Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you. We love to help answer questions and race together.

Cost of Iracing Membership

New to iRacing? Learn the cost of iRacing membership, what’s included, optional content prices, and a smart first-year plan so beginners save money and start racing.

Quick Answer

The cost of iracing membership is your subscription fee to access iRacing’s online service. Expect around $13/month or roughly $110/year, with frequent 40% discounts for new members and seasonal promos. Cars and tracks are extra (about $11.95–$14.95 each). You can race for weeks on included content before buying anything else.

What This Guide Covers

  • What cost of iracing membership means in iRacing
  • Why beginners struggle with pricing and what’s actually required
  • A step-by-step plan to spend smart and start racing today
  • Common mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)
  • A short practice drill to build Safety Rating without buying content
  • When it helps to ask other iRacing drivers for quick feedback

What cost of iracing membership Means in iRacing

  • Simple definition: Your membership unlocks the platform—online racing, AI, Time Trials, hosted play, licensing, and a library of free cars/tracks. It does not include most paid cars/tracks.
  • Real-world analogy: Think of it like a gym membership (access to the facility) plus optional classes (paid cars/tracks) if you want specific series.
  • Where you see it in iRacing: Pricing and renewal live on your iRacing account page. In the Series list, you’ll see “Missing Content” flags for cars/tracks you don’t own. The Store lists cars and tracks with their prices.

Typical (not guaranteed) pricing at a glance:

  • Membership: about $13/month, ~$33 for 3 months, ~$110 for 12 months, with regular promos (new members often get ~40% off). Always check iRacing’s Pricing page for current deals.
  • Content: most cars ~$11.95; most tracks ~$11.95–$14.95; some “legacy” items are cheaper.
  • Discounts: bundle discounts (e.g., 3+ items in cart) and deeper discounts if you own a lot of content. Seasonal sales (e.g., Black Friday) are common.
  • Participation credits: complete enough official races in a season and you can earn small iRacing Credits (up to around $40/year) to spend on content—not membership.

Why This Matters for Rookies

Understanding costs early keeps your wallet happy and your progress smooth. New iRacing drivers often overspend by buying random tracks or multiple cars before they’ve picked a path. A smarter plan:

  • Start with included content and build Safety Rating (SR) in Rookie.
  • Choose one discipline (Road, Oval, Dirt, or Rallycross).
  • Buy just enough tracks to cover a full season (8 of 12 weeks) in one series you enjoy.
  • Use discounts and sales rather than impulse purchases. When you do this, the cost of iracing membership stays predictable, you avoid frustration, and your SR and iRating climb faster because you’re practicing consistently, not hopping between series.

Common Problems Beginners Face With Costs

Problem 1: Buying lots of content before picking a series

  • Why it happens: FOMO and excitement—everything looks fun.
  • How to fix it: Choose one Rookie or D-class series (e.g., MX-5 Cup on Road) and stick to it for a season. Buy only the tracks needed to race 8 of 12 weeks.

Problem 2: Assuming the membership includes all cars and tracks

  • Why it happens: Other games bundle content; iRacing sells most content a la carte.
  • How to fix it: In the Series page, check “Missing Content.” If you don’t own it, you can still practice/Time Trial on included tracks and plan purchases around your chosen series.

Problem 3: Overpaying by buying items one at a time

  • Why it happens: Buying right before a race without planning.
  • How to fix it: Add 3–6 items to your cart at once to trigger bundle discounts, and time purchases around sales. Use participation credits on bigger items.

Problem 4: Chasing too many licenses too soon

  • Why it happens: Wanting to “try everything.”
  • How to fix it: Focus on one ladder for your first 6–12 weeks. You’ll learn racecraft faster, spend less, and build SR with fewer incidents.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build a Smart iRacing Budget

  1. Open iRacing and pick one path: Road, Oval, Dirt Oval, or Dirt Road. This reduces content overlap and cost.
  2. In Series, filter for Rookie or D-class and click a series you like (e.g., Global MX-5 Cup).
  3. Open the Season Schedule. Mark which weeks use included tracks vs. paid tracks.
  4. Aim for 8 of 12 weeks coverage. Buy only the 2–4 tracks you’re missing to hit eight weeks.
  5. Check the Store cart with all needed items at once to trigger bundle discounts.
  6. Look for promos. If you’re brand new, grab the best new-member deal for membership length you’ll actually use.
  7. Set your renewal reminder. Don’t auto-renew at a higher rate if a sale is near.
  8. Race practice/Time Trials on included tracks first to build SR, then join officials when clean and steady.
  9. Optional: Spectate an official race to confirm the series vibe before buying more tracks.

Common mistake to avoid: Buying a new car before you’ve mastered the current one. The fastest, cheapest upgrade is seat time.

Practical Example (Before vs. After)

Before (Typical Rookie)

  • Buys two cars and six tracks across three different series.
  • Misses races due to “Missing Content,” feels scattered, and SR rises slowly.
  • Spends a lot, races little, feels overwhelmed.

After (Correct Approach)

  • Chooses MX-5 Cup (Road). Buys three tracks to reach 8/12 weeks.
  • Practices the same combo, races weekly, SR climbs, and racecraft improves.
  • Spends less, races more, enjoys steady progress.

Simple Practice Drill (5–10 Minutes)

  • Load a Test Session: Mazda MX-5 at Okayama Full (both are included).
  • Run 10 laps focusing only on exits: brake early, slow hands, and clean throttle on corner exit.
  • Goal: 10 incident-free laps. Ignore lap time. Clean, consistent laps boost Safety Rating and unlock licenses—no extra content required.

Pro Tips for New iRacing Drivers

  • If you’re unsure on a track, watch one onboard from a fast driver and copy braking points—not speed.
  • Practice in Test or AI sessions first to protect SR and confidence.
  • Plan purchases around the season schedule; 8 of 12 weeks is the magic number.
  • Use sales and bundle discounts; don’t drip-buy one item at a time.
  • Participation credits can offset content costs—finish the season!
  • Spectate a few official races to confirm the series quality and race etiquette.

When to Ask for Help (Gentle Community Push)

Everyone wrestles with costs and choices at first. If you’re stuck, many new iRacing drivers hang out in beginner-friendly Discord communities where they can share replays and ask quick questions. A couple of friendly pointers on series choice or track picks can save you money and weeks of trial and error.

FAQs About cost of iracing membership in iRacing

  • Is the membership all I need to race?
    You can run practice, Time Trials, AI, and Rookie races with included content. For most official series beyond Rookie, you’ll need to buy some cars/tracks.

  • How much does iRacing cost per year for a beginner?
    A realistic first year is the membership ($99–$110 typical, often less with promos) plus $30–$120 in content if you focus on one series. You can spend more, but you don’t have to.

  • Do I need expensive hardware to start?
    No. A basic wheel/pedals is enough. Upgrade pedals or add a load cell later if you love it—seat time matters far more than gear early on.

  • Can I pause my membership?
    Yes. If you let it lapse, your content and license resume when you renew. Use this if you’re taking a break and don’t want to pay during downtime.

  • Are there refunds or credits if I buy the wrong item?
    iRacing support is generally helpful with recent accidental purchases, but policies can change. Open a ticket quickly—don’t assume refunds for old buys.

Final Takeaways

  • Start with included content; pick one series and cover 8 of 12 weeks.
  • Buy in small, planned batches to trigger discounts and use seasonal sales.
  • Clean laps grow SR fast, unlocking more racing without buying everything.
  • You don’t need to spend big to have real fun.

Next session action: Open your chosen Rookie/D series schedule, circle the included tracks, and list the 2–4 paid tracks you’d need for 8-week coverage. That’s your shopping list—nothing more.

Optional Next Steps

  • Next: Rookie to D License—clean driving, SR, and protest basics
  • Or read: Choosing your first iRacing series and car (Road vs. Oval vs. Dirt)