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How to Do Driver Swaps in Iracing
Learn how to do driver swaps in iRacing fast. Step-by-step guide for team entries, in-session swaps, and pit settings so iRacing drivers can fix this issue fast.
If you’re wondering how to do driver swaps in iRacing, the short answer is: enter as a team, have the relief driver join the same session, bring the car to the pit stall, select the pit service “Driver Change” and complete the stop — the server swaps control to the other driver. You’re in the right place to fix this now.
Quick Answer — how to do driver swaps in iracing
Driver swaps require a team entry and both drivers present in the same session. When the car is in the pit stall, choose the “Driver Change” pit service (the option shows with fuel/tires). Confirm the stop; once the service completes the server assigns the car to the waiting teammate and they take over.
What’s Really Going On
iRacing supports multi-driver endurance events by letting multiple registered drivers share one car entry. The swap happens on the server during a pit service called “Driver Change.” If it doesn’t work, it’s almost always because the team entry wasn’t set up correctly, the relief driver isn’t in the session, or the pit service wasn’t selected at the stop.
Brief notes:
- Team entry: drivers must be on the same team/car in the event entry.
- Same session: the incoming driver must join the session (practice/qualify/race) before the swap.
- Pit service: you must request the Driver Change during the pit stop.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Create or join the team entry: On the event page, make sure the race entry is a team entry and both drivers are listed for that car.
- Both drivers join the session: The incoming driver logs into iRacing and joins the same session (not a separate instance). You’ll see the teammate listed in the entry list.
- Pick a pit stall and communicate: Use voice/ chat to coordinate the pit window and stall. Arrive with enough time to complete tires/fuel if needed.
- In the pits, select Driver Change: Open the pit-stop menu and check “Driver Change” in addition to any fuel or tires. Confirm the stop.
- Wait for the service to finish: The pit stop completes and the server hands control to the teammate that’s logged in and waiting. The new driver will be placed in the car at pit exit or when the stop finishes.
- Verify control and continue: Confirm the incoming driver has control and is set up (seat, controls, camera). If it fails, immediately check the entry/team settings and relog the incoming driver.
Extra Tips / Checklist
- Both drivers must use the same car and be assigned to the same team/car entry.
- Join the session early — don’t try to swap a driver who isn’t in the session.
- Series or race hosts sometimes enforce a fixed driver change time; factor that into your pit plan.
- Practice a dry run in testing so both drivers know the cockpit view, bearings, and or setup differences.
- If swap doesn’t occur, have the incoming driver relog and reselect the car; if still broken, contact race control or file a support ticket with iRacing.
FAQs — how to do driver swaps in iracing
Q: Do both drivers need the same setup?
A: No, each driver can load their own setup when they join, but coordinate on balance and seat position beforehand.
Q: Does the driver change add time?
A: Yes — the pit service takes time equal to the stop’s scripted duration or the race host’s settings, so plan the pit window.
Q: Can anyone jump in mid-race?
A: Only drivers assigned to that team/car and present in the session can take over.
Q: Swap failed — what’s first to check?
A: Verify team entry, confirm the incoming driver is in the same session, and that “Driver Change” was selected during the pit stop.
Short Wrap-Up
Driver swaps are straightforward if the team entry and session presence are correct. If something fails, stop, confirm the teammate is logged in and the pit “Driver Change” service was selected — then try again. Practice a swap in a test session so it’s smooth in race conditions.
