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How to Create a Hosted Race in Iracing

Stuck on how to create a hosted race in iRacing? This clear, step-by-step guide for iRacing drivers shows the exact menu path, settings, and tips to fix it fast.


If you’re stuck on how to create a hosted race in iracing, here’s the fast path: use the iRacing UI, click Create a Race > Hosted, choose your car and track, set session lengths and rules, add a password if needed, then Start Now or Schedule. You’re in the right place—follow the simple steps below.

Quick Answer: how to create a hosted race in iracing

Open the iRacing UI. Go to Create a Race (Hosted). Pick car(s) and track, set practice/qualifying/race times, choose rules (fixed setup, cautions, fast repairs), set password and max drivers, pick a server region, then Start Now or Schedule and confirm the small iRacing credit fee.

What’s Really Going On

Hosted races are custom sessions you control: content, rules, timing, and who can join. They’re ideal for running clean practices with friends, league tryouts, or special events. Everyone who joins must own the selected car(s) and track. Hosted results do not affect iRating (your skill score) or SR (Safety Rating, your clean driving score).

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Open the iRacing UI
    On the desktop app, click Create a Race (Hosted). If you still use the classic membersite, go to Hosted > Create a Race.

  2. Choose content
    Select the track and one or more cars (multi-class if you want). Remember: all drivers must own the chosen content.

  3. Set the format
    Choose session lengths for Practice, Qualify, Warmup, and Race. If you want heats, enable Heat Racing and set the details.

  4. Set rules and options
    Pick Fixed or Open setup, enable/disable cautions (mostly for oval), choose rolling or standing start, set fast repairs, fuel limit, and tire sets.

  5. Control access and performance
    Set max drivers and spectator slots, add a password if you want a private lobby, and choose a server region near most drivers (or Auto).

  6. Schedule and confirm
    Start Now to launch immediately or Schedule for later. Review the summary and confirm the fee in iRacing credits (pricing varies—check the checkout screen). Share the session link and join.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Use a password to keep randoms out; post the details in your Discord.
  • Fixed setup keeps the field close and reduces confusion for new drivers.
  • Pick a server region closest to most racers to lower ping.
  • For road events, leave full-course cautions off unless you really need them.
  • After the event, use Clone/Repeat Session to rerun the same format quickly.

FAQs

  • How much does a hosted race cost?
    A small fee in iRacing credits, which varies by session length and options. The exact price shows on the confirmation screen before you pay.

  • Do hosted races affect iRating or SR?
    No. Hosted results don’t change iRating (skill) or SR (safety). That’s why hosted is great for testing and coaching sessions.

  • Do drivers need to own the car and track?
    Yes. The host and all participants must own the selected content to enter the session.

  • Can I restrict who joins?
    Yes. Use a password and/or set a minimum license if you want to keep out brand-new drivers.

Short Wrap-Up

To create a hosted race in iRacing, build it in the UI under Create a Race > Hosted, set your content and rules, lock it with a password, and confirm the fee. Start with fixed setups and a short format, then tweak settings based on your group’s feedback.