Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.

Are All Iracing Tracks Scanned

Are all iRacing tracks scanned? A quick guide: which tracks are laser-scanned vs hand-built, why they look different, and fast fixes for unscanned tracks now.

If you’re asking are all iracing tracks scanned, short answer: no — not every track is laser-scanned. You’re in the right place to understand why a track looks different and what to do next to fix visual or layout surprises quickly.

Quick Answer (are all iracing tracks scanned)

No. iRacing uses laser (LiDAR) scans for many recent or high-priority circuits, but a lot of tracks were built by hand from plans, photos, and measurements. Both types are playable, but scanned tracks are more accurate in elevation, curbs, and runoff detail.

What’s Really Going On

Laser-scanned tracks: iRacing uses high-precision scans that capture exact layout, camber, elevations, and object placement. These feel and look closest to the real track.
Hand-built tracks: Older or lower-priority circuits were modeled from satellite imagery, photos, and maps. They can still be very good, but curbs, bumps, and pit entries may differ.
Why you notice it: Differences in braking markers, curb shape, or elevation changes can upset your braking points and setup. That’s why a track “feels wrong” even though the sim is fine.

Step-by-Step Fix

Check the track page: On the iRacing website or the launcher’s Content page, open the track’s details — it will say if it’s “Laser scanned” or not.
Confirm you have the latest files: In the iRacing launcher go to Content → search the track → ensure it’s installed and up to date. Install or update if needed.
Redownload if corrupted: If textures or layout look wrong, remove the track in Content and re-download it. Corrupt files cause missing assets that mimic “unscanned” problems.
Test offline: Load a local practice session for the track to see if the issue persists solo — this rules out server-side differences.
Check forums/support: If the track should be scanned but looks wrong, search iRacing Forum or support for known issues or recent patches. Report a replay/issue to iRacing if necessary.

Extra Tips / Checklist

Before a league or race, verify the track version in the Content tab to avoid surprises.
If curbs feel off, adjust brake markers and approach — hand-built curbs are often modeled differently.
Keep GPU drivers updated; graphical glitches can look like missing scan detail.
Use a short practice session to re-learn braking/turn-in points if the track type (scanned vs hand-built) is new to you.
Ask your league or series director whether they run a specific track layout or mod — that can change surface behavior.

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if a track is laser scanned in the sim?
A: The safest place is the iRacing website or launcher Content page — the track description states “Laser scanned” when applicable.

Q: Do laser-scanned tracks change driving physics?
A: They change the accuracy of curbs, bumps, and elevation. That can change braking points and car behavior, but not the underlying tire or aero model.

Q: Can iRacing scan a track on request?
A: You can suggest tracks in the forums, but iRacing prioritizes scans by popularity, licensing, and logistics.

Q: My scanned track looks wrong — what then?
A: Reinstall the track, test offline, check for known patches, and submit a support ticket with a replay if the problem persists.

Short Wrap-Up

Not every iRacing track is laser-scanned. Check the Content page to confirm, update or reinstall the track if visuals or layout seem off, and use a short practice to re-learn braking and lines. If the problem persists, the iRacing forums/support will help escalate it.