Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.
How Do I Use Iracing Spotter Packs
Learn how to use iRacing spotter packs: enable built-in voices or set up Crew Chief. Clear steps for iRacing drivers to install, configure, and fix issues fast. Now.
If you’re asking “how do i use iracing spotter packs,” the short answer is: pick either the built-in iRacing spotter voice or a third-party app (Crew Chief), then set volumes and avoid double callouts. You’re in the right place—I’ll show the exact settings and steps so you can get clear spotter info fast.
Quick Answer: how do i use iracing spotter packs
Enable a spotter in iRacing’s Sound options or install Crew Chief for a richer voice pack. Set spotter and radio volumes, choose a voice, and mute one source to prevent duplicate calls. Test in a practice session to confirm “car left/right” and clear/clear high messages work.
What’s Really Going On
“Spotter packs” are just different voices and message sets your spotter uses to tell you about cars around you, gaps, and incidents. iRacing includes a built-in spotter. Many drivers switch to Crew Chief, a free app with multiple voices and more detailed calls. Confusion usually comes from:
- Running both the iRacing spotter and Crew Chief at once (double calls)
- Wrong audio device selected (silent spotter)
- Volumes set too low to hear over engine sounds
Step-by-Step Fix
- Decide your route
- Built-in iRacing spotter: simplest, no extra software.
- Crew Chief: more information and voice options.
- Use the built-in iRacing spotter
- Join a test or practice session.
- Open Options > Sound.
- Enable the spotter, pick a voice (if available), and set Spotter and Radio volumes.
- Make a short run and verify “car left/right” calls. Adjust volume so it’s clearly audible over engine noise.
- Set up Crew Chief (recommended for more features)
- Download and install Crew Chief (search “Crew Chief iRacing” and use the official site).
- Open Crew Chief, choose Game: iRacing.
- Click to download/update the voice/sound packs inside Crew Chief.
- Set the Output audio device (your headset/speakers).
- Press Start Application in Crew Chief, then launch iRacing.
- In iRacing, lower or mute the built-in spotter to avoid duplicate callouts.
- Test and fine-tune
- Drive a few laps near AI or traffic.
- If calls are too chatty or too quiet, adjust spotter message frequency and volume (in iRacing) or properties/volume (in Crew Chief).
- Map a key to repeat the last message in Crew Chief if you want a quick replay of calls.
Extra Tips / Checklist
- Avoid double-spotting: run either Crew Chief or the in-sim spotter, not both.
- Match audio devices: your spotter should use the same output as your race audio or your headset.
- Balance volumes: engine, tire, radio, and spotter should be set so the spotter is always clear.
- Keep things updated: after iRacing or Crew Chief updates, recheck settings and sound packs.
- VR users: route spotter to the headset for consistent volume and direction.
FAQs
Do I need third-party software to change voices?
No. iRacing has built-in voices. Crew Chief is optional if you want more detail and pack options.Why is my spotter silent?
Usually an audio device mismatch or volume issue. Check iRacing’s Sound sliders, Windows default/output device, and confirm Crew Chief is “Started” if you use it.Can I use two spotter packs at once?
You can, but don’t. It causes duplicate calls. Mute one (set iRacing spotter volume to zero if using Crew Chief).Where do I put downloaded spotter packs?
Most reputable packs include an installer or clear instructions. File locations can change with updates—use the pack’s readme or use Crew Chief to manage voices.
Short Wrap-Up
To solve “how do i use iracing spotter packs,” pick your spotter (built-in or Crew Chief), set the right audio device and volumes, and test in practice. Once it’s clear and consistent, you’ll trust the calls and focus on racing. Try a few laps in traffic to confirm everything is dialed in.
