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How to Change Fuel Strategy During Race in Iracing

Clear, beginner-focused guide for new iRacing drivers on how to change fuel strategy during race in iRacing. Use the black box and Auto Fuel to avoid DNFs.

If you’re new to iRacing, fuel talk can feel like techno‑magic. This guide shows you exactly how to change fuel strategy during race in iracing—without needing an engineering degree. You’ll learn the black box, Auto Fuel, and safe pit‑stop habits that prevent costly mistakes.

Quick Answer

Changing fuel strategy during a race in iRacing means adjusting your pit stop fuel target using the in‑car “black box” (Fuel and Pit Service pages). For beginners, it controls whether you finish without running out or carrying excess weight. Learning it lets you plan stops, adapt on cautions, and avoid DNFs.

What This Guide Covers

  • What “how to change fuel strategy during race in iracing” means in iRacing
  • Why beginners struggle with fuel and pit menus
  • Step-by-step guidance to do it safely and correctly
  • Common mistakes (and simple fixes)
  • A 10‑minute practice drill you can run today
  • When it helps to ask other iRacing drivers for feedback

What Fuel Strategy Means in iRacing

Fuel strategy is your plan for how much fuel to carry and when to pit. Think of a long road trip: you estimate miles, your car’s MPG, and where to stop so you don’t run dry or haul extra weight. In iRacing, this shows up in the “black box” overlays, especially:

  • Fuel black box: shows fuel remaining, estimated laps left, and Auto Fuel options.
  • Pit Service black box: lets you request a pit stop and choose services (fuel, tires, etc.).

You can cycle between black boxes and change values using keys or wheel buttons you bind in Options > Controls. Many drivers map these to easy-to-reach wheel buttons so they can adjust without taking their hands off the wheel.

Why This Matters for Rookies

  • Avoid DNFs: Running out of fuel ruins races and hurts confidence.
  • Safer driving: A predictable pit plan reduces panic decisions that cause incidents (protects Safety Rating).
  • Better pace: Not overfuelling keeps the car lighter and more responsive.
  • Flexibility: Knowing how to change fuel strategy during race in iracing helps you react to cautions, weather, or unexpected damage without guesswork.

Common Problems Beginners Face With Fuel Strategy

Problem 1: Running out of fuel near the end

  • Why it happens: No clear target; ignoring fuel laps vs. race laps; forgetting to re‑enable Auto Fuel.
  • How to fix it: Use the Fuel black box; enable Auto Fuel with a +1 or +2 lap buffer; confirm pit request and fuel target one lap before pitting.

Problem 2: Overfuelling and losing pace

  • Why it happens: Topping off “just in case” adds weight and hurts lap times.
  • How to fix it: Let Auto Fuel target the finish and add a small buffer (0.5–2 laps). Only top off if a long green run is guaranteed.

Problem 3: Messing with menus in traffic

  • Why it happens: Trying to scroll black boxes while side‑by‑side or mid‑corner.
  • How to fix it: Make adjustments on straights, under caution, or one quiet lap before pitting. Map black box controls to your wheel.

Problem 4: Unwanted tires changed or services added

  • Why it happens: Pit Service items stay selected from last stop or default setup.
  • How to fix it: Before pit entry, open the Pit Service black box and uncheck services you don’t want (e.g., tires, windshield, fast repair). Only leave “Fuel” selected if you need a splash.

Step-by-Step Guide: how to change fuel strategy during race in iracing

  1. Bind your controls first

    • In Options > Controls, bind: Next/Previous black box, Black box up/down, left/right (to change values), Pit request toggle, and (optional) Clear all services. Put these on your wheel if possible.

  2. Open the Fuel black box on your out lap

    • Look for fuel remaining and estimated laps left. If available, enable Auto Fuel and set a +1 or +2 lap cushion to finish comfortably.

  3. Confirm your pit plan

    • Compare “Laps of fuel left” with “Laps remaining” in the race. If you need a stop, decide roughly when (e.g., when the fuel says 2–3 laps left).

  4. Check the Pit Service black box one lap before pitting

    • Toggle Pit Request ON.
    • Select only what you want done: usually Fuel ON, Tires OFF (unless you need them). Avoid last‑second changes in the braking zone.

  5. Enter the pits cleanly

    • Hit the speed limiter if your car has one. Stay in your lane and don’t brake‑check. Stop on your marks (watch the crew/arrow).

  6. Watch the fuel target during your stop

    • Confirm the planned fuel amount or Auto Fuel target. If you need to tweak it, do so while stationary—then leave safely.

  7. After leaving the pits

    • Recheck the Fuel black box. Verify laps of fuel > laps remaining. Re‑enable Auto Fuel with your usual +lap cushion if needed.

  8. Adjust mid‑race if conditions change

    • Caution? Shorten or extend your window. Unexpected damage? Add an extra lap of fuel buffer. Always adjust on straights.

Bonus: If your series doesn’t require fuel (short rookies), still practice the steps in test sessions so you’re ready in longer races.

Practical Example (Before vs. After)

Before (Typical Rookie)

  • Pits whenever the pack pits, leaves tires on by accident, takes a full tank every time.
  • Car feels heavy after the stop; later runs out of fuel with two laps to go.
  • Outcome: Stress, penalties, or DNF.

After (Correct Approach)

  • Sets Auto Fuel with +1 lap buffer. Unchecks tires for a quick splash.
  • Pits on a planned lap, exits on target fuel, lighter car, steady pace.
  • Outcome: Finishes cleanly, avoids panic, and gains positions late in the race.

Simple Practice Drill (5–10 Minutes)

  • Load a Test Session with the Global Mazda MX‑5 at Lime Rock Park (no chicanes).
  • Run 5 laps, open the Fuel black box, enable Auto Fuel, and set +1 lap buffer.
  • Pit once on lap 6 for a splash only: request pit, fuel ON, tires OFF.
  • After the stop, confirm your fuel laps > laps remaining by at least 1 lap. Repeat once, changing the buffer to +2 to see the difference.

Ignore lap time—focus on comfort using the black boxes and stopping on your marks.

Pro Tips for New iRacing Drivers

  • Map black box controls to your wheel so adjustments take one or two clicks.
  • Use a small buffer (+0.5 to +2 laps). Bigger buffers add weight you don’t need.
  • Make menu changes on straights or under caution—not side‑by‑side.
  • Practice pit entry/exit lines in a test session to avoid speeding penalties.
  • Use the Relative black box to avoid pitting into heavy traffic when possible.
  • After every stop, quickly recheck your Fuel black box to confirm your new target.

When to Ask for Help (Gentle Community Push)

If fuel still feels confusing, you’re not alone—most new iRacing drivers struggle with it at first. Many new iRacing drivers hang out in beginner-friendly Discord communities where they can share replays and ask quick questions. A couple of comments on your pit entry or black box use can speed up your progress.

FAQs About how to change fuel strategy during race in iracing in iRacing

  • Is changing fuel strategy important for beginners in iRacing?

    • Yes. Even in shorter races, learning the fuel and pit black boxes prevents DNFs and builds habits you’ll use in longer events. It also lowers stress.

  • What is Auto Fuel and should I use it?

    • Auto Fuel calculates how much fuel you need to reach the finish and can add a buffer (e.g., +1 lap). It’s great for iRacing beginners because it removes guesswork.

  • Can I refuel in every iRacing series?

    • Most series allow refuelling, especially longer ones. Some short rookie events won’t require a stop. Always check the session length and plan accordingly.

  • How do I know if I set the fuel correctly?

    • Compare “Laps of fuel left” to “Laps remaining.” Keep at least a small buffer. After a stop, recheck the Fuel black box to confirm the target is correct.

  • Do I need special hardware or apps?

    • No. The built‑in iRacing black boxes are enough. A wheel with a few buttons helps, but you can bind keys on your keyboard if needed.

  • Can I practice this offline or with AI?

    • Absolutely. Use Test or AI sessions to rehearse pit entry, setting Auto Fuel, unchecking tires, and stopping on your marks without risking Safety Rating.

Final Takeaways

  • Fuel strategy = knowing your laps to finish, setting a target, and executing a clean pit.
  • Use the Fuel black box and Auto Fuel with a small +lap cushion.
  • Make adjustments on straights and verify your pit services before entry.

Next session: bind your black box controls, run a 10‑minute test, and practice one splash‑and‑go with tires off. Improvement comes from repetition, not perfection.

Optional Next Steps

  • Next: Pit Entry and Exit Without Penalties (Beginner Guide)
  • Or read: Black Box Controls 101 and Essential iRacing Setup Tips