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

Do I Need Pedals for Iracing

New to iRacing? Learn whether pedals are required, what benefits they bring, and a simple first-step setup to get you driving confidently in minutes — fast.

If you’ve opened iRacing and felt overwhelmed by the hardware choices, you’re not the only one. The exact question “do i need pedals for iracing” is one every new sim driver asks — and the short, calm answer will save you time and frustration.

Quick Answer — do i need pedals for iracing

Yes — pedals are highly recommended. You can race with keyboard or gamepad inputs, but pedals (especially for throttle and brake) give far better control, realism, and faster learning for iRacing beginners.

Why this matters for beginners

If you’re new to iRacing, pedals change the game. iRacing rewards smooth throttle and precise braking — two things a proper pedal set teaches you quickly. Many rookies assume a wheel alone is enough; then they’re surprised by inconsistent laps and early frustration. Understanding how iRacing works helps: the sim models weight transfer, traction and braking sensitivity, and pedals are the control points for those systems.

This is about progress, not perfection. A basic pedal set gets you into races and builds skill. Upgrading later is normal.

Simple step-by-step guide to get started

1. Decide your budget: entry-level (around $70–$200), mid-tier ($200–$500), or sim-grade ($500+). Start modest if you’re unsure.
2. Buy a two-pedal set (throttle + brake) or a three-pedal if you want clutch for manual shifting later. Two pedals are enough for most rookies.
3. Mount them securely to a desk or rig. Movement under braking ruins practice. Even a non-permanent clamp or rubber mat helps.
4. Calibrate in iRacing: set deadzones, travel and brake force. Use a low initial brake sensitivity and raise it gradually.
5. Practice in a slower car (e.g., Skip Barber) for 20–30 minutes focusing only on smooth throttle/brake inputs.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

• Mistake: Holding the brake too hard. Fix: Practice feathering; aim for progressive pressure rather than stomping.
• Mistake: Not mounting pedals firmly. Fix: Use clamps, a board, or rubber padding to prevent movement.
• Mistake: Skipping calibration. Fix: Spend 5–10 minutes in the controller menu — calibration dramatically improves consistency.

Quick pro tips

• Use a brake pedal with some resistance (load cell or spring) when you can; it teaches modulation.
• Start with default force feedback and learn car behavior before tweaking wheel settings.
• Record a lap and watch replays to see how your throttle and brake inputs affect balance.
• Join a beginner run group or search “iRacing beginners” for friendly practice sessions.
• Small, consistent practice beats long sporadic drives.

FAQs

Q: Can I race on iRacing without pedals?
A: Yes, but you’ll be slower and have a steeper learning curve. Keyboard/gamepad can work for learning tracks but limit precision.

Q: Do I need a load-cell brake right away?
A: No. A basic firm brake pedal is fine. Load-cell brakes help with consistency but aren’t required for beginners.

Q: Are pedals hard to set up in iRacing?
A: Not at all. Plug, calibrate in the settings, and do a few test laps. The in-game setup assistant helps.

Q: Which car should I practice braking in?
A: Start with an entry-level car (Skip Barber or Spec Racer) — they’re forgiving and teach fundamentals.

Final takeaways

Pedals are an important, practical investment for people new to iRacing. They speed learning, improve lap consistency, and make driving more enjoyable. Next step: pick a basic two-pedal set, mount it solidly, calibrate in iRacing, and do a 20-minute braking drill in a slow car — then join a practice group or search “iRacing tips” for more targeted help.