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Why Is Crew Chief Not Connecting to Iracing

Crew Chief won’t connect to iRacing? This practical guide for iRacing drivers explains the real cause and gives fast, step-by-step fixes so you can get back on track.

If you’re stuck on “why is crew chief not connecting to iracing,” the fix is usually simple: match admin permissions, get into a session, and select iRacing in Crew Chief. You’re in the right place—follow these steps to fix it fast and get your spotter talking again.

why is crew chief not connecting to iracing

Quick answer: Crew Chief can’t see iRacing if they’re running with different Windows permissions, if you’re only in the iRacing UI (not a loaded session), or if the wrong game/output is selected in Crew Chief. Start both apps the same way, enter a session, pick iRacing in Crew Chief, then click Start.

What’s Really Going On

Crew Chief reads live data from iRacing through a shared memory link. Windows blocks that link if one app runs “as Administrator” and the other doesn’t. Also, Crew Chief won’t fully connect while you’re just in the Home UI—it needs a practice/test/official session loaded. Finally, a wrong game selection or audio device in Crew Chief can make it seem “disconnected,” even when it’s not an iRacing problem.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Close and relaunch both apps the same way
  • If you run iRacing as admin, run Crew Chief as admin too (right‑click > Run as administrator).
  • If you run iRacing normally, run Crew Chief normally. Don’t mix.
  1. Select the correct game in Crew Chief
  • Open Crew Chief > Game selection = iRacing.
  • Click Start Application after launching the sim.
  1. Enter an actual iRacing session
  • Join Test Drive, Practice, or your official session.
  • Crew Chief connects when the car/garage loads, not in the menu.
  1. Check audio devices in Crew Chief
  • Output device: pick your headset/speakers.
  • If you can’t hear the spotter, it may be an audio routing issue, not a connection issue.
  1. Update and restart
  • Update Crew Chief to the latest version.
  • Make sure iRacing is up to date.
  • Reboot the PC if the link got stuck.
  1. Watch the Crew Chief console
  • The console should show “Connected to iRacing” when it hooks in.
  • If it keeps “Waiting for iRacing,” you’re likely not in a session or you have a permissions mismatch.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • iRacing settings: You don’t need telemetry logging enabled for Crew Chief to work, but it won’t hurt.
  • Avoid duplicate spotters: In iRacing audio options, set the in-game spotter lower or off if you prefer only Crew Chief.
  • One instance only: Don’t run multiple Crew Chief windows.
  • Quick iRacing tips: Use Test Drive to confirm Crew Chief works before your official race.
  • Consistency: If you’ve set iRacing to always run as admin (Properties > Compatibility), set the same for Crew Chief.

FAQs

Q: Crew Chief says “Waiting for iRacing.” What does that mean?
A: You’re not in a loaded session yet, or Crew Chief/iRacing are running with different admin levels. Enter a session and match permissions.

Q: Do I need to enable iRacing telemetry logging for Crew Chief?
A: No. Crew Chief reads live data. Telemetry logging (the .ibt files) is optional.

Q: Can I use Crew Chief while spectating?
A: Yes. It connects when the session loads, even as a spectator.

Q: Do I have to disable the in-game spotter?
A: No, but you may hear two voices. Most drivers lower or disable the in-game spotter and keep Crew Chief.

Short Wrap-Up

Most connection issues come down to Windows permissions, not being in a session, or a wrong Crew Chief selection. Match admin levels, join a session, and hit Start. Test it quickly in a Test Drive before your next official race.