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How to Host a Private Race in Iracing

Answers how to host a private race in iRacing for drivers: quick, step-by-step setup and troubleshooting so you can run private sessions and fix this issue fast.

If you’re dealing with how to host a private race in iracing, the short answer is: create a Hosted session, set visibility to private or add a password, then share the invite details with drivers. You’re in the right place — below is a plain-language, step-by-step fix so you can get a private session running now.

Quick Answer — how to host a private race in iracing

Create a Hosted session from the iRacing UI (or member site), choose the car/track and session type, enable privacy by toggling visibility or adding a password, then create the session and send the host name/password or direct join link to your drivers.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing separates official races from Hosted sessions. A Hosted session is your own private server you control — practice, test, or race formats. The confusion usually comes from not finding the Hosted menu or assuming “league” vs “hosted” are the same. Private hosting simply hides your session from the public list or requires a password, so only people you tell can join.

Step-by-Step Fix

Launch iRacing and sign in. Open the Hosted Sessions area in the sim or on the iRacing member site.
Click Create New Hosted Session (or Host > Create). Pick session type: Practice, Test, or Race.
Select track, car/class, weather, and length. Keep settings simple for your first run.
Under Visibility or Access, set the session to Private or enable Password Protection; enter a clear password.
Create the session. Note the host name and password or copy the “Direct Join” link shown on the member site.
Share the host name/password or link with your drivers. They join via the Hosted tab and search your host name or use the link.

Extra Tips / Checklist

Make sure all invitees own the chosen car and track; otherwise they can’t join.
Use a simple, unique host name so drivers can find you in the Hosted list.
If players can’t join, ask them to check they’re signed into iRacing and that their content is installed and up to date.
Set license or safety rating (SR) restrictions only if needed; they’ll block people who don’t meet the criteria.
If someone still can’t connect, have them restart the sim — firewall/NAT issues are often resolved by a reconnect.

FAQs — how to host a private race in iracing

Q: Can I password-protect a Hosted session?
A: Yes. When creating the session choose Password Protection and share that password only with your drivers.

Q: How do drivers join my private session?
A: In iRacing they open the Hosted tab, search for your host name, then enter the password (if set). You can also send a direct join link from the member site.

Q: Do drivers need to own the car/track?
A: Yes. Everyone joining must have the specific car and track installed in their account.

Q: Can I host a league race using Hosted sessions?
A: Many leagues use Hosted sessions for practice and races. Use league rules for settings and consider a password or private visibility for members-only events.

Short Wrap-Up

Hosting a private race is simply creating a Hosted session, locking visibility with a password, and sharing the details. If anyone can’t join, confirm they’re logged in, own the content, and try a sim restart — that fixes most connection issues. Now create the session, pick a short test race, and invite your crew.