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How to Improve Braking in Iracing

Learn how to improve braking in iRacing with simple, beginner-friendly steps. New to iRacing? Gain smoother stops, fewer lockups, and faster lap times today.

If braking feels like guesswork — locking wheels, missing your marker, or losing time into every corner — you’re not broken, you’re misinformed. Breathe. Braking is a skill you can learn with clear steps and little practice.

Quick answer: how to improve braking in iracing

Quick Answer: how to improve braking in iracing

Start by controlling brake pressure and braking point: brake earlier and progressively, aim for consistent release that transitions into turning, and use telemetry or brake lights to refine timing. Small, repeatable changes beat trial-and-error.

Why this matters for beginners

Why This Matters for Beginners

If you’re new to iRacing, the car reacts differently than arcade games. Good braking turns chaos into control — fewer lockups, better corner entry, and steady lap-time gains. Many iRacing beginners confuse “brake hard” with “brake right”; understanding how iRacing works makes the difference between slow crashes and fast, clean laps.

Common mistakes (and simple fixes)

Common Mistakes

Locking the wheels: Fix by releasing pressure slightly when you feel a lock; use progressive pressure instead of a stomp.
Braking while fully steering: Fix by braking in a straight line, then easing into the turn (trail-brake modestly).
Moving brake point every lap: Fix by testing one change at a time and using a consistent reference (brake marker board, shadow on track).

Simple step-by-step guide

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Choose a familiar car and one easy corner at a road or oval track. Keep sessions short.
Set a visual brake marker (board, trackside sign) and a target speed to hit at the apex — consistency matters more than absolute speed.
Practice braking earlier by ~5–10 meters than you think, using progressively increasing pressure for 0.8–1.0 seconds, then release smoothly as you turn.
Record a lap (or use iRacing’s telemetry/driver log). Compare best vs average to find where you lose time.
Adjust in 0.1–0.2 second increments: small changes are measurable and repeatable.

Small practice drill

Small Practice Drill

Do this 10 times: pick the same corner, start 3 seconds earlier than your usual marker, apply steady pressure for 0.8s, release to 50% as you begin to turn, and note if the entry feels stable. If you lock, back off pressure by ~10%. Repeat until entries feel the same three laps in a row.

Quick pro tips

Quick Pro Tips

Use a force-feedback wheel with a firm brake pedal or a load cell for realism — hardware helps but technique matters more.
Watch brake temperatures and tire temps if your car simulates them; overheating affects grip.
Practice in practice sessions, not races, when trying new brake techniques.
For iRacing tips: focus on repetition, one variable at a time, and consistent markers.

FAQs

Q: How long before I see improvement?
A: Most drivers notice steadier entries within a few practice sessions (1–3 hours). Measurable lap-time gains come with consistent drills.

Q: Should I use ABS or assist features?
A: Use assists if they help you be consistent while learning, but aim to remove them gradually to build proper technique.

Q: My wheel/pedal setup feels weird — will that stop me improving?
A: Basic setups work fine. A load-cell brake helps realism, but learning progressive pressure on any pedal is the priority.

Q: Where can I get feedback?
A: Share lap replays and telemetry on forums or iRacing Discord communities — friendly drivers often give fast, practical tips.

Final takeaway Start small: pick one corner, one change, and repeat until it’s consistent. Braking is mostly discipline, not mystery — practice the drill above in your next session and you’ll feel the difference.