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How to Get Spotter to Use Names in Iracing

Fix how to get spotter to use names in iRacing. Clear steps for iRacing drivers: use a third‑party spotter, enable name callouts, and avoid double audio. Fast.

If you’re stuck on how to get spotter to use names in iracing, here’s the straight answer: the built‑in iRacing spotter doesn’t say opponent names. To hear names, use a third‑party spotter like Crew Chief and turn on name callouts. This guide shows exactly how to set it up fast.

Quick Answer: how to get spotter to use names in iracing

iRacing’s default spotter only gives generic calls (Inside, Clear). It won’t speak driver names. Install a third‑party spotter (Crew Chief), enable opponent name callouts, and turn down the in‑sim spotter to avoid duplicate audio.

What’s Really Going On

The in‑sim iRacing spotter uses pre‑recorded voice lines. It doesn’t dynamically read opponent names. That’s why you only hear “Car left” or “Still there” no matter who you’re racing.

Third‑party spotters read iRacing’s live data and can say driver names using recorded name packs or text‑to‑speech. Crew Chief is the most popular free option and works well with iRacing.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Download and install Crew Chief (v4). It’s free and widely used for iRacing.
  2. Open Crew Chief and select iRacing as your game. Choose a spotter voice.
  3. In Crew Chief Properties, search for “name” and enable the options that use opponent/driver names in spotter messages. The exact labels may vary; look for “use names” or “opponent name callouts.”
  4. Start Crew Chief first, then launch iRacing.
  5. In iRacing Options > Sound, turn the Spotter volume down to 0 (or disable the in‑sim spotter if you see that option) to prevent double calls.
  6. Test in a Practice or Test Session. Drive in traffic and confirm you hear names like “Smith inside” instead of generic calls.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Adjust volumes: Balance Crew Chief spotter volume so it’s clear over engine and tire noise.
  • Name accuracy: If your or an opponent’s name is pronounced wrong, Crew Chief lets you add a custom pronunciation.
  • Fallbacks: Not every name is in the voice pack. Crew Chief can use text‑to‑speech as a fallback.
  • Keep it simple: If you find name callouts too chatty, you can limit them to key moments (overlaps, car alongside, etc.) in Crew Chief settings.
  • Alternatives: Some dashboards (e.g., Z1) have their own spotters, but Crew Chief is the most consistent for name callouts in iRacing.

FAQs

  • Can the default iRacing spotter say driver names?
    No. It only uses generic messages. You need a third‑party spotter for names.

  • Is there an iRacing settings toggle to enable names?
    No. There’s no built‑in option. Use an external spotter app like Crew Chief.

  • Do voice packs (e.g., Dale Jr.) add names?
    No. Those change the voice of the generic calls, not the content. They won’t announce opponent names.

  • Will using Crew Chief affect SR or iRating?
    Not directly. But clearer, earlier info about who’s beside you can help avoid contacts, which protects Safety Rating (SR).

Short Wrap-Up

To get your spotter to use driver names in iRacing, switch to a third‑party spotter—Crew Chief is the go‑to—enable opponent name callouts, and mute the in‑sim spotter. Test it in practice, tweak volumes, and you’re set for cleaner, more informed racing.