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How to Watch Replays in Iracing

Learn how to watch replays in iRacing—clear, step-by-step help for iRacing beginners and those new to iRacing. Review races, learn lines, and improve fast.

If you’ve ever finished a race, felt confused about a corner, and wished you could rewind the whole thing, you’re in the right place. This short guide explains how to watch replays in iRacing in a calm, coach-like way so new to iRacing users can review races, fix mistakes, and learn faster.

how to watch replays in iracing (Quick Answer)

Replays in iRacing are saved session files (.rpy) you can open from the replay folder or load directly in the sim. Open the file or the in-sim Replay viewer, scrub the timeline, switch camera views (onboard, chase, TV), and use slow motion to study incidents and lines.

Why this matters for iRacing beginners

Watching replays is the fastest way to learn how iRacing works. As an iRacing beginner you’ll spot bad lines, late braking, and racecraft errors you didn’t feel while driving. Many new to iRacing users get overwhelmed because the UI isn’t obvious—replays are easy once you know where to look, and they turn every session into a mini coaching session.

Simple step-by-step guide

  1. Save the replay after your session: When you exit a race, accept the prompt to save the replay (iRacing usually auto-saves race sessions).
  2. Find the file: Replays are stored in Documents/iRacing/replay as .rpy files. If you can’t find it, sort by date.
  3. Open the replay: Double-click the .rpy file or open iRacing and use the Replay/Open menu to load it—iRacing will launch the replay viewer.
  4. Use the controls: Play/pause, scrub the timeline, change speed, and select camera angles (Onboard, Chase, TV, Pilot).
  5. Review and export: Focus on corners and incidents. If you want a video clip, use iRacing’s export tools or screen recording software to save onboard footage.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

  • Mistake: “My replay isn’t saved.” Fix: Make sure you click “Save Replay” after the session or check that auto-save is enabled in options. For time trials and practice, replays may not be automatically saved.
  • Mistake: “I can’t find the replay file.” Fix: Look in Documents/iRacing/replay and sort by date. If files are missing, check for multiple Windows user accounts or an alternate install path.
  • Mistake: “Replay looks different from video.” Fix: Replays are not live broadcasts; they’re recorded inputs recreated by the simulator. Use camera modes and speed controls to inspect what matters.

When to ask for help

If a replay file is corrupted, missing, or won’t open, it’s a good time to ask others. iRacing Discord communities and forum channels are friendly places to post error messages and the exact filename — people often paste quick fixes (file permission issues, antivirus blocking, or path problems). Also consider uploading a small clip if you need help analyzing an incident.

FAQs

Q: Where are iRacing replays saved? A: By default: Documents/iRacing/replay (.rpy files). Check install settings if you changed locations.

Q: Can I watch another driver’s onboard camera? A: Yes—if the driver’s data exists in the replay. Switch to their car on the timeline and choose Onboard camera.

Q: How do I export a replay to an MP4? A: Use iRacing’s export feature or record the replay with OBS/ShadowPlay while playing it back.

Q: Why is the replay choppy sometimes? A: Replays replay physics data and can be heavy on CPU/GPU. Lower graphics or use pause/slow motion to inspect specific moments.

Wrap-up: Replays are a beginner’s best friend. Next step: save a replay of your next short practice, open it, and spend five minutes watching a single corner—slow it down and compare two laps. That small drill will give you more improvement than an extra hour of guessing. For more iRacing tips, keep practicing and reach out to the community when you’re stuck.