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How to Find Optimal Line in Iracing

Learn how to find optimal line in iRacing: clear steps for iRacing drivers to set, test and lock in the fastest line so you can fix this issue fast, drop lap time.

If you’re asking how to find optimal line in iRacing, the short answer is: pick a consistent baseline line, measure exit speed and lap time, then iterate using small, timed changes. You’re in the right place to fix this quickly — below is a direct, step-by-step plan you can use inside the sim.

What’s Really Going On

There isn’t one magic “best” line for every car and track. Optimal means the fastest average lap time, which usually favors the best exit speed onto the next straight. Confusion happens because entry speed, apex position, curb use, and grip change lap to lap. iRacing simply gives you the platform — you find the line by testing, measuring, and repeating.

Step-by-step fix

1. Choose a clean baseline lap

   • Run a few laps with consistent fuel and tire temps. Don’t push differently each lap; pick one driving style and stick to it.

2. Record one clean “reference” lap

   • Use the ghost car or onboard lap replay and save that lap as your benchmark.

3. Focus on exit speed, not apex perfection

   • For each corner, test small changes to either turn-in or apex (earlier or later by a few meters) and compare exit speed and straight-line time on the next sector.

4. Use lap deltas or telemetry

   • Use iRacing lap delta or export telemetry (CSV) to compare speed traces. Tools like VRS/Motec are helpful but not required — the in-sim delta is enough to tell you which variant is faster.

5. One corner at a time

   • Repeat step 3 for one corner per run. Lock in the faster option, then move to the next corner. Don’t change multiple corners at once.

6. Validate in traffic and race trim

   • After you’ve built the line, test it in a short race or with higher fuel load. A line that’s fast in qualifying may be unstable in race conditions.

Extra tips / checklist

• Aim for “slow in, fast out”: reduce entry aggression if exit suffers.
• Use curbs sparingly; they can help exit but unsettle the car if abused.
• Watch the replays from different camera angles to see wheel lock and slip.
• Keep tire temps and pressures consistent between tests.
• If you have a setup change, re-run the entire check — lines that work with one setup may not with another.

FAQs

Q: How long will it take to find the right line? A: With focused testing one corner at a time, you can find meaningful improvements in a single 20–30 minute practice session.

Q: Should I follow the racing line shown in iRacing replays? A: Use it as a visual guide, but always verify by lap time and exit speed — the replay line isn’t necessarily optimal for your car/setup.

Q: Can I copy other drivers’ lines? A: Yes, as a starting point. But validate by measuring your own lap times; differences in setup or drivestyle change what’s best.

Q: Do setups change the optimal line? A: Yes. More front grip or different downforce often shifts the balance between early and late apexing.

Short wrap-up

Finding the optimal line in iRacing is iterative: baseline a lap, change one thing, measure exit speed and lap delta, then repeat. Next session, pick the slowest corner on your lap and apply this method — you’ll see clear improvements fast.