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

How Do I Start Oval Racing in Iracing

I answer how do i start oval racing in iRacing for drivers: step-by-step entry, setup, and rule fixes so you can join oval races and fix problems fast today.

If you’re asking how do i start oval racing in iracing, the short outcome is: pick an oval series or hosted session in the Race/Series menu, confirm your license class and car, then join an open practice or race. You’re in the right place to fix common entry confusion fast.

Quick Answer — how do i start oval racing in iracing

Open the Race or Series tab → filter for Oval events → choose a series that matches your license (Rookie, D, C, etc.). If you don’t meet the series entry rules, use Practice/Hosted sessions or the Oval Rookie series to gain experience and safety rating (SR).

What’s Really Going On

iRacing separates racing by vehicle type (oval vs road), license level, and safety rating. Safety Rating (SR) is your clean-driving score; iRating measures pace in competitive racing. If you can’t join an oval race it’s usually because:

Your license class isn’t eligible for that series.
Your SR or iRating is too low for the split.
You’re in the wrong time zone or region for the hosted session. Understanding these rules lets you pick the right path: official series, fixed setups, or hosted/open practice.

Step-by-Step Fix

Open iRacing and go to the Race tab. Filter by Type → select Oval.
Check your License level (top-right of UI). Pick a series that matches that level (Rookie for new drivers).
If you’re not eligible, select Practice or Hosted sessions at the same track and car to build SR.
Join the Official Practice or Time Trial for that series to get comfortable with the car and track.
When your SR/experience is enough, return to the Series page and enter the Official Race or Qualify for a split.
If you see “not eligible” messages, click the info icon to read required SR/iRating and follow its steps (upgrade license, complete minimum laps, or run a practice).

Extra Tips / Checklist

Use Rookie Oval first if you’re new; it’s designed for learning.
Always check the car setup: some series require a fixed setup. If fixed, don’t try to change setup.
Run a few time trials to learn fast laps before entering races.
Watch the series rules and incident limits — too many incidents lower SR and block future entry.
Use hosted sessions to practice starts, restarts, and running in traffic.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to buy cars/tracks to race oval?
A: Yes. Official series require the car and track. Use the Practice page to check required content before entering.

Q: Why can’t I enter an oval race even though I have the car?
A: Likely license or SR restrictions. Check the event info for entry requirements and run official practice to meet them.

Q: How fast do I need to be to join oval splits?
A: iRacing uses iRating and SR, not a fixed lap time. Improve by clean, consistent laps in practice and official sessions.

Q: Can I race oval with a wheel and controller?
A: Yes. A wheel is recommended for control, but controllers work. Make sure your controls are calibrated.

Wrap-Up

Pick a matching series, use practice to build SR, and re-enter when eligible. Next session: load the car, run 10 clean laps, and join a hosted or rookie oval race to start gaining race experience.