Join the Discord! →

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


How to Get Into Sim Racing With Iracing

Learn how to get into sim racing with iRacing: quick setup, license steps, and a simple practice plan for iRacing drivers who want to fix onboarding issues fast.

If you’re asking how to get into sim racing with iracing, start with three things: get controls working, complete the rookie license steps, and join short practice sessions. You’re in the right place to fix onboarding confusion fast.

Quick Answer — how to get into sim racing with iracing

The fastest path is: connect and calibrate your wheel or controller, finish the rookie license tests and required races, then run short practice sessions in a single car/class until your lap times and confidence improve. This gets you into official races without losing license progress.

What’s really going on

iRacing is structured. You need a valid account and a license level to enter most official races. Your “license” is how iRacing checks you’re ready for wheel-to-wheel racing; you earn it by passing tests and completing licensed races without incidents. Confusion usually comes from unclear settings (controls, force feedback), picking the wrong series, or trying too many cars at once.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Check your account and subscription: log into iRacing, confirm your subscription and that the car/track you want is included.
  2. Set up controls: plug in your wheel or controller, open Options > Controls, select your device, and run the calibration wizard. Test steering, pedals, and wheel rotation.
  3. Tweak graphics/performance: lower render distance and shadows if frame rate is low. Smooth, stable FPS (>60) beats pretty visuals for consistency.
  4. Do the rookie license tests: go to Licensing > License Tests, pick the rookie car, and follow the test instructions until you pass. These unlock licensed races.
  5. Run short practice sessions: pick one rookie or beginner series, join a practice, then a qualifier. Focus on clean laps, not speed. Avoid collisions to protect your Safety Rating (SR — your safety score).
  6. Enter a short race: start with hosted or beginner-friendly races. Finish the race cleanly to build SR and progress to higher series.

Extra tips / checklist

  • Use one car type for your first 5–10 sessions to build consistency.
  • Lower FFB (force feedback) if the wheel feels twitchy; increase gradually.
  • Watch replays of your first races to spot consistent mistakes.
  • Keep sessions short (20–30 minutes) to avoid fatigue and repeated errors.
  • Don’t chase lap time at the cost of incidents — SR matters for access to advanced races.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a wheel to start?
A: No — a controller works. But a wheel gives better control and faster progress. Start with what you have and upgrade later.

Q: What is SR and why care?
A: SR (Safety Rating) measures clean driving. Higher SR unlocks more series and better race quality. Avoid incidents to raise SR.

Q: How many practice laps before racing?
A: Aim for 10–20 clean, consistent laps in practice and 3–5 in qualifying. Focus on consistency, not a single fast lap.

Q: How quickly can I move out of rookie series?
A: Depends on incidents and pace. If you finish clean races and pass qualifying consistently, you can advance in a few weeks of regular practice.

Short wrap-up

Start simple: set up controls, finish rookie tests, and run short, clean races in one series. Small, consistent steps protect your license and SR while building speed. Next session: pick one car, do a 20-minute practice, and join a short race.