posted for settings.
Logitech Profiler turned off.
Degrees of Rotation 900
Overall effects 107%
Spring 0%
Damper 0%
Centering Spring 0% but check-marked. (I use 40%-which seems to work for me)
In-game set to
900 degrees of rotation
12% FFB
felipe
September 6th, 2009 at 05:47
ok this is the deal I was promised that I wouldn’t be charged for the trial if I used paypal but what is this??
Description Unit price Qty Amount
iRacing.com Membership
$1.00 USD 1 $1.00 USD
Subtotal $1.00 USD
Payment sent to support@iracing.com
So I opened process in paypal to get my money back!
Dave
September 6th, 2009 at 06:02
I can’t believe the stupidity level…but oh well..
Felipe..obviously you didn’t read the page about how the Trial worked did you? This page http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=128241125479&ref=mf that states the following answer about your measley $1.00.
How the subscription works/things you need to know:
The promotion code creates a new account. Therefore, this cannot be used to add content to an existing account in any way.
A credit/debit card or Paypal account is required and will be needed to access the trial.
This is a free first month. You can cancel payment for the second (and onwards) months at any time. When logged into the members Web site, go to the My Account link, click cancel and cancel again. Regular monthly billing is $19 per month.
Some credit/debit cards (especially European banks) will not accept a $0 transaction. To get around this, we sometimes request $1 – which will show as pending, but this $1 will drop back into your account and will not be taken.
felipe
September 6th, 2009 at 06:06
yep I read all that but that doesn’t change the fact I used no credit card I used my paypal account and paypal did charge for the transaction! It’s not about the money but about what was said! and why not charge 1 cent instead of one dollar?! Credit cards do accept 1 cent payments!
the.cosmic.pope
September 6th, 2009 at 08:33
No. Not all Credit Card systems allow for 1 cent transactions. For example after an exchange rate conversion, 1 cent = 0 pence, and therefore rounds back down to £0.00. This goes for most world currencies. So a minimum of $1.00 was used to allow for currency conversion.
So no, your idea wouldn’t work.
Diswanio
September 6th, 2009 at 09:14
YOU THINK ITS TRUE, that’s the difference
felipe
September 6th, 2009 at 11:29
ok my idea indeed doesn’t work but then they should make it clear the trial will cost U$ 1 and not “free”!
the.cosmic.pope
September 6th, 2009 at 13:33
The system SHOULD be free. It only authorises a $1.00 transaction. It then doesn’t transfer any money. If they did then send an email to support and I’m sure they can fix it. Obviously it is the principle of it rather than the $1.00, but it is clearly an error. Only a select few have had the issue.
Paul Kelly
September 6th, 2009 at 15:47
It doesn’t cost $1. Your $1 will be returned if you cancel before the end of the demo, making it F-R-E-E.
Pain-less
September 6th, 2009 at 18:06
I agree!! They could have done it backwards. Sign up for free, no money, no credit card and let the potential new customer try it for 30 days. After 30 days the account is flagged and if you want to CONTINUE using the service, then you give them billing information.
But then iRacing wouldn’t get free money from the people that forgot to cancel.
Paul Kelly
September 6th, 2009 at 19:24
iRacing uses the name on your credit card to ensure people don’t race under fake Internet nicknames or pseudonyms. So when you’re racing with someone named Dale Earnhardt Jr., Marcos Ambrose or Justin Wilson, it really is them.
This has been mentioned numerous times in iRacing threads at VirtualR, but hey, who has time to read these days?
Pain-less
September 6th, 2009 at 20:13
It is a marketing ploy. Even still, once after the 30 day period has expired, the account could be updated with the correct name information, if necessary.
the.cosmic.pope
September 6th, 2009 at 21:10
No. It isn’t a marketing ploy. That’d be ridiculous. And iRacing is attempting to build what essentially is a massive league. There is no hiding behind usernames here.
Pain-less
September 6th, 2009 at 22:09
Believe what you want pope.
unklepepper
September 7th, 2009 at 00:14
Also, if they cant get a real identification from someone using the free trial, well people would just keep signing up for free trials month after month without detection!
Paul Kelly
September 7th, 2009 at 01:29
It’s a marketing ploy? Get real. It’s the way iRacing signs up EVERYONE. It has been their consistent registration model since launch.
Unklepepper’s point also hits the proverbial golden spike on the head, too. Great point, Unk.
Pain, you can believe any consipiracy theory you want. I take it you believe there were six gunmen on the grassy knoll in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, too.
Pain-less
September 7th, 2009 at 02:56
Funny you say that. I was at Dealy Plaza just 3 weeks ago. Six gunman? No. But I don’t believe Oswald acted alone.
I never said it was a conspiracy but it is still a marketing ploy. Just like mail-in rebates. Manufacturers offer those because a percentage of consumers do not or forget to send them in.
Paul Kelly
September 7th, 2009 at 07:42
Microsoft did the same thing with Xbox Live long before iRacing. Automatic annual renewals unless you cancel.
ForzaBarca88
September 7th, 2009 at 09:08
Bingo. Even logging IP addresses wouldnt get around this if the person knows what theyre doing.
Meclazine
September 10th, 2009 at 13:12
Went to /membersite/SubscriptionChoices.do on IE7 and filled in all the details.
Then when you click on submit, it dumps you back to /membersite/SubscriptionChoices.do with no acknowledgement, no email, no nothing.
No iRacing.
Klaas Jan
September 10th, 2009 at 20:13
The promotion has been cancelled due to abuse..
UncleChuckle
September 11th, 2009 at 01:32
Well I won’t be keeping my subscription. Far too many reasons to go into here. To bullet point it:
Boring car and track selection.
Repetitive. (For free I can race hundreds of cars and tracks in other sims. Here I pay for the right to drive two cars on two tracks. Oh sure I can drive the other few tracks, but what’s the point, when I’m going to be forced to drive them repeatedly in the near future anyway? There’s no AI so it’s just hotlapping when I’m going to be stuck doing that anyway down the road.)
Lack of realism. (”Oh, so you crashed out of the race Rubens? No worries, go run it again.”)
Drivers as bad as, and worse in some cases, than public servers. (I realise this will change as I go up levels but I’m not prepared to put up with such pitiful driving standards to get there. Seriously I could write an entire essay on just one of the Lime Rock qualifying sessions I had.)
Overpriced. (Really? $20 a month for THAT? Two cars and two tracks to race? AND you charge for addons? iRacing: Fueled by Greed.)
To be quite frank, I hated it. I really wanted to love it as I like the idea of a virtual governing body as it were, but I just hated the implementation on almost every level. I find it sad that something so flawed is seemingly so popular, because it means nothing BETTER will come and replace it in what is already a niche market.
FooAtari
September 11th, 2009 at 09:18
I can’t argue with most of your reasoning, most of it is reasonable. But…
I don’t understand this. Can you explain? In iRacing you can’t restart. In most other sims you can. In fact it’s guaranteed in nearly every public server…
I’m honestly truly surprised by this. Maybe that was a result of the free trial that few took seriously. But when I started iRacing 4 or so months ago the racing, even in the rookie series was of a very high standard, it wasn’t even comparable to a public server. But then, the people there were paying for the sim and had a genuine interest in it…
Edit:
Having just read RSC it appears you suffered from the many users who abused the trial. Judging from the rest of your post I doubt a higher standard of racing would have been enough for you to consider iRacing worth while. However it is sad that the actions of a few morons has given you a negative opinion of one part of the sim, which isn’t representative of it. I 100% believe that if you had tried iRacing before the trial you would have a different opinion towards the standard of racing. However your car/track selection and cost issues would remain, so for you it’s probably not a good option.
ForzaBarca88
September 11th, 2009 at 10:21
I think maybe he means the fact that after you crash out and get “towed” back to pits you can get back into the race. But you lose so much time its not particularly unrealistic. Anyways, thats the thing i can think of
FooAtari
September 11th, 2009 at 19:12
Yeah that could be it.
Fair point I guess. Although of all the inaccuracies in iRacing and sim racing in general thats rather low on my list. The lack of a decent clutch model in iRacing is far more important.
ClarkL
September 19th, 2009 at 00:31
Hmm go to sign up for the trial and it takes you right back to the member sign up page. No messages, no anything. I see on here they’ve dumped this trial. Very professional iRacing. Was going to give it a shot, but now there’s no way in hell they’ll ever get me to try it. I thought the subscription was absurd to begin with, and now this level of profesisonalism has sealed it. Big one finger salute to iRacing!
FooAtari
September 19th, 2009 at 08:53
ClarKL, the trial was closed due to huge amounts of abuse which were ruining the races. It was worse than running in a public rfactor server. iRacing had no choice to stop it. You can thank the actions of a few morons for spoiling your fun.
Pain-less
September 20th, 2009 at 15:28
As much as I disagree with iRacing’s concepts, to join the trial and ruin races is just wrong.