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

How to Disable Auto Clutch in Iracing

Explains how to disable auto clutch in iRacing for drivers: step-by-step, in-sim settings to turn off auto-clutch and regain manual control. Fix this issue fast.

If you want to stop iRacing from using the clutch for you, the short answer is: turn off the auto-clutch/assist in the sim and make sure a real clutch axis is assigned. You’re in the right place — below are the plain, fast steps to take inside iRacing and your wheel software.

What’s really going on

iRacing can apply a clutch automatically as an assist (or when you haven’t assigned a clutch axis). That makes gear changes and starts easier, but it removes manual clutch control. Some cars or series also restrict assists for official races. So the “auto clutch” feeling is either an enabled assist, a missing/incorrect clutch input, or a wheel/controller macro doing the work.

Step-by-step fix

Open iRacing and join a test or practice session. You need an in-sim session to change control/assist settings.
In the iRacing session, go to Options → Controls (or Controls/Assign). Look for a “Clutch” axis assignment. If none is assigned, bind your physical clutch pedal to the Clutch axis.
In the same Controls area, scan for any “auto clutch” or “clutch assist” checkbox and disable it. If you don’t see a named option, proceed to the next step.
While still in the session, open the car’s Driving Aids / Assists menu from the garage or in-car UI and turn off any clutch or transmission assists (auto-clutch, auto-blip, or automatic transmission). Save changes.
Check your wheel/controller software (Logitech G Hub, Thrustmaster T.A.R.G.E.T, Fanatec driver, etc.) for macros or shift-blip functions. Disable any automatic clutch macros or preset shift profiles that trigger the clutch.
Test in a short run: if the clutch moves with your pedal only, it’s off. If iRacing still auto-clutches, confirm the series allows changes — some official races force certain assists.

Extra tips / checklist

If you use a sequential shifter, some cars won’t require a clutch for shifts — that’s normal. Manual start still needs a clutch.
Save a control profile after mapping the clutch so you don’t lose it between cars.
In online official events, verify series rules: assists may be locked and can’t be changed.
If using controller repeaters or third-party software, temporarily disable them to rule out external automation.
Restart iRacing after making hardware mapping changes to ensure the sim reloads inputs.

FAQs

Q: I don’t see an “auto clutch” option — what now?
A: Make sure a clutch axis is mapped. iRacing often auto-clutches if no clutch input exists. Also check the car’s assists panel and your wheel software for macros.

Q: Why does the clutch only matter on some cars?
A: Many sequential-gear cars don’t require clutch for shifts. H-pattern cars and race starts typically need a manual clutch.

Q: Can official iRacing races stop me from disabling assists?
A: Yes. Some series lock assists for fairness. Check the event/series rules before assuming it’s a settings problem.

Q: My pedal moves but the car still auto-clutches — what’s wrong?
A: That suggests a macro or software-level automation (wheel hub or external app). Disable those and re-test.

Wrap-up

Disabling auto-clutch usually takes two things: map a real clutch axis and turn off clutch/gear assists in the sim or wheel software. Do that, test in practice, and you’ll have full manual control for starts and shifts. If it still behaves oddly, check series assist rules or third-party software next.