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How Much Is Iracing per Month

New to iRacing? Learn how much is iracing per month, what’s included, common extras, and a smart first-month plan for beginners who want to save money.

Quick Answer: how much is iRacing per month?

“how much is iracing per month” is typically about $13 USD for the standard monthly membership. New members often see seasonal discounts. Base content lets you race Rookie series without extra purchases, while optional cars and tracks usually cost around $12–$15 each. Prices can change—always check iRacing’s site.

What This Guide Covers

  • What “how much is iracing per month” means in iRacing
  • What’s included vs. optional costs (cars, tracks, hosting)
  • A beginner-friendly first-month plan that avoids overspending
  • Common mistakes that cost money—and how to dodge them
  • A simple practice drill you can run today
  • When it helps to ask other iRacing drivers for feedback

What “how much is iracing per month” Means in iRacing

In iRacing, you pay a membership to access the service (online racing, AI, and your content). That’s your monthly fee. On top of that, cars and tracks are one-time purchases you own for future use while your membership is active.

Analogy: Think of the membership like a gym pass (it unlocks the doors). Cars and tracks are like classes or equipment you buy once and then use whenever you’re a member.

Where you’ll see it in the UI:

  • Membership details and renewal are on your Account page.
  • The Store shows car/track prices. Series pages show “Not Owned” if you’re missing something.
  • The Schedule pages reveal which tracks you’ll need for the series you want to run.

Why This Matters for Rookies

Knowing how much is iRacing per month helps you plan your fun without surprise costs. Beginners often assume they must buy lots of content immediately—that’s not true. You can race Rookie series competitively using only included content while you learn race craft, protect your Safety Rating, and decide what you actually enjoy before spending more.

A calm plan means:

  • Fewer impulse buys and buyer’s remorse
  • Easier progress to D/C class without financial pressure
  • More time learning lines, flags, and etiquette instead of chasing content

Common Problems Beginners Face With iRacing Costs

Problem 1: Buying a bunch of cars/tracks on day one

  • Why it happens: FOMO and excitement. Schedules look huge, and it’s easy to think you need everything.
  • How to fix it: Race Rookie series first with included content. After two weeks, pick one path (oval, road, dirt) and buy only what your next series needs.

Problem 2: Confusing membership vs. content purchases

  • Why it happens: Two payment types feel like double-subscriptions.
  • How to fix it: Remember: membership is access; cars/tracks are one-time adds. Use the Series page—if it says “Owned,” you’re good. If not, it will show what you’re missing.

Problem 3: Missing good discounts

  • Why it happens: iRacing runs strong seasonal promos (especially for new members).
  • How to fix it: If you’re new, look for first-time discounts or holiday sales before committing to longer terms. Content also has volume discounts when buying multiple items together.

Problem 4: Paying monthly forever when a longer plan would be cheaper

  • Why it happens: You try a month, love it, and never switch plans.
  • How to fix it: If you’re sure you’ll stick with iRacing, multi-month or annual plans reduce the effective monthly cost.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up iRacing and Control Spending

  1. Create/Log in and check current promos: On the iRacing site, look for new member discounts or seasonal sales. Pick a 1-month or 3-month plan to test the waters.
  2. Stick to Rookie content first: Join a Rookie series (e.g., MX-5 Cup or Street Stock) that uses included cars and tracks. You can race a full week without buying anything.
  3. Plan your next series before buying: Open the Series schedule you’re eyeing (D class and up). Count how many weeks use included tracks vs. which ones you’d need to purchase.
  4. Buy only what you’ll use soon: If you’re committed, purchase the car and a few of the most common tracks for that series. Consider volume discounts if you’re buying several at once.
  5. Revisit your membership term: If you’re having fun after the first month, upgrade to a longer plan to lower your effective monthly cost.
  6. Avoid the “collect them all” trap: Build content slowly around the series you actually race.

Tip: Use replays to improve rather than buying more content. Pace comes from skill, not from owning extra tracks.

Practical Example (Before vs. After)

Before (Typical Rookie)

  • Jumps in, buys three cars and eight tracks “just in case.”
  • Gets overwhelmed by options and races less than expected.
  • Spends a lot, still struggles with incidents and confidence.

After (Correct Approach)

  • Uses the monthly membership and races Rookie MX-5 with included tracks for two weeks.
  • Learns starts, flags, and spatial awareness in lower pressure splits.
  • Buys one car and three tracks for the next series. Races more, spends less, improves faster.

Simple Practice Drill (5–10 Minutes)

  • Load a Test Session with the Mazda MX-5 at Lime Rock Park (included).
  • Do 10 laps focusing only on braking points and exit throttle. Aim for zero off-tracks and zero lockups.
  • Cue to feel: a smooth, single brake squeeze and gentle release, then steady throttle on corner exit. Ignore lap time—chase consistency and clean laps.

Pro Tips for New iRacing Drivers

  • Start with included Rookie series; you can be competitive without buying anything else.
  • If the car feels twitchy, lower Force Feedback strength slightly and raise steering linearity a touch.
  • Practice in Test or AI before official races to protect your Safety Rating.
  • Use replays and cockpit or chase cam to find early throttle or late braking mistakes.
  • Watch one fast onboard lap for your combo and copy their braking markers and gears.
  • Buy content around a season plan, not impulses—check the schedule first.

When to Ask for Help (Gentle Community Push)

If you’re unsure what to buy or which series fits you, you’re not alone—everyone wades through this early on. Many new iRacing drivers hang out in beginner-friendly Discord communities where they can share replays and ask quick questions. A couple of pointers on line choice and braking can save you money and time.

FAQs About how much is iracing per month in iRacing

  • Is iRacing worth it for beginners? Yes—if you use the included Rookie content first. You’ll learn race craft, flags, and safety habits without extra spending. Decide your favorite discipline before buying cars and tracks.

  • Do I need to buy cars and tracks right away? No. You can race Rookie series with included content. Only buy content once you pick a series you enjoy and know which tracks you’ll actually race.

  • Can I pay monthly and stop anytime? Yes. You can choose a monthly plan and let it expire if you’re trying iRacing. If you stick with it, consider a longer plan to reduce the effective monthly cost.

  • Are there discounts or sales? Often. New members commonly see discounted first terms, and big seasonal sales (like holiday periods) happen. Content may have volume discounts when buying multiple items.

  • Can I race AI or test sessions without a membership? You’ll need an active membership to launch iRacing at all, even for AI or test sessions. Content you own is usable only while your membership is active.

  • How much will I spend in my first month? You can spend only the membership fee if you stick to Rookie series. If you choose a D-class series, plan for roughly $12–$15 per car or track you add.

Final Takeaways

  • The short answer to “how much is iracing per month” is about $13 for the standard monthly plan, with frequent new-member discounts.
  • You can race Rookie events using included cars and tracks—no extra purchases needed.
  • Buy content only for the series you’re actually running, and watch for sales.
  • Next session action: run a 10-lap clean stint in Test mode, then plan one series path before buying anything.

You don’t have to learn everything at once. Focus on clean laps, pick one series you enjoy, and build your content slowly—your confidence and wallet will thank you.

Optional Next Steps

  • Next: Beginner’s guide to iRacing Safety Rating and clean racecraft
  • Or read: How to choose your first iRacing series (road, oval, or dirt) and plan a season without overspending