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How to Configure Crew Chief With Iracing

For iRacing drivers: how to configure Crew Chief with iRacing, step by step. Set it up right, stop double spotters, and fix common connection and audio issues fast. Plus voice command setup tips

If you’re dealing with how to configure crew chief with iracing, here’s the short path: install Crew Chief, pick iRacing in the app, map push-to-talk, disable the in-sim spotter, and click Start while you’re in a session. You’re in the right place—follow these steps to get clear spotter calls fast.

Quick Answer: how to configure crew chief with iracing

Install Crew Chief, select “iRacing” as the game, choose your audio device, map a “Talk to Crew Chief” button, turn off the iRacing spotter, then start Crew Chief while you’re in a practice/qual/race/AI session. That’s the reliable setup.

What’s Really Going On

Crew Chief is a voice spotter and race engineer. It reads iRacing telemetry and talks to you about gaps, flags, fuel, and incidents. If it’s not talking—or you hear two spotters—your iRacing settings, audio device, or start order are usually the cause. Fix those, and it just works.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Install the app

    • Download and install Crew Chief from thecrewchief.org. Update to the latest version.

  2. Pick the right game

    • Open Crew Chief. In the Game menu or dropdown, select “iRacing.”

  3. Set audio output

    • In Crew Chief, choose the correct playback device (headset, speakers, or VR headset). Avoid “Default” if Windows keeps switching devices.

  4. Map essential controls

    • Open “Control bindings” in Crew Chief. Map:
      • Talk to Crew Chief (push-to-talk for voice commands)
      • Toggle spotter (optional)
      • Mute/unmute (optional)

  5. Disable the in-sim spotter

    • In iRacing: Options > Sound. Turn the Spotter volume to 0 or disable the spotter so you don’t get double calls. Names can change slightly by build—goal is “no iRacing spotter.”

  6. Start in the right order

    • Join an iRacing session (practice/qual/race/AI). Then click “Start” in Crew Chief. You should hear a radio check or greeting. If not, stop and start the app again.

  7. Optional: Enable voice recognition

    • In Windows: install a Speech language (e.g., English US/UK).
    • In Crew Chief: enable voice recognition and set the same language. Hold your Talk button and try “What’s my fuel?” or “Box this lap.”

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • If you hear nothing: verify Crew Chief’s playback device, raise its volume slider, and check Windows volume per-app (Volume Mixer).
  • If you hear two spotters: re-check iRacing’s Spotter setting/volume. Only Crew Chief should be active.
  • Not connecting: Crew Chief only connects inside an active session, not from the main menu. Firewalls can block it—allow the app if prompted.
  • Wheel button tip: bind Talk to Crew Chief to a convenient wheel button; avoid the same button as your in-sim radio.
  • VR users: explicitly pick the VR headset as Crew Chief’s playback device to keep the voice in your ears.

FAQs

  • Do I need to turn off the iRacing spotter? Yes. Disable it or set its volume to 0 to avoid duplicate calls. Let Crew Chief handle all spotter messages.

  • Crew Chief won’t connect on the menu. Is that normal? Yes. It attaches only when you enter a session (practice/qual/race/AI). Join a session, then click Start.

  • Can I use voice commands in iRacing? Yes. Install a Windows speech pack, enable voice recognition in Crew Chief, and map a Talk button. Try commands like “What’s my gap?” or “Fuel to the end?”

  • Audio is coming from the wrong device. How do I fix it? In Crew Chief, pick the exact playback device (don’t rely on “Default”). Check Windows’ default and communications devices, then restart Crew Chief.

Short Wrap-Up

Set iRacing as the game, pick the right audio device, map Talk, disable the in-sim spotter, and start Crew Chief while in a session. Do a quick radio check, and you’re good. Next session, try a voice command and tweak volumes to taste.