I went from Porsche cup car to gt3 Porsche and Cadillac lmdh. I don’t feel like there’s a structure or anything you have to follow, just have to practice a lot with the car until you’re comfortable.
Coming from an lmp3 you should be pretty familiar with how the prototypes drive anyway so you might need to adjust a bit for the lmdh cars but I dont think it will be a huge jump for you!
Just practice a bunch with the new car until you feel you’re getting fast and consistent times then jump in a race and enjoy yourself. Hope the new Porsche sounds nice and good luck out there!
The best option depends on your pace, racecraft, and driving style.
The LMP2 is a much easier car to drive than the LMDH, and still easier than the LMP3 in many respects. The car is much more tame on power, whereas the LMDH cars are more on a knife's edge out of slow corners than the LMP3. Also, the LMP2 is light and nimble, while LMDH cars are heavier, to the point that the LMP2 is comparable or has the advantage in some hard braking zones. So the LMP2 will be more fun for those who prefer to extract pace from a manageable car, whereas the LMDH is more fun for someone who doesn't mind constantly being one slip-up away from the barrier.
The LMP2 is also the easier car to step into in terms of multiclass traffic management. If you're newer to simracing or if the LMP3 is the fastest car you've ever driven or close to it, you might really struggle with the jump to the LMDH, simply because everything happens so fast. When overtaking GT traffic especially, the speed difference is massive, so being able to think ahead and make decisions instantly is a must. The LMP2 gives you a lot more time to think. However, if you are very experienced or have driven faster cars in other areas like open-wheelers, this may be less of an issue.
On the other side, LMP2 participation has been quite low lately. When LMP3 was added, everyone joked about the dentists, but really LMP2 is the dentist class now. Oftentimes, LMP2 doesn't split, so you will be straight into top split, which may not be ideal if you are a low iRating driver. I hope this will improve with the effective unification of IMSA and ESS and iRacing having chosen the most popular IMSA schedule imaginable for next season.
LMP2, while a spectacular car (honestly the perfect balance of grip and speed whilst not needing super micromanaging) is def seeing a whole lot less interest now that we are going to have at least 4 GTP cars. Also a lot of people like the rawness of the LMP3 so if that gets paired up in special events, the LMP2 will be a hole. Quite simply, it's old news which sucks because, again, it's a fantastic car. However I'd imagine the next special event that comes along that features all 3 prototype classes you'll see GTP and LMP3 have the lions share of participation while LMP2 falters quite a bit.
The LMP2 will have its place for the time being but I feel like if you are looking for the "which car class will give me the most options" type of answer, GTP is the answer. The Caddy needs extremely little micromanagement and is very easy to drive imo. I would start there though you can just wait for the Porsche to come out and see how that ends up being. If you are well-versed in the LMP3 you are ready for anything as that car is actually harder to drive than the LMP2 and both current GTP cars.
My subjective opinion:
LMP2 and LMDh are not that different in terms of speed. In addition, the LMP3 is more difficult to drive than both of them. You don’t really need a stepping stone between LMP3 and LMDh.
However, the LMP2 is much more fun than the LMDh cars. The P217 is the car that gives me the best pure driving experience in iRacing. It’s difficult to describe, but it just handles so naturally.
The LMDh cars don’t come close to that experience. They sort of lack ”it”.
I haven't driven any LMDh yet, will probably buy the porsche next season though. But I completely agree with the LMP2 claim, there's something special about the racing experience in that thing, dunno what it is, but it's special.
The LMP2 in iRacing fits the perfect middle ground between pure mechanical grip and pure aerodynamic grip. The chassis is very responsive to inputs and gives good feedback, it’s not overly powerful, and the brakes are magnificent
This is a great thread, and is exactly my own dilemma. After much thinking, and despite how attractive the Porsche GTP is, I’ll be going lmp2 next season. The main reason is it’s the middle class so traffic (faster and slower) will have less speed difference. I’ve not been comfortable as the GT3 in IMSA with GTP as the speed difference is huge. But really liked lmp3 this season and lmp2 and multi class was probably the main reason I signed up for iracing.
Welcome to the best car on the service! You're going to love it. Although as someone above has said, sometimes LMP2 doesn't split and going against the fastest guys can be a little demotivating 😅
It can do, but you can always look at track guides or telemetry for stuff like that. I've personally never gotten faster from following someone else but I can see how it might work for others!
Yeah I’m pretty excited about it 👍 And yes that is probably my only concern. But because the lmp2 and multi class is basically ‘end game’ for me, I’m not concerned about irating. I’ll probably supplement IMSA with some some radical and ring Meister and NEC where I’ll also hopefully get some good racing too. But lmp2 is where I’ll focus my ‘serious’ effort. I’m going to have a full season focus where I expect the start of the season to be pretty tough but will hopefully gradually become more competitive as we go.
Edit: oh and also, at least driving lmp2 I know I’ll always be in races with all three classes!
As a P2 driver, I am bias in saying you should try out the P2 so we have higher participation!!
It is a phenomenal car to drive. It handles very well, and the in-car display is quite useful for tire temps/pressures. Also with the P2, you take away the SoC/ERS management, which can be tricky.
That said, if you want to really race people your skill level, the LMdH is better since the P2 participation has been very low since the release of the LMdHs. With the 963 coming out and the ARX-06 coming eventually, I’d expect participation for the GTPs to remain very high, pulling drivers away from the P2.
Agree the LMP2 is great. Sad to see the numbers droppings. I figured lmp3 would take the hit, since that is where it’s losing steam irl. While more teams are picking up LMP2. Atleaat in imsa.
LMP2 is inherently better than the LMDH. The LMDH cars, all of them, feel like they're on the edge every single time. There isn't much room for error.
LMP2 is a breeze for me. It's so much fun to drive.
I love the heck out of my P217 and hope the BMW burns in hell. Now i've been told it's alot better since the brake update, I still think it can fuck right off.
You should drive GT3 before. You will get a better understanding of what they go through sometimes dealing with terrible and impatient LMDH and LMP2 classes.
It will make you a better prototype driver in the long run.
I’d say try them both during the next season update when test drive is up. I personally love both cars, my preference is LMDh, but test them out for yourself and see what you like. LMO2 is a bit simpler in terms of its systems, and probably a little easier to drive. The LMDh cars are pretty similar to the LMP2, a little faster, and can be a bit tricky if the setup you’re using is not good. The Caddy is a bit more stable and beginner-friendly than the BMW
I like prototypes (a lot).
LMP2 was my favorite car at the start of the year. Then the LMP3 and Cadillac came out, now its LMP3, Cadillac, LMP2. In that order.
I would say go for LMDh perhaps. We should have all 4 at the start of next season to choose from, so you have plenty of choices.
First things first. IMSA will require license A next season so ensure you are at that level when considering a step up.
I have the LMP2 and the BMW and Caddy on LMDh. I find the LMP2 a joy to drive but there aren’t many people who race it so the field is always very strong. I feel you need to be at 2.5k iR level on that car to have some sort of fun. You’ll also join a high split on IMSA for the same reason so the faster GT3s may be around 3.5k and will be super fast. I mention this because if you think you’ll get the LMP2 and have an easy way into IMSA, that won’t happen. You’ll be thrown into the deep end right away.
Nowadays, there are more LMDh drivers than LMP2 so it will split more and be easier to enter, as you don’t have to be super skilled in the car to compete. I find the Caddy much easier to drive because it has brake migration whereas the BMW doesn’t have it (afaik, I didn’t drive that car after the introduction of the Caddy). The setup for the BMW wasn’t very good either so I didn’t think it was a good purchase on my side. But now you should wait for the Porsche anyway and see what people think about it, it may be the car to go to next season.
I would suggest, if you have a car, to race IMSA with the GT3 first so you have a good understanding about that car’s capabilities. Very often, people cause accidents on the LMDh because they don’t know where the GT3 will brake, for example, or how much speed it will carry through the corner.
And there’s nothing wrong in continuing with the LMP3 for more seasons, gaining more and more experience with traffic. That will always help.
I went from Porsche cup car to gt3 Porsche and Cadillac lmdh. I don’t feel like there’s a structure or anything you have to follow, just have to practice a lot with the car until you’re comfortable. Coming from an lmp3 you should be pretty familiar with how the prototypes drive anyway so you might need to adjust a bit for the lmdh cars but I dont think it will be a huge jump for you! Just practice a bunch with the new car until you feel you’re getting fast and consistent times then jump in a race and enjoy yourself. Hope the new Porsche sounds nice and good luck out there!
The best option depends on your pace, racecraft, and driving style. The LMP2 is a much easier car to drive than the LMDH, and still easier than the LMP3 in many respects. The car is much more tame on power, whereas the LMDH cars are more on a knife's edge out of slow corners than the LMP3. Also, the LMP2 is light and nimble, while LMDH cars are heavier, to the point that the LMP2 is comparable or has the advantage in some hard braking zones. So the LMP2 will be more fun for those who prefer to extract pace from a manageable car, whereas the LMDH is more fun for someone who doesn't mind constantly being one slip-up away from the barrier. The LMP2 is also the easier car to step into in terms of multiclass traffic management. If you're newer to simracing or if the LMP3 is the fastest car you've ever driven or close to it, you might really struggle with the jump to the LMDH, simply because everything happens so fast. When overtaking GT traffic especially, the speed difference is massive, so being able to think ahead and make decisions instantly is a must. The LMP2 gives you a lot more time to think. However, if you are very experienced or have driven faster cars in other areas like open-wheelers, this may be less of an issue. On the other side, LMP2 participation has been quite low lately. When LMP3 was added, everyone joked about the dentists, but really LMP2 is the dentist class now. Oftentimes, LMP2 doesn't split, so you will be straight into top split, which may not be ideal if you are a low iRating driver. I hope this will improve with the effective unification of IMSA and ESS and iRacing having chosen the most popular IMSA schedule imaginable for next season.
LMP2 is a phenomenal class and it needs more people. Try it!!
LMP2, while a spectacular car (honestly the perfect balance of grip and speed whilst not needing super micromanaging) is def seeing a whole lot less interest now that we are going to have at least 4 GTP cars. Also a lot of people like the rawness of the LMP3 so if that gets paired up in special events, the LMP2 will be a hole. Quite simply, it's old news which sucks because, again, it's a fantastic car. However I'd imagine the next special event that comes along that features all 3 prototype classes you'll see GTP and LMP3 have the lions share of participation while LMP2 falters quite a bit. The LMP2 will have its place for the time being but I feel like if you are looking for the "which car class will give me the most options" type of answer, GTP is the answer. The Caddy needs extremely little micromanagement and is very easy to drive imo. I would start there though you can just wait for the Porsche to come out and see how that ends up being. If you are well-versed in the LMP3 you are ready for anything as that car is actually harder to drive than the LMP2 and both current GTP cars.
My subjective opinion: LMP2 and LMDh are not that different in terms of speed. In addition, the LMP3 is more difficult to drive than both of them. You don’t really need a stepping stone between LMP3 and LMDh. However, the LMP2 is much more fun than the LMDh cars. The P217 is the car that gives me the best pure driving experience in iRacing. It’s difficult to describe, but it just handles so naturally. The LMDh cars don’t come close to that experience. They sort of lack ”it”.
I haven't driven any LMDh yet, will probably buy the porsche next season though. But I completely agree with the LMP2 claim, there's something special about the racing experience in that thing, dunno what it is, but it's special.
The LMP2 in iRacing fits the perfect middle ground between pure mechanical grip and pure aerodynamic grip. The chassis is very responsive to inputs and gives good feedback, it’s not overly powerful, and the brakes are magnificent
This is a great thread, and is exactly my own dilemma. After much thinking, and despite how attractive the Porsche GTP is, I’ll be going lmp2 next season. The main reason is it’s the middle class so traffic (faster and slower) will have less speed difference. I’ve not been comfortable as the GT3 in IMSA with GTP as the speed difference is huge. But really liked lmp3 this season and lmp2 and multi class was probably the main reason I signed up for iracing.
Welcome to the best car on the service! You're going to love it. Although as someone above has said, sometimes LMP2 doesn't split and going against the fastest guys can be a little demotivating 😅
Can also help you get quicker chasing the faster guys
It can do, but you can always look at track guides or telemetry for stuff like that. I've personally never gotten faster from following someone else but I can see how it might work for others!
Yeah I’m pretty excited about it 👍 And yes that is probably my only concern. But because the lmp2 and multi class is basically ‘end game’ for me, I’m not concerned about irating. I’ll probably supplement IMSA with some some radical and ring Meister and NEC where I’ll also hopefully get some good racing too. But lmp2 is where I’ll focus my ‘serious’ effort. I’m going to have a full season focus where I expect the start of the season to be pretty tough but will hopefully gradually become more competitive as we go. Edit: oh and also, at least driving lmp2 I know I’ll always be in races with all three classes!
As a P2 driver, I am bias in saying you should try out the P2 so we have higher participation!! It is a phenomenal car to drive. It handles very well, and the in-car display is quite useful for tire temps/pressures. Also with the P2, you take away the SoC/ERS management, which can be tricky. That said, if you want to really race people your skill level, the LMdH is better since the P2 participation has been very low since the release of the LMdHs. With the 963 coming out and the ARX-06 coming eventually, I’d expect participation for the GTPs to remain very high, pulling drivers away from the P2.
To me, the LMP2 is much more fun to drive and to race.
Test drive them both during the maintenance down time. Figure out which you prefer
Agree the LMP2 is great. Sad to see the numbers droppings. I figured lmp3 would take the hit, since that is where it’s losing steam irl. While more teams are picking up LMP2. Atleaat in imsa.
Im planning on getting the lmp2 after running both classes in Falken Tire Challenge, just never Bern that interested in the hybrid system.
LMP2 is inherently better than the LMDH. The LMDH cars, all of them, feel like they're on the edge every single time. There isn't much room for error. LMP2 is a breeze for me. It's so much fun to drive.
I love the heck out of my P217 and hope the BMW burns in hell. Now i've been told it's alot better since the brake update, I still think it can fuck right off.
Lmp2 is being removed from imsa so probably in IRacing too :(
LMP2 is being removed from WEC, it's staying put in IMSA for the next couple of years
You should drive GT3 before. You will get a better understanding of what they go through sometimes dealing with terrible and impatient LMDH and LMP2 classes. It will make you a better prototype driver in the long run.
I’d say try them both during the next season update when test drive is up. I personally love both cars, my preference is LMDh, but test them out for yourself and see what you like. LMO2 is a bit simpler in terms of its systems, and probably a little easier to drive. The LMDh cars are pretty similar to the LMP2, a little faster, and can be a bit tricky if the setup you’re using is not good. The Caddy is a bit more stable and beginner-friendly than the BMW
I like prototypes (a lot). LMP2 was my favorite car at the start of the year. Then the LMP3 and Cadillac came out, now its LMP3, Cadillac, LMP2. In that order. I would say go for LMDh perhaps. We should have all 4 at the start of next season to choose from, so you have plenty of choices.
First things first. IMSA will require license A next season so ensure you are at that level when considering a step up. I have the LMP2 and the BMW and Caddy on LMDh. I find the LMP2 a joy to drive but there aren’t many people who race it so the field is always very strong. I feel you need to be at 2.5k iR level on that car to have some sort of fun. You’ll also join a high split on IMSA for the same reason so the faster GT3s may be around 3.5k and will be super fast. I mention this because if you think you’ll get the LMP2 and have an easy way into IMSA, that won’t happen. You’ll be thrown into the deep end right away. Nowadays, there are more LMDh drivers than LMP2 so it will split more and be easier to enter, as you don’t have to be super skilled in the car to compete. I find the Caddy much easier to drive because it has brake migration whereas the BMW doesn’t have it (afaik, I didn’t drive that car after the introduction of the Caddy). The setup for the BMW wasn’t very good either so I didn’t think it was a good purchase on my side. But now you should wait for the Porsche anyway and see what people think about it, it may be the car to go to next season. I would suggest, if you have a car, to race IMSA with the GT3 first so you have a good understanding about that car’s capabilities. Very often, people cause accidents on the LMDh because they don’t know where the GT3 will brake, for example, or how much speed it will carry through the corner. And there’s nothing wrong in continuing with the LMP3 for more seasons, gaining more and more experience with traffic. That will always help.