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

How to Map Push to Pass in Iracing

Learn how to map push to pass in iRacing with a calm, step-by-step guide for iRacing beginners. Quick setup, common fixes, and practical iRacing tips to get racing.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the iRacing settings and wondered where to bind that extra boost, you’re not alone. This guide for iRacing beginners explains exactly what push-to-pass is, why it matters, and how to map it without overwhelm — so you can focus on racing.

how to map push to pass in iracing (Quick Answer)

Push-to-pass is a user-configurable button that gives your car a temporary power boost (or simulates that effect). To map it: open iRacing Options > Controls > choose your device > add a new button/axis mapping for “PushToPass” then save and test in a practice session. Simple, repeatable, done.

Why this matters for beginners

If you’re new to iRacing, the controls menu can look intimidating — especially when labels don’t match your hardware. Mapping push-to-pass matters because it’s often race-winning: used for overtakes, defending, or timing pit exit speed. Learning this early helps you understand how iRacing works and boosts confidence when you hit the track.

Simple step-by-step guide

Start iRacing and go to Options > Controls.
Select your input device (wheel, button box, gamepad) from the drop-down.
Click “Add” then choose “Button” and scroll to find the action labeled “PushToPass.”
Press the physical button or paddle you want to bind. iRacing should register it — click OK/Save.
Test in a practice session: press the button and watch the telemetry HUD or listen for the power change.

If your device uses an axis (some pedal boxes or multi-switches), choose “Axis” and set a deadzone or threshold so the action only triggers when intended.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

Mistake: Picking the wrong device in Controls. Fix: Double-check which device is active in the device list before adding a binding.
Mistake: Binding to an axis with no threshold, causing constant activation. Fix: Use a button or set a clear deadzone/threshold.
Mistake: Not saving the profile. Fix: After mapping, save a named control profile and load it before you drive.

Quick pro tips (calm, practical)

Use a dedicated, easily reachable button (not a long-throw axis) so you can hit it instinctively.
Name and save a control profile per car type (stockcar, prototype), because push-to-pass behavior varies.
Check the HUD or car instructions to know how long each push lasts — using it too early wastes the boost.
If you race on tracks with limited passes, practice timing in solo sessions first.
Join a friendly forum or iRacing Discord if you get device-specific issues — people often share exact settings.

FAQs

Q: Does every car in iRacing have push-to-pass?
A: No. Only certain series/cars use it. Check the session event notes or car info to confirm.

Q: Can I map push-to-pass on a keyboard?
A: Yes. Any input iRacing recognizes can be bound, but a keyboard is less ergonomic during racing.

Q: Why isn’t my button registering?
A: Make sure the correct device is selected, the device drivers are installed, and you saved the profile. Reboot iRacing after driver installs if needed.

Q: Where can I get help with weird hardware?
A: Try the official iRacing forums, Reddit, or community Discords — describe your device and a screenshot of your control mappings.

Final takeaways

You don’t need to be a tech expert to map push-to-pass. Pick a reachable button, bind it in Options > Controls, save a profile, and practice timing. Next session: map it and do five laps focusing only on pressing it in realistic overtakes — you’ll learn fast.