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How Do I Join a Hosted Race in Iracing

Struggling with how do i join a hosted race in iracing? This direct guide for iRacing drivers shows the exact steps, fixes common errors, and helps you join fast.

If you’re stuck on “how do i join a hosted race in iracing,” here’s the short version: open the iRacing UI, go to Hosted, pick a session, click Register, then Join. This guide shows what that means, why Join is sometimes greyed out, and how to fix it fast.

Quick Answer: how do i join a hosted race in iracing

Open the iRacing desktop UI, click Hosted in the left menu, filter for the car/track you own, select a session, and click Register. If it’s passworded, enter the password. When the Join button appears, click it to load into the server. If Join is greyed out, see the fixes below.

What’s Really Going On

Hosted races are player-run sessions. They don’t affect your iRating (skill number used for matchmaking) or SR (Safety Rating that tracks clean driving). To enter, you must own the car and track, meet any host restrictions (like league-only or minimum license), and find a slot before the server is full. Some sessions require a password. If the race is already underway, you might only be able to watch.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Launch the iRacing UI and sign in
   Make sure your sim is updated. If there’s a new build, update first to avoid the greyed-out Join button.

2. Go to Hosted
   In the left menu, click Hosted. Use filters to show open sessions, pick categories you care about, and hide passworded events if you don’t have one.

3. Check the session details
   Click a session to see car/track, session state (Practice/Qual/Race), remaining slots, and any restrictions. Confirm you own both the car and track; if not, you’ll need to purchase them.

4. Handle access limits
   If it says “Password Required,” get it from the host. If it’s “League Only,” you must be in that league. If it’s full, wait for a slot or try another session.

5. Register, then Join
   Click Register. iRacing will prep the server and download any updates. When the Join button turns available, click Join to enter. If the race has started, you may only be able to Watch.

6. If Join is still greyed out
   Common causes: missing content, outdated build, session full, league/password restriction, or the session is in a phase that blocks entry. Fix the cause, then try again.

Extra Tips / Checklist

• Hosted sessions don’t change SR or iRating—good for practice and testing iRacing setup ideas.
• Join during Practice to ensure a grid spot; some hosts block race join-in-progress.
• Pre-download content and keep auto-updates on in iRacing settings to avoid last-minute waits.
• Use filters to find your region/time zone for better ping and fuller lobbies.
• If the host set a minimum license, you’ll need to meet it or ask them to adjust.

FAQs

• Do Hosted races affect iRating or SR?
  No. Only Official series affect iRating and Safety Rating. Hosted/league sessions are for fun, practice, or events.

• Why is my Join button greyed out?
  Usually missing content, session full, league/password lock, outdated build, or race already underway. Fix the specific issue, then re-check.

• Can I join without owning the car or track?
  No. You must own both. The UI will show what’s missing and link you to purchase.

• Can I join from the website or mobile?
  Use the iRacing desktop UI. The website may link you to the UI, but joining the server happens through the app.

Short Wrap-Up

To solve “how do i join a hosted race in iracing,” go Hosted > pick session > Register > Join, and clear any locks (content, password, league). Get in during Practice, and you’ll be racing—or learning—fast.