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How to Avoid Autopilot for Now in Iracing

Learn how to avoid autopilot for now in iRacing: quick checks for wheel/controller, disable auto-assists, and test controls. For iRacing drivers who want a fast fix.

If you’re asking how to avoid autopilot for now in iRacing, the short answer is: check your hardware and input mapping, disable automatic driving assists, and rejoin a practice lap to confirm controls. You’re in the right place — this guide gives the minimal checks and actions to get you back in control fast.

Quick Answer: how to avoid autopilot for now in iracing

Most “autopilot” moments are caused by a lost controller input or by automatic assists/AI taking over. Fix it quickly by confirming your wheel or controller is connected, verifying iRacing recognizes the device (Options → Controls), turning off any auto-assist features, and testing in a practice session.

What’s really going on

There is no magic “autopilot” feature that suddenly drives for you in normal online races. Two things commonly cause that feeling:

Your wheel, pedals, or controller disconnects or the input mapping changes, so the car continues without your steering/throttle input.
An assist or AI replacement (used in hosted/solo modes) is active, or car settings (auto-clutch/auto-shift, driving line) are helping the car steer or modulate throttle.

In plain terms: either the sim isn’t receiving your inputs, or a setting is helping you drive. We fix both.

Step-by-step fix

Pull over safely or pause the session. Stop driving until you confirm inputs work — this prevents spins and SR (safety rating) loss.
Check physical connections. Ensure your wheel/pedals/USB dongle are firmly plugged in and the device is powered on. Reconnect if needed.
Open iRacing → Options → Controls. Confirm your wheel appears as the active device and that steering/throttle/brake map to the correct axes. If not, select the right device.
Recalibrate axes. In the same Controls menu, run the axis calibration for steering/throttle/brake so iRacing reads full range properly.
Turn off automatic assists. Disable any “auto-clutch,” “auto-shift,” “driving line” or gamepad assists in Options or in-car settings. These can feel like the sim is driving for you.
If you were disconnected and an AI replaced you, leave the session and rejoin or restart the session. For hosted races, check host settings (host may allow AI or replacements).
Test in a practice lap. Verify steering, braking, and throttle respond and the car behaves normally before rejoining a race.

Extra tips / checklist

Update wheel firmware and drivers before a session to avoid random dropouts.
Close background apps that can grab controllers (Voice software, phone apps, virtual joystick tools).
If you use a gamepad, make sure it isn’t set as a secondary steering device.
Keep a spare USB port handy; sometimes moving the wheel to a different port fixes recognition issues.
If unsure, join a solo practice with AI to test inputs without SR risk.

FAQs

Q: Is there a built-in “autopilot” setting in iRacing?
A: No. iRacing doesn’t automatically drive your car in online races. What feels like autopilot is usually assists, AI replacement after disconnect, or lost inputs.

Q: Will disabling assists hurt my Safety Rating (SR) or iRating?
A: No — assists affect how you drive, not the rating system itself. Driving without assists is how SR/iRating are intended to reflect your true skill.

Q: How do I quickly test my wheel controls?
A: In iRacing go to Options → Controls, confirm device and run axis calibration. Then do one slow lap in practice to confirm steering, throttle, and brake behave normally.

Q: My wheel disconnects intermittently. What then?
A: Check cables/USB ports, update drivers/firmware, and try a powered USB hub. If it persists, test the wheel on another PC to isolate the problem.

Short wrap-up

Most “autopilot” issues are simple: a lost input or an assist. Follow the checklist above (connections → controls → disable assists → test) and you’ll be back in manual control in minutes. If problems continue, note exactly when it happens and we can troubleshoot deeper.