With the release of the Dallara IL-15, iRacing’s open-wheel ladder finally feels like it has no missing rungs. The sim now offers a progression path that mirrors the real-world journey of drivers climbing toward the NTT INDYCAR Series, giving racers of all skill levels a place to learn, grow, and compete.
From the Ground Up
The ladder begins with the entry-level Formula 4 and USF2000 cars. These smaller, less powerful machines are designed to teach fundamentals: braking points, weight transfer, and race craft. They’re forgiving enough to learn on, but demanding enough to punish sloppy driving — exactly what you’d expect for rookie development.
Stepping up to the IL-15, drivers graduate into something altogether different. With 450 horsepower (500 with push-to-pass), the car accelerates like a missile and feels dramatically more stable at speed thanks to its carbon monocoque and high-downforce design. It’s fast enough to thrill veterans, yet designed to be approachable so drivers making the jump aren’t completely overwhelmed.
Bridging the Gap
In real life, the INDY NXT championship has proven itself as the springboard to top-level INDYCAR. Champions like Josef Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, and Kyle Kirkwood all honed their craft in the IL-15 before becoming household names. Now, iRacing members can experience the same developmental step, racing the exact car that feeds into the Indy 500 grid.
The IL-15’s push-to-pass system also adds a unique strategic layer. Managing limited boost time in close fights teaches drivers how to think about more than just raw pace — they need to master tactics, timing, and self-control. It’s this balance of power and patience that makes the IL-15 such a valuable learning tool.
Preparing for the IR-18
At the top of iRacing’s open-wheel ladder sits the Dallara IR-18, the car of today’s INDYCAR Series. It’s faster, more complex, and more brutal to drive over long runs — and without the IL-15, the gap between junior formulas and the IR-18 would feel massive. With the IL-15 in place, the transition is smoother. Drivers carry over the fundamentals of high-power turbo cars, push-to-pass management, and the dual discipline of ovals and road courses.
In other words, mastering the IL-15 isn’t just a fun step — it’s a required apprenticeship for anyone serious about racing INDYCAR machinery in the sim.
The Bigger Picture
The addition of the Dallara IL-15 completes a pyramid: F4 → USF2000 → IL-15 → IR-18. That pyramid doesn’t just look good on paper; it also mirrors the exact system used in real-world American open-wheel racing. For sim racers who dream of IndyCar glory, that authenticity is invaluable.
And beyond training, the car is a blast to race. On ovals, it offers tight pack battles and slipstream duels. On road courses, it’s agile, rewarding precise inputs and aggressive braking. In either format, the IL-15 delivers an experience that feels pure, exciting, and quintessentially “open wheel.”
The Dallara IL-15 gives iRacing a true mid-step in its open-wheel development path. It’s a car that challenges, teaches, and thrills all at once. For rookies working their way up or veterans looking for competitive fixed-series action, the IL-15 is the new heart of iRacing’s open-wheel ladder — and it’s here to stay.
