Join the Discord! →

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


How to Get Iracing

Learn how to get iRacing, set it up, and fix common install/login problems — a clear guide for iRacing drivers to get back on track fast.

If you’re asking how to get iracing installed and running, the short answer: subscribe at iRacing.com, download the Racing Client installer, run it as admin, then sign in and let the game download content. You’re in the right place to fix install, download, or login problems quickly.

Quick Answer

how to get iracing: create an account and active subscription at iRacing.com, download the iRacing Racing Client from your members page, run the installer with admin rights, then log in and allow content updates to finish before you drive.

What’s Really Going On

People usually get stuck at three points: account/subscription activation, the installer being blocked, or content downloads failing. iRacing requires a paid membership (monthly or annual) and uses its own Racing Client to download cars, tracks, and updates. If any step stalls, the client won’t let you reach practice or race sessions — but the fixes are usually simple.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Sign up and subscribe: Go to iRacing.com, make an account, verify your email, and buy a subscription. If your payment fails, check card details and bank alerts.
  2. Download the Racing Client: Log into the iRacing website, open “My Account” > “Downloads” and download the Racing Client installer (not Steam).
  3. Run installer as admin: Right-click the downloaded file and choose “Run as administrator.” Allow it through Windows Defender or your antivirus if prompted.
  4. Log in and update content: Launch the Racing Client, sign in, and let it download the base content. This can take time. Leave the client running until it shows “Ready.”
  5. Set up controls and test: In the options menu calibrate your wheel/pedals, set graphics to match your hardware, then enter Test Drive or Practice to confirm everything works.
  6. If something fails, reboot and retry: Reboot your PC, restart the client, and check for error messages. That resolves many intermittent issues.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Disk space: Ensure at least 40–80 GB free for base game plus cars/tracks.
  • Run as admin: Always install and update with admin rights to avoid permission errors.
  • Disable VPN/proxy: They can block downloads or login. Turn them off during install.
  • Firewall/AV rules: Allow iRacing.exe and the RacingClient through the firewall; temporarily disable AV if installer is blocked.
  • Slow downloads: Switch to a wired Ethernet connection and pause other heavy network usage.

FAQs

Q: Can I get iRacing for free?
A: No. iRacing requires a paid subscription, though they occasionally run free trial weekends.

Q: How long does the initial download take?
A: That depends on your speed. Expect 30 minutes to several hours. Use wired internet and leave the client running.

Q: Do I need a wheel to use iRacing?
A: No — you can use a gamepad or keyboard, but a wheel gives much better control and lap times.

Q: The installer fails or stops at 0% — what now?
A: Run the installer as admin, check disk space, disable VPN/firewall temporarily, and try again. If it still fails, check the iRacing forums for the specific error code.

Short Wrap-Up

Getting iRacing working is usually a simple sequence: subscribe, download the Racing Client, run as admin, and let content finish updating. If you hit a specific error, note the exact message and follow the small fixes above — then hop into Test Drive to confirm everything. Good luck and see you on track.