Join the Discord! →

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


Do I Need Crew Chief for Endurance Races Iracing

Confused about crew chiefs in iRacing endurance? This guide answers do i need crew chief for endurance races iracing, with clear steps and tips to fix it fast.

If you’re wondering “do i need crew chief for endurance races iracing,” the short answer is no. You can run an endurance race without one. But having a crew chief—human or app—makes stints smoother, pit stops safer, and strategy more consistent. Here’s how to decide and set up either way.

Quick Answer: do i need crew chief for endurance races iracing

You don’t need a crew chief to enter or finish an iRacing endurance event. The active driver can manage fuel, tires, and pit calls. That said, a dedicated crew chief (a teammate not driving) or the Crew Chief app can reduce mistakes, handle strategy, and keep you focused on driving.

What’s Really Going On

In iRacing team sessions, any non-driving teammate can act as a “crew chief” or “spotter.” They can set fuel, tire changes, windshield tear-offs, fast repair, and coordinate driver swaps while you stay focused. Many teams also use the third‑party “Crew Chief” voice app for better spotting and fuel estimates. Both are optional. The key is making pit work fast and error‑free, especially during long races when fatigue creeps in.

If you’re soloing a shorter team race or don’t have enough people, you can still manage everything yourself with proper keybinds, pit presets, and Auto Fuel.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Choose your approach

    • Solo or small team: driver manages pits with shortcuts and presets.
    • Larger team: assign a non-driver as crew chief to handle strategy and pit options.

  2. Set up pit controls

    • Bind keys or buttons for: request pit, add/remove fuel, change tires (per corner if needed), fast repair, and windshield tear-off. Test them in a hosted/practice session.

  3. Configure fuel planning

    • In the Fuel black box, enable Auto Fuel (if available) and set a safety margin (+1–2 laps or a few liters). If your car doesn’t support Auto Fuel, use a simple fuel calculator and update each stint.

  4. Prepare pit presets

    • Save common pit setups: “Fuel only,” “Fuel + RF tire,” “Full service,” “No fast repair,” etc. Switch presets before pit entry to reduce menu time.

  5. If using a human crew chief

    • Have them join the team session as non-driving. They monitor stint time, traffic, incidents, and pit windows; they also set pit options while you approach pit lane and call you in/out.

  6. Optional: install the Crew Chief app

    • Use it for richer spotter calls, lap times, and fuel estimates. Keep in-sim voice spotter on as backup. Do a quick voice check before the race.

  7. Practice a driver swap

    • Run a rehearsal: enter pits, stop in your box, and hand control to the next driver as planned. Confirm who clicks “Drive” and when. Use voice chat to coordinate.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Keep radio clear near pit entry: last lap fuel check, tire choice, and any damage/fast repair.
  • Don’t rely on one tool: have a paper/notes backup for stint plan and fuel numbers.
  • Use a consistent countdown: “Box this lap” at entry, “Pit limiter on,” “Stopping in 3-2-1.”
  • Avoid late menu changes mid‑box; set pit options well before the line.
  • If lag or voice drops happen, the driver sticks to the default pit preset.

FAQs

  • Is a crew chief required by iRacing rules?

    • No. You can run endurance events without a crew chief or a spotter.

  • What’s the difference between the crew chief role and the Crew Chief app?

    • The role is a human teammate in-session adjusting pit/strategy. The app is a voice spotter/engineer tool. You can use either, both, or neither.

  • Can the driver change pit options while driving?

    • Yes. With keybinds and black boxes, the driver can set fuel, tires, fast repair, and more.

  • Do I need a human spotter?

    • Not required. The in-sim spotter or the Crew Chief app usually covers it. A human spotter helps in heavy traffic or multi‑class chaos.

Short Wrap-Up

You don’t need a crew chief to race endurance in iRacing, but it’s a strong advantage. If you’re solo, tighten your pit workflow. If you have teammates, assign a crew chief and rehearse once—your race will be calmer and cleaner.