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How to Do Donuts in Iracing

Learn how to do donuts in iRacing: step-by-step technique, control settings, and quick fixes for common problems. For iRacing drivers who want clean spins fast.

If you want to pull clean donuts in iRacing, the short answer is: pick a powerful RWD car in Practice/Test, disable driving assists (if available), map a handbrake or use a clutch/ throttle technique, and break rear traction with full throttle while countersteering. You’re in the right place — below are plain, practical steps to get it done fast.

how to do donuts in iracing — Quick Answer

Do this in Practice or Test (not during competitive racing). Use a rear-wheel-drive car, turn off traction aids, ensure your controls are mapped (steering, throttle, clutch, handbrake), approach slow, initiate oversteer with a clutch dump or handbrake, then hold it with throttle and countersteer.

What’s Really Going On

A donut is controlled, continuous oversteer: the rear tires lose traction and the car spins around a tight circle. In iRacing you’ll only be able to do this when the car is allowed to break traction (practice/test sessions or after the checkered). Problems people run into are usually control mapping (no handbrake), driving assists like traction control fighting the slide, or using a car that’s too low-powered or too grippy.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Choose the right session and car — enter Practice or Test, and pick a RWD, higher-power car (stock cars, older GTs, or certain formula cars with lift-off oversteer).
  2. Check controls — map throttle, brake, steering, clutch (if you use one) and handbrake to buttons you can hit quickly. Test the handbrake in the pits; some cars don’t model handbrake, so be ready to use clutch/ throttle.
  3. Disable assists — turn off traction control and any stability aids in the car’s setup or assists menu, if the car allows it. ABS can stay on if you’re inexperienced, but TC must be off to break rear grip reliably.
  4. Initiate the donut — roll to 10–20 mph, steer sharply into the turn, dump the clutch or hit the handbrake and apply full throttle quickly to break the rear loose. If no clutch, a quick throttle snap while steering works on powerful cars.
  5. Hold and control — countersteer with the wheel while modulating throttle to keep the rear sliding. Too much throttle and it will snap wide; too little and it will regain traction and stop. Use small steering corrections.
  6. Exit safely — reduce throttle and straighten the wheel to regain grip. Do this only when clear of traffic to avoid penalties.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Do it in Practice/Test or after the race finish to avoid SR/iRating consequences or blocking others.
  • If the car won’t break loose, double-check TC is off and that your throttle input is strong and immediate.
  • Map a handbrake to a button/paddle — it gives the easiest, most reliable initiation when available.
  • If your wheel won’t turn enough, check steering lock settings in iRacing and your wheel base software.
  • Lower FFB if the wheel is jerking or you overcorrect; smoother feedback helps control slides.

FAQs

Q: Can I do donuts in an official race?
A: No — don’t do them during live races. You risk penalties, blocking other drivers, and SR (safety rating) loss. Use Practice/Test or the post-race cooldown when allowed.

Q: Which car is best for donuts in iRacing?
A: Any powerful RWD car works. Stock cars and older GT or muscle cars are easiest. Lightweight, low-grip cars can be harder because they flick unpredictably.

Q: My handbrake button does nothing — what now?
A: Some cars don’t model a handbrake. Map the input correctly in Controls, then test in-car. If the car ignores it, use a clutch dump or throttle snap method instead.

Q: Car snaps out of control — how do I stop it?
A: Reduce throttle immediately and apply countersteer. If you’re unfamiliar, practice low-speed slides first and lower FFB to avoid overcorrection.

Short Wrap-Up

Donuts in iRacing come down to car choice, control mapping, and breaking rear traction deliberately in a safe session. Start slowly, practice the clutch/handbrake initiation, and learn throttle-counters steering balance — then you’ll pull clean donuts reliably.