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How to Enter a Race in Iracing

Explains how to enter a race in iRacing for iRacing drivers. Step-by-step fixes to register, join practice/qualifying, and start racing fast. Fix this issue fast.

If you’re wondering how to enter a race in iRacing, the short answer: open the iRacing client, pick the right Series or Hosted session, click Register/Signup, complete any required practice/qualifying, then Join the race. You’re in the right place to fix common signup problems fast.

Quick Answer — how to enter a race in iracing

Open the iRacing Launcher > Sessions tab (or Series/Hosted), select the event, click Register or Sign Up, do practice/qualifying if needed, then click Join when the race session opens. If the Register button is grey or missing, check license/series eligibility or that the session isn’t full.

What’s really going on

iRacing separates official Series races (league-style, with license and safety rating limits) from Hosted or Weekly races. If you can’t enter, it’s usually one of these causes:

  • You didn’t click the Register/Sign Up button for that event.
  • The session is full or closed.
  • Your license level, safety rating (SR — how cleanly you drive), or car selection doesn’t meet the event’s rules.
  • You’re looking in the wrong tab (Weekly Series vs Hosted vs Special Events).

Knowing which type of event you’re trying to join fixes most confusion.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Launch iRacing and log in. Make sure your account and subscription are active.
  2. Go to the Sessions tab for the track/car you want or open the Series tab for official series.
  3. Find the specific session time. Click it to open the event details page.
  4. Click Register or Sign Up. If it’s a Hosted race, use the Hosted tab and join the server listed.
  5. If the session requires practice/qualifying, complete the required laps before the race start time.
  6. At race start, click Join from the Sessions window — not from the practice page — and pick your garage/skin if prompted.
  7. If Register is disabled, check the “Event Restrictions” on the event page for license, SR, or car requirements and adjust accordingly.

Extra tips / checklist

  • If the race is full, try the waitlist option (when available) or pick another time.
  • License issues: upgrade your license by completing required tests/events in Test Drives or Rookie/License races.
  • Car/class mismatch: some events lock to specific cars. Choose the correct car before registering.
  • Use the correct tab: Weekly Series is different from Hosted/League races — missed that and you’ll look in the wrong place.
  • Restart the iRacing client if buttons don’t respond — occasional UI glitches happen.

FAQs

Q: Why is the Register button greyed out?
A: Usually because you don’t meet event restrictions (license, SR, car) or the session is full/closed.

Q: How do I join a hosted race?
A: Open the Hosted tab, find the server, click Join or Sign In to that hosted event, and follow the host’s instructions.

Q: Do I need to do qualifying first?
A: Some events require qualifying. The event page will show “Practice/Qualify Required.” Complete it before race start.

Q: What if I get a “You are not eligible” message?
A: Check the event’s required license class and SR; you may need to run lower-license events to raise SR or complete rookie/licensing steps.

Short wrap-up

Entering a race in iRacing is usually a simple register → practice/qualify → join flow. If something blocks you, check the event details for restrictions, ensure you picked the correct tab (Series vs Hosted), and confirm your license/SR and car choice. Try one session step-by-step next — you’ll be on track quickly.