The iRacing GTE class Season 2 2026 update is one of the biggest overhauls the class has ever seen. The update brings new tires, rain capability, a ride height rule change, damper improvements, and a reorganized garage. If you race GTE, expect to rebuild your setups from scratch. Here’s the full breakdown.
All-New Slick Tires on the Latest Physics Model
iRacing replaced every slick tire in the GTE class. The new compound runs on the latest tire physics workflow. In practice, this means better feel near the limit and clearer feedback as you push toward the edge of grip. The breakaway threshold shifts slightly compared to the old tires. Consequently, your braking points and turn-in speeds need recalibrating. The new model better represents how a GT Le Mans tire degrades over a stint.
GTE Is Now Rain-Ready
All GTE cars can now run wet-weather tires. You can pit for wets during dynamic weather sessions or start on them from the grid. This opens up mixed-condition endurance racing for the class. Additionally, the wet tires share the same updated physics model as the slicks. Grip levels in the rain feel authentic and progressive rather than binary.
Ride Height Rule Change
iRacing lowered the minimum ride height for GTE cars. This is the most practical setup tip in the update. Lower ride heights improve aero efficiency and mechanical grip. If you run close to the old minimum, drop your ride height to the new floor. This single change can find meaningful lap time on its own.
Aero Balance Adjustments
With lower rake setups now possible, iRacing adjusted the aero balance across all GTE cars. The front-to-rear downforce split shifts slightly at lower ride heights. As a result, you may need to adjust your rear wing or front splitter settings to maintain the balance you’re used to. Test your old setup at the new ride height before changing other variables.
Dampers Get Their Own Tab
iRacing moved damper settings into a dedicated tab in the garage. Previously, damper adjustments lived alongside springs and anti-roll bars. Now they have their own screen. This makes it easier to isolate damper changes during setup work. The actual damper values carry over from your old setups. However, the new layout encourages more deliberate tuning.
Simplified Garage Layout
Beyond the damper tab, iRacing cleaned up the overall garage screen. Settings flow more logically now. Related adjustments sit closer together. For new GTE drivers especially, the reorganized layout makes setup work less overwhelming. Experienced drivers will find their usual settings in slightly different spots.
Gear Ratio Guidance
iRacing now provides baseline gear ratio recommendations for each GTE car. These appear in the garage as reference values. They give you a starting point for track-specific gearing. You can still run whatever ratios you prefer. However, the suggested values save time when building setups for unfamiliar circuits.
Balance of Performance Changes
iRacing adjusted the Balance of Performance across the GTE field. Some cars gained power, others lost weight, and a few saw aero tweaks. The goal is tighter competition across all manufacturers. Consequently, expect the competitive order to shift from what you remember. Cars that dominated before may find themselves in the middle of the pack now.
What to Do With Your Old Setups
Start fresh with the iRacing GTE class Season 2 2026 changes. The tire changes alone invalidate most of your old setup work. Drop your ride height to the new minimum first. Then rebuild your spring rates and aero balance around the new tire behavior. Use iRacing’s baseline setup as your starting point rather than your old saved files. The GTE class drives differently now, and your setups should reflect that.
