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How to Race With Friends in Iracing

Learn how to race with friends in iRacing. Clear steps for drivers to host, join the same split, or start a league—plus quick tips to fix issues fast.

If you’re stuck on how to race with friends in iracing, the fastest, guaranteed method is to create a password‑protected Hosted session. You can also try to join the same official race split or set up a league for weekly events. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.

Quick Answer: how to race with friends in iracing

Use a Hosted session with a password for a guaranteed race together. If you want to avoid the small hosting fee, register for the same official race at the same time and hope you land in the same split. For a recurring group, create a league.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing sorts official races into “splits” when too many drivers register. Splits are based mostly on iRating (a skill number used to match pace). That’s why friends don’t always end up together. Safety Rating (SR) is a separate number that tracks how cleanly you drive; it affects license class but not who you’re grouped with in a single event.

Hosted sessions skip matchmaking. You pick the track, car, rules, and password. Leagues are just organized hosted events that repeat on a schedule. All players must own the selected car and track. Using the in-sim Friends list also helps you see where your friends are and join if the session allows it.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Add your friends in iRacing
  • In the UI, search their name under People/Members and click Add Friend.
  • You’ll see when they’re online and what session they’re in. If it’s open, you can Join or Watch.
  1. Guaranteed method: host a private session
  • Go to Hosted > Create a Race. Pick car(s), track, time, and server region.
  • Set a Join Password and share it with your friends.
  • Pay the small iRacing credit fee, create the session, and everyone clicks Join.
  1. Cheaper method: join the same official race
  • Pick a series and event start time. Everyone registers at the same time and stays on the Registration screen.
  • Choose a time of day with lower participation to reduce the chance of multiple splits.
  • Same car/track content and licenses required. Not guaranteed, but often works if participation is low.
  1. For a standing group: create a league
  • Go to Leagues > Create League. Set schedule, cars, tracks, and permissions.
  • Invite friends, then run league sessions (hosted under the league). This keeps your roster organized.
  1. Doing team/endurance events
  • Create a Team (Teams tab), invite members, and register the team for a team‑enabled event.
  • Teammates share one car and swap during pit stops.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Content check: Everyone must own the same car(s) and track. No content = no join.
  • Region and ping: Pick the server closest to the group to avoid lag.
  • Time zones: Schedule using UTC to prevent mix-ups.
  • Voice/chat: Enable Push-to-Talk and choose your mic in iRacing settings; many groups also use Discord.
  • Official split odds: If you keep getting split up, move to a lower‑population time or switch to Hosted.
  • License limits: Official series enforce license classes; Hosted can ignore class but still needs content.

FAQs

  • Can we guarantee we’re in the same official race?
    Not 100%. Splits are based on registration counts and iRating. Hosted sessions are the only guarantee.

  • Do we have to pay to host?
    Yes, Hosted sessions cost a small fee in iRacing credits per session. Leagues also run on hosted sessions.

  • Can different license classes race together?
    Yes in Hosted and leagues (if the host allows it). Official series may block entries based on license.

  • Can we race AI together?
    AI races are single‑player only. If you want wheel‑to‑wheel with friends, use Hosted or Leagues.

Short Wrap-Up

To race with friends fast, host a password‑protected session and send the link or session name. If you’re budget‑minded, try registering for the same official event at a low‑population time. For a regular group, set up a league and keep it all organized.