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How to Host Races With Ai in Iracing

Clear guide to how to host races with AI in iRacing. For iRacing drivers who want fast answers: what’s possible, what isn’t, and simple steps to set up AI races

If you’re stuck on how to host races with AI in iRacing, here’s the short answer: you can’t add AI to online Hosted or League events. AI is single‑player only. But you can set up offline AI races that feel like a custom event. This quick guide shows you how.

Quick Answer

The truth about how to host races with AI in iRacing: you can’t mix AI with human drivers in Hosted or League sessions. AI racing is offline and single‑player. To “host” an AI race for yourself, use the AI Racing tool in the iRacing UI to create a custom event with your rules, track, cars, and bots.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing’s AI is designed for solo practice and racing, not multiplayer. That’s why the AI options live under “AI Racing,” separate from “Hosted” and “Leagues.” You run the session locally, race against computer drivers, and nothing affects online stats like iRating (skill rating) or SR (Safety Rating).

Two common sticking points:

  • Not all cars and tracks are AI‑enabled. Use the “AI Compatible” filter.
  • “Host with AI” isn’t supported yet, so friends can’t join your AI session.

If your goal is to practice racecraft, test setups, or learn tracks without risking SR, AI races are perfect. If you want to race friends, you’ll need a Hosted session with humans only.

How to host races with AI in iRacing

  1. Open the iRacing UI and go to AI Racing. Choose Create AI Race (single event) or Create AI Season (multi‑race series).

  2. Pick your car(s) and track. Turn on the AI Compatible filter so you only see supported content.

  3. Build the field. Use the default roster or create your own. Set field size, skill range (difficulty spread), and aggression. Start conservative; you can adjust later.

  4. Set session options. Practice/Qualifying on/off, race length (laps or time), start type, cautions, weather/time of day.

  5. Save and launch. Save your setup as a preset if you plan to reuse it. Click Race to start. You are the only human driver in the event.

Tip: After the race, tweak AI strength up or down based on your pace and try again. Small changes (2–5 points) work best.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • If performance dips, reduce the number of AI cars before lowering graphics.
  • Build separate AI rosters for ovals, road, and dirt; tune aggression per discipline.
  • For learning a new track, use a narrow skill range so the pack runs similar laps.
  • If a track or car is missing, it likely isn’t AI‑ready yet—check the AI Compatible filter.
  • Want multi‑class? Pick AI‑enabled cars from different classes, then balance field sizes.

FAQs

  • Can I add AI to a Hosted or League race with friends? No. iRacing doesn’t support AI in online Hosted or League sessions.

  • Can my friends join my AI race? No. AI races are single‑player only. To race friends, create a Hosted session (humans only).

  • Why can’t I select some cars/tracks for AI? They’re not AI‑enabled yet. Use the AI Compatible filter to see what’s supported.

  • Do AI races affect iRating or SR? No. AI is offline practice/racing. Your iRating and Safety Rating don’t change.

Short Wrap-Up

You can’t combine AI with online Hosted racing in iRacing, but you can quickly build offline AI events that mimic a hosted experience. Set up a race today, then fine‑tune skill and aggression until the racing feels right.