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How to Go Side by Side Safely in Iracing

How to go side by side safely in iRacing: quick, practical steps to keep your line, use mirrors, and avoid wrecks. For iRacing drivers who want to fix this fast.

If you want to know how to go side by side safely in iRacing, the core fix is simple: be predictable, commit early, and give racing room. You’re in the right place — this guide strips the noise and shows exactly what to do, in-sim.

Quick Answer — how to go side by side safely in iracing

When you’re alongside another car, hold a stable line, avoid last-second steering or braking inputs, and give the other driver clear space through the corner. If overlap is uncertain, lift slightly and re-establish control. That keeps you both on track and protects your Safety Rating (SR).

What’s really going on

Side-by-side incidents happen because two drivers try to occupy the same racing line at the same time. iRacing physics handles contact realistically: small contact at speed easily spins or launches a car. Safety Rating (SR) measures clean driving; repeated side-by-side wrecks cost SR and race opportunities. The key causes: late turn-in, sudden lift or snap oversteer, and not accounting for the other car’s line or dirty air.

Step-by-step fix

Establish your claim before the corner: be visibly alongside (wheel-to-wheel) before committing to the corner apex. If you’re only half alongside, don’t dive inside.
Own a predictable line: pick inside or outside early and stick to it. Sudden changes are what cause contact.
Brake in a straight line: avoid braking while turning when side-by-side. If you must adjust, do it before the turn-in.
Give racing room on entry: the inside driver must leave enough space for the outside car to carry a normal line. If you’re outside, don’t force the inside car off track.
If overlap is unclear, lift gently: a small lift of throttle (or light braking) stabilizes the car and avoids a wreck; don’t make abrupt steering corrections.
Use mirrors and spotter: check mirrors early, and use your spotter or look back to know where the other car is. Communicate via voice if you race with teammates.

Extra tips / checklist

Avoid last-lap desperation dives when side-by-side — it’s where most wrecks happen.
On ovals: never move down into another car’s quarter panel; respect vertical space.
Practice two-car runs in test sessions to learn tow and dirty-air effects.
If you’re winning SR or iRating (your performance score), prioritize clean finishes over risky side-by-side battles.
Watch replays from both cars after a close call — you’ll see who turned in first and why contact happened.

FAQs

Q: Who has the right of way when two cars are side-by-side?
A: No formal “right” — but racing etiquette: the car clearly alongside (wheel-to-wheel) gets space. If overlap is less than half a car, expect the inside driver to yield.

Q: Will going side-by-side hurt my SR?
A: Only if it causes contact or avoidable incidents. Clean, predictable side-by-side driving keeps SR safe.

Q: How do I practice side-by-side safely?
A: Use a private test session with one more car. Set up short runs focusing on entry, lift, and exit without overdriving.

Q: Is it better to lift or hold throttle when contact is likely?
A: Lift gently. A small lift stabilizes your car and reduces the chance of a spin or big contact.

Short wrap-up

Side-by-side safety is mostly about predictability, early commitment, and small, calm adjustments. Practice two-car runs, use your mirrors, and prefer a controlled lift to sudden inputs. Next session, try one clean wheel-to-wheel pass and review the replay — that feedback loop is the fastest way to improve.