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What Is a Hosted Session in Iracing

Answers what is a hosted session in iracing for iRacing drivers, plus steps to join or create one so you can practice or race friends and fix confusion fast.

If you’re asking what is a hosted session in iracing, it’s a custom race or practice you or someone else sets up on-demand. It runs on iRacing servers and doesn’t affect iRating (skill rating) or SR (Safety Rating). You’re in the right place—here’s the quick answer and how to use it without wasting time.

Quick Answer: what is a hosted session in iracing

A hosted session is a private or public event you can create (or join) with your choice of car, track, session length, rules, and password. It’s great for testing, team practice, or racing friends. Results don’t change your license, SR, or iRating.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing has “official” series that impact your SR/iRating and run on fixed schedules. Hosted sessions are different: you control the format. Think of them as your sandbox—pick the combo, decide on fixed or open iRacing setup, set incident limits, cautions, fast repairs, and more.

Common confusion:

  • You must own the car and track to join.
  • Hosted sessions usually have a small per-hour fee to create (shown in the UI). Joining is free if you have the content.
  • They’re separate from Leagues, but Leagues often use hosted-style events with schedules.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. To join: In the iRacing UI, go to “Hosted” or “Multiplayer” and filter by car/track/region. Look for public or passworded sessions that match your content.
  2. To create: Click “Create a Race” > Hosted. Choose car(s), track, and session type (Practice, Practice/Qual/Race).
  3. Set rules: Pick fixed or open setup, incident limit, cautions, starting type, fast repairs, and time of day. Keep it simple if you’re new.
  4. Check slots and region: Set max drivers and pick a server region near your group for better ping.
  5. Protect access: Add a password if it’s for friends or a team test. Share it directly.
  6. Review cost and schedule: Confirm the duration and any fee shown, then create. Your session will appear in the Hosted list for others to join.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Content check: Everyone must own the car and track. If friends can’t see your session, that’s usually the iRacing problem.
  • Keep it fair: Use “Fixed” iRacing settings (fixed setup) so pace isn’t just about tuning.
  • Keep it short: Start with 30–60 min practice and a short race. Add qualifying later.
  • Save a preset: If you’ll reuse these settings, save the configuration for one-click re-hosting.
  • Communicate: Post the session name, password, and start time clearly so people can find it fast.

FAQs

  • Do hosted sessions affect iRating or SR?
    No. You’ll see incidents in results, but they don’t change your iRating (skill rating) or SR (Safety Rating).

  • Can I run multi-class in a hosted session?
    Yes. Add multiple cars when creating the event. iRacing will score each class separately.

  • Why can’t I see my friend’s hosted session?
    You likely don’t own the car/track, the session is full, or it’s in a different server region. Also check if it’s password-protected.

  • How many drivers can join?
    Capacity depends on the car/track combo. The UI shows the max slots when you set up the session.

Short Wrap-Up

Hosted sessions are your flexible playground: practice, coach teammates, or run private races without risking SR or iRating. Try a simple fixed-setup practice today, then build up to a short race once everyone is comfortable.