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How to Get My Car Out of Gravel in Iracing

Quickly fix how to get my car out of gravel in iRacing: plain steps to recover by technique or using the in-sim reset, so you can get back on track fast. Now.

If you’re dealing with how to get my car out of gravel in iRacing, the fastest fixes are simple: stop digging, straighten the wheels, and use gentle throttle pulses to roll out — or use the in-sim Reset Car if you can’t recover. You’re in the right place to fix this now.

Quick Answer — how to get my car out of gravel in iRacing

Don’t mash the throttle. Turn the wheels straight, then use small, steady throttle pulses to regain traction. If the car won’t move or you’re blocked, open the in-sim menu and use the Reset Car option (when allowed) to return to the track or pits.

What’s really going on

Gravel in iRacing is modeled to slow and dig your tires in. Spinning the wheels or holding full lock digs a hole and steals traction. The sim doesn’t magically free you — you must recover traction or use the built-in reset feature. Resets are available in practice and many sessions, but some race sessions or series may disable them.

Step-by-step fix

Stop spinning the wheels. Remove heavy throttle and don’t keep the wheels locked. Spinning makes the car sink deeper.
Straighten your steering. Turn the wheels toward straight to lower rolling resistance and let the tires bite.
Use gentle throttle pulses. Tap a light throttle, then release, repeating to build forward motion without digging in.
If facing the wrong way, try a gentle reverse. Short, controlled reverse pulses can give you room to steer and then move forward. Don’t spin the wheels in reverse either.
If you can’t free the car or you’re stuck in deep gravel, open the Escape menu and select Reset Car (or Reset to Track/Pits). Wait for the respawn. Note: resets aren’t always available in every session.
Rejoin carefully. When you return to the track, check mirrors, look for green track edge, and gently accelerate back into traffic.

Extra tips / checklist

Avoid full lock steering while on gravel — it increases digging.
Feather the throttle instead of holding it; small pulses work best.
Use reverse only briefly to avoid burying the rear wheels.
If you have traction control or aids on, consider toggling them to help in practice sessions.
Learn the reset location in the menu before a race so you can act fast if needed.

FAQs

Q: Will using Reset Car cost me safety rating (SR) or iRating?
A: Resetting itself does not directly change SR or iRating. SR drops when you cause incidents. But a reset can cost position or time, which indirectly affects race outcomes.

Q: Reset is greyed out — what now?
A: Some official races or sessions disable resets. If it’s unavailable you must recover manually: straighten the wheels and use gentle throttle/reverse pulses or wait for a tow in certain special events.

Q: Can I use the handbrake to get out of gravel?
A: No. Handbrake tends to spin the rear and dig you in more. Stick to throttle control and steering adjustments.

Q: Will spinning the wheels help loosen sand?
A: No — spinning usually digs you in deeper. Controlled, low-power pulses are the right approach.

Short wrap-up

The fastest on-track recovery is simple: stop wheelspin, straighten the wheels, and use gentle throttle or small reverse pulses. If you can’t get out, use the in-sim Reset Car option when allowed. Practice this technique in test sessions so you don’t lose positions in a race.