Join the Discord! →

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


How to Connect Spotter to Iracing

Stuck on how to connect spotter to iRacing? This guide shows iRacing drivers how to enable the in-game spotter, set up Crew Chief, or add a human spotter fast.

If you’re searching for how to connect spotter to iracing, the short answer is: turn on the in‑game spotter in Options > Sound, pick the right audio device, and set volume. You can also use the Crew Chief app or a human spotter. Here’s exactly how to get it working fast.

Quick Answer: how to connect spotter to iracing

Enable the in‑game spotter in Options > Sound, choose a voice, and set the spotter volume. Make sure the output device matches your headset or speakers. For more features, install Crew Chief and select iRacing. To use a human spotter, invite a friend to your session and use voice chat.

What’s Really Going On

The spotter is the voice that calls “car left/right,” clears you, and warns about incidents or pit entry. Problems usually come from one of three things:

  • The spotter is disabled in iRacing settings.
  • Audio is going to the wrong device (like your monitor instead of your headset).
  • You’re trying to use Crew Chief or a human spotter without setting them up correctly.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Turn on the in‑game spotter
  • Go to Options > Sound. Toggle Spotter to On, pick a voice pack (English, etc.), and set Spotter volume to at least 60–80%.
  1. Send it to the right audio device
  • In Options > Sound, choose the correct output for voice/spotter. If you don’t see a separate dropdown, set your Windows default (or default communications) device to your headset.
  1. Test it quickly
  • Load a Test Drive. Drive next to AI or a ghost car and listen for “car left/right.” If it’s silent, recheck volume sliders, mute toggles, and the output device.
  1. Set up Crew Chief (optional, more detailed calls)
  • Download and install Crew Chief (crewchief.org). Open it, select iRacing as the game, choose your audio devices, and click Start. In iRacing, consider turning the built‑in spotter Off to avoid double calls.
  1. Use a human spotter (optional)
  • Create a hosted or team session that allows spectators/spotters, and have your friend join. Use iRacing voice chat or Discord. They can watch your car and call runs, clears, and traffic.
  1. Map radio keys (nice to have)
  • In Options > Controls, set a Push‑to‑Talk key for team/voice chat. You don’t need PTT for the automated spotter, but it helps you talk back to your human spotter or team.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • If the spotter is quiet under engine noise, reduce engine volume slightly and raise Spotter volume.
  • Check Windows sound settings: make sure your headset is the default (or default communications) device.
  • Avoid “double spotters” by using either iRacing’s spotter or Crew Chief, not both.
  • Update audio drivers and unplug/replug USB headsets if devices don’t appear.
  • Crew Chief can run before or after launching iRacing; if it doesn’t hook, restart Crew Chief as admin.

FAQs

Q: Can I send the spotter to my headset and keep game audio on speakers?
A: Yes. In iRacing’s Sound options, set the voice/spotter output to your headset and the main audio to speakers. If needed, use Windows “default communications” for your headset.

Q: Why is my spotter silent?
A: It’s usually off, on the wrong audio device, or the volume is set low. Check Options > Sound, verify the output device, and make sure you didn’t mute spotter or voice chat.

Q: Is Crew Chief better than the built‑in spotter?
A: Many prefer Crew Chief for more detailed calls and flexibility. It’s personal preference. If you use it, turn off the in‑game spotter to prevent overlapping calls.

Q: How do I let a friend spot for me?
A: Host or join a session that allows spotters/spectators, have your friend join, and use in‑sim voice chat or Discord. Team sessions work best for organized spotting.

Short Wrap‑Up

To connect a spotter in iRacing, enable it in Sound settings, pick the correct output device, and test. For more advanced calls, use Crew Chief or a human spotter. Do a quick practice run to confirm it’s working before your next race.