DOF really adds a lot to the images. All around it is usually an improvement. A+
You're using photoshop, I might also recommend something I tried with the last screenshot above. Recently I've noticed the brighter, whiter tones are really muted in iRacing... for example, the Band of Others on your hood, or the Blancpain logo on top. In my last screenshot, I brightened these things and I think it looks a lot better. The Band of Others logo is a lot more clear and stands out which is a huge deal.
I use the dodge tool, with highlights selected in the options, to do this. I set the exposure to about 25-50% and go over the white areas on paints and such that need it, once or twice.
Check out the original: (from above)
http://bandofothersgaming.com/community/attachments/okaleague2-png.2838/
Look at how stupidly dark the whites are... on your hood and on Jeeve's BMW. Weather/setting might contribute as well but I've found it's not a one-time issue.