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

Does Iracing Let You Test Cars Before Buying

Explains whether iRacing lets you test cars before buying for iRacing drivers, shows in-sim steps to try cars, and gives quick fixes so you can move forward fast.

If you’re asking “does iracing let you test cars before buying”, the short answer is: usually no — you can only drive cars you own or that are included with your membership or a special promotion. This guide explains why and gives practical steps to test a car (or work around not being able to).

Quick Answer — does iracing let you test cars before buying

iRacing does not generally let you free-test paid cars and tracks before purchase. You can drive the cars included with your membership, any car currently on a limited promotional free trial, or demos offered by iRacing. For everything else you must buy the content to use it in the sim.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing’s model is ownership-based: the simulator checks that you own a car/track before it makes that content available in practice, races, or private sessions. New members get a set of starter cars and tracks included with membership, which is why some drivers think testing is possible. From time to time iRacing or publishers run limited “try it free” promotions — during those times selected cars/tracks are available without purchase. Outside promotions, the only faithful way to drive a car in iRacing is to own it.

This is why you might see a car listed in the shop but be unable to select it in the sim: it’s for sale, not included for testing.

Step-by-Step Fix (how to test or move forward)

Check what you already own: log into the member site and open My Content or launch iRacing > Garage > Content to see included cars/tracks.
Look for current promos: open the iRacing Shop and look for “Free Trial”, “Try Before You Buy”, or time-limited offers. If a promo is active you can drive that car until the offer ends.
Use included cars to compare: if the car you want is similar to an included car (e.g., a lower-power formula), test that one to learn braking and throttle behavior before buying.
Ask a friend or league mate for a quick demo video or shared telemetry: watching a teammate’s onboard lap or comparing setups is often faster than buying blind.
Buy during a sale if needed: if no trial exists and you really want to try in-sim, wait for a sale (iRacing runs frequent discounts) and buy then. Keep notes and practice immediately to get value from the purchase.

Extra Tips / Checklist

Check iRacing’s announcements and the store regularly — promos change often.
Use YouTube onboard laps and setup guides to preview feel and pace.
If a league requires a car, ask the organizer if they provide loaner access or recommend a close alternative.
Compare lap times and onboards before buying to avoid impulse purchases.
Remember: owning a car gives you consistent practice, which is the fastest way to improve.

FAQs

Q: Can I test a paid car in a private session without owning it?
A: No — private sessions still check ownership. Only cars you own or those on active promotions are selectable.

Q: Are there any permanently free cars in iRacing?
A: New members get starter cars and tracks included with membership. The rest are paid.

Q: How do I find out when a car is on free trial?
A: Watch the iRacing Shop page and the official forums/announcements. Promotions are posted there.

Q: What’s the fastest way to decide about buying a car?
A: Watch onboard laps, test a similar included car, check setup guides, and buy during a sale if you still want it.

Short Wrap-Up

You can’t normally test paid iRacing cars before buying, but use included cars, shop promos, and onboards to evaluate pace and feel. If you need the real thing, wait for a sale or promotion and practice right away to get your money’s worth.