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How Do I See Lap Times in Iracing

Clear, step-by-step answer for iRacing beginners: learn how do i see lap times in iRacing, view best laps, deltas and session timing so you can improve faster.

If you’ve ever sat at the menu and wondered where your lap times hide, you’re not alone. That first glance at iRacing can feel like reading a cockpit. Relax — I’ll show you exactly where to look, what each number means, and a simple next step to practice.

how do i see lap times in iracing (Quick Answer)

On the session screen and in the on-track HUD you can view lap times, best laps, and deltas. During practice or qualifying, open the Timing Screen (Tab or the Bottom UI), choose the “Driver” or “Laps” view, and watch live sector times, lap comparisons, and best lap markers.

Why this matters for beginners

Seeing lap times is the fastest way to measure progress. For iRacing beginners or anyone new to iRacing, lap numbers tell you where you’re losing time on track, how consistent you are, and whether a setup change helped. Confusion often comes from multiple screens and small UI buttons — once you know the layout, it’s straightforward.

Simple step-by-step guide

Start a practice or test session: lap times show in free practice, qualifying, and races.
Open the Timing Screen: press Tab or click Timing/Scoring in the bottom UI panel.
Select a driver row: your car or another to see each lap, sector splits, and best lap markers.
Use the On-Screen HUD: the top-right HUD shows your current lap time, last lap, and best lap while driving.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

Mistake: Looking only at the top-right HUD and missing sector info. Fix: Open the Timing Screen for sector breakdowns and comparisons.
Mistake: Expecting live lap times during the out-lap. Fix: Only timed laps count; wait until you cross the line after warm-up.
Mistake: Confusing “Best in Session” with personal best. Fix: Check the driver column to see whether the best lap belongs to you or someone else.

Quick pro tips (simple and actionable)

Toggle the “Laps” tab to see full lap lists and delete invalid laps (spins, track limits).
Watch the delta column to see live time gain/loss vs. your best lap.
Use the “Best” marker on track replay to find where you lost time.
Record a clean lap and compare replays side-by-side to learn braking and throttle differences.

When to ask for help

If the Timing Screen looks different (UI mods) or you can’t find sector times, ask on an iRacing Discord or friendly forum — people there will screenshot the exact button for your screen resolution. Community groups are great for quick screenshots and setup tips.

FAQs

Q: Can I see lap times in a race?
A: Yes — during a race the HUD shows lap/last/best and the Timing Screen updates, but car-to-car visibility may be limited by rules.

Q: How do I see sector times?
A: Open the Timing Screen and expand the lap details — sectors are listed next to each lap and show time per sector.

Q: Why is my best lap marked yellow or bold?
A: iRacing highlights session bests and personal bests to help you spot improvements at a glance.

Final takeaways

Finding lap times in iRacing is one small skill that unlocks faster learning. Next session: start a 10-minute practice, open the Timing Screen, and focus on improving one sector by one second. That single targeted change is the best way to use your lap-time data.