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How to Create a Private Lobby in Iracing

Create a private lobby in iRacing with clear, step-by-step host settings. For iRacing drivers who want private races — set up lobbies fast and avoid common mistakes.

If you’re asking how to create a private lobby in iracing, the short answer is: create a hosted session and set it as private (password or invite-only). You’re in the right place — below are plain-language steps and the common fixes when people get stuck.

Quick Answer — how to create a private lobby in iracing

Create a Hosted Session (via the iRacing website or the client), choose your car/track, and set the session privacy to private or password-protected. Share the password or invite list with only the drivers you want. Start the session from the host account.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing separates public races (open to anyone) from hosted sessions (custom events you control). A “private lobby” simply means a hosted session that only allows entry by password or invitation. If you can’t make one, it’s usually because you missed the privacy checkbox, didn’t save the session, or you’re looking in the wrong place (client vs website).

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Sign in to your iRacing account on the iRacing member site or open the iRacing client.
  2. Open the Hosted Sessions page (on the website it’s “Hosted”; in the client look for “Host” or “Create Session”).
  3. Click “Create Hosted Session” or “Host New Session.” Pick car, track, and event type (practice/qualifying/race).
  4. In the session settings find “Privacy” or “Entry Type.” Choose “Private” or “Password Protected.”
  5. Enter a password or set an invite list. Save the session. Share the password or invite link with your friends.
  6. Start the session from your host account (either launch from the website or join as host in the client). Only people with the password or invite can join.

Tip: If you choose “Friends only” make sure everyone is added to your iRacing friends list. Password-protected is the simplest method.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Double-check you saved the hosted session after changing privacy. Unsaved changes are the most common mistake.
  • If people can’t join, confirm you’re using a password (not an empty string) and that they’re entering it correctly.
  • Use a simple password or share via Discord/TeamSpeak. Long, complex passwords can cause typos.
  • If a guest still can’t join, check their region and server selection — mismatched region settings can block connections.
  • Hosts can change settings mid-session only if no rule prevents it; consider starting with final settings to avoid problems.

FAQs

Q: Can I host a private practice session only?
A: Yes. When creating the hosted session pick “Practice” or “Test” and set privacy to private/password-protected.

Q: Do private lobbies affect my SR or iRating?
A: Hosted private sessions do not affect official SR or iRating unless the session is part of an official series or sanctioned event.

Q: Can I invite people who aren’t on iRacing?
A: No. Only iRacing members can join a hosted session. Share the password with your invited members.

Q: Why can’t players join even with the password?
A: Common causes: the host didn’t save the session, the player typed the wrong password, region/server mismatch, or the session filled to its driver limit.

Quick Wrap-Up

Creating a private lobby in iRacing is just a hosted session with privacy set to password or invite-only. Make the session, set privacy, save, and share the password — then start the race. If someone can’t join, re-check the saved settings and password first.