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

How to Select Pit Options in Iracing

For new iRacing drivers, this guide explains how to select pit options in iRacing step by step, so you avoid long stops, use fast repairs wisely, and feel confident.

Quick Answer

how to select pit options in iracing means using the Pit Stop “black box” to tell your crew what to do at your next stop—fuel, tires, fast repair, and more. For beginners, it controls how long you’re stationary and whether damage is fixed. Learn it to avoid surprise long stops and stay in the race.

What This Guide Covers

What how to select pit options in iracing means in iRacing
Why beginners struggle with pit menus
Step-by-step guidance to do it correctly
Common mistakes to avoid
A simple practice drill you can run today
When it helps to ask other iRacing drivers for feedback

What Pit Options Mean in iRacing

In iRacing, “pit options” are the services your crew performs the next time you stop: add fuel, change tires (which ones and sometimes which compound/set), use a fast repair (if the series allows it), clean the windshield/tear-off, and repair damage.

Think of it like placing a food order before you reach the drive‑through window. If you don’t set your order early, you’ll get the default—and that can waste time or miss needed repairs.

You control pit options in the Pit Stop black box. You can:

Cycle through black boxes and select the Pit Stop one.
Click options with your mouse, or use mapped keys to highlight and adjust items.
Set them anytime on track; changes apply to your next stop.

Note: The exact options vary by car and series (e.g., tire compounds, limited tire sets, stock car adjustments).

Why This Matters for Rookies

It prevents avoidable long stops. Accidentally taking four tires in a short race can cost 20–30 seconds.
It keeps you in contention. A fast repair must be selected before you hit your pit box; miss it and you may need a second stop.
It helps Safety Rating and iRating indirectly. Clean, planned stops reduce panic, pit speeding, and unsafe re-joins.
It builds confidence. Knowing exactly what your crew will do removes stress so you can focus on driving.

Understanding how to select pit options in iracing also helps you plan strategy—fuel to the end, skip tires, or take rights only.

Common Problems Beginners Face With Pit Options

Problem 1: The car takes four tires when you didn’t need them

Why it happens: Tires are ticked by default on some cars or you didn’t “clear” them before entering.
How to fix it: Open the Pit Stop black box on a straight, uncheck tires (or select specific corners), and confirm before pit entry. Use a “clear all” button if present, then re‑enable only what you want.

Problem 2: Fast repair didn’t apply

Why it happens: You must enable fast repair before you stop in your stall; enabling it late won’t affect the current stop.
How to fix it: If you’re damaged and the session allows fast repairs, check the Fast Repair box well before pit entry. If you miss it, you’ll need to pit again.

Problem 3: Speeding in the pits while scrolling menus

Why it happens: Changing options during pit entry distracts you from the speed line and limiter.
How to fix it: Set pit options on the back straight or under caution. Engage your pit speed limiter at the line. Avoid changing options in the final braking zone.

Problem 4: Running out of fuel or over-fueling

Why it happens: Not checking fuel usage or misunderstanding “Add” vs “Fill to” targets.
How to fix it: In the pit/fuel black box, set a safe amount to add. Add a small buffer (e.g., +1 lap). Check average usage per lap and laps remaining if shown for your car.

Step-by-Step Guide: how to select pit options in iracing

Map your keys: In Options > Controls, bind Next/Previous Black Box and Black Box Increment/Decrement. Also bind Pit Speed Limiter and (optional) Request Pit Stop.
Open a test or practice session: This keeps your Safety Rating safe while you learn.
Find the Pit Stop black box: Cycle through black boxes until you see fuel, tire checkboxes, fast repair, and other pit items.
Set tires: Uncheck “change tires” if you want a quick fuel-only stop; or select specific corners (e.g., rights only on some ovals). Choose compound or tire set if the series supports it.
Set fuel: Choose how much to add. For practice, try adding a small, round amount (e.g., 10 liters or 3 gallons) so you can see the effect on stop time.
Enable fast repair if damaged: Only if your event allows it and you actually need it. Do this before entering pit lane.
Optional services: Toggle windshield tear-off or similar car-specific items. Skip them to save a second if visibility is fine.
Confirm before entry: Do a quick glance on the last straight. Avoid changing options while braking for the pit line.
Hit your marks: Engage the pit limiter at the line, stop on the stall sign, and watch the crew. Your selected options should execute.
After leaving: Clear tires/fuel if you don’t want them on a future stop, so you don’t accidentally take service later.

Extra tip: Use the mouse for quick clicking, or memorize 2–3 key bindings so you can adjust without looking.

Practical Example (Before vs. After)

Before (Typical Rookie)

Enters pit lane without checking the black box.
Crew changes all four tires and fills the tank.
Loses 25+ seconds, falls into traffic, and feels rushed—maybe speeds or spins on cold tires.

After (Correct Approach)

On the back straight, unchecks tires and sets “add 5 liters” only.
Checks fast repair if damaged; otherwise leaves it off.
Stops for a quick splash, rejoins in clean air, and feels calm and in control.

Simple Practice Drill (5–10 Minutes)

Load a test session at Charlotte Roval or Okayama (beginner-friendly sightlines) with any rookie car.
Do 2 laps, then practice a green-flag stop. On the back straight, set “fuel only: add a small amount” and uncheck tires. Enter the pits at the limit, stop on your mark, and roll.
Repeat, this time selecting right-side tires only (if available), then a stop with fast repair toggled (even if not needed) just to build the habit.
Focus on setting options early and hitting pit speed cleanly. Ignore lap time; aim for smoothness.

Pro Tips for New iRacing Drivers

Set pit options on long straights or under caution—never while braking for pit entry.
If damage is light and the car drives straight, skip optional repairs during green-flag runs.
Add a small fuel buffer (one extra lap) to avoid spluttering on the final lap.
After any stop, clear tire/fuel selections to avoid surprise service next time.
Use replays and cockpit cam to review where you looked away; minimize menu time.
Practice in solo/test sessions before you try it in an official race.

When to Ask for Help (Gentle Community Push)

Everyone struggles with pit options at first—it’s normal. If you’re unsure, 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 your black box workflow can save you lots of time and frustration.

FAQs About how to select pit options in iracing in iRacing

Is this important for beginners in iRacing?
Yes. Pit options decide how long you’re stopped and whether critical repairs happen. Learning the basics early prevents costly mistakes and keeps your race on track.
How do I know I set pit options correctly?
Double-check the Pit Stop black box before pit entry. After your stop, review the replay or pit chat: if only fuel was added and no tires changed (or vice versa), you did it right.
Do I need special hardware for this?
No. A keyboard and mouse work fine. Mapping a few keys for black box navigation and pit limiter makes it faster and safer while driving.
Can I practice this offline or with AI?
Absolutely. Use test or AI sessions to rehearse options, pit entry, and stopping on your marks. It’s the best way to build confidence without risking Safety Rating.
How long until I’m comfortable with pit options?
Most drivers feel comfortable after a couple of practice sessions. The key is building a routine: set options early, confirm before entry, and review your stop.

Final Takeaways

Set pit options early on a straight; avoid fiddling while braking for pit lane.
Uncheck tires if you only need fuel; enable fast repair before you stop.
Options vary by car/series—practice in a test session to learn yours.

In your next session, bind your black box keys, run two practice pit stops (fuel-only and tires-only), and review the replay to confirm everything worked as expected. Improvement comes with repetition—one calm stop at a time.

Optional Next Steps

Next: Clean pit entry and exit lines (how to avoid incidents and penalties)
Or read: iRacing beginner setup tips (controls, HUD, and black box bindings)