Join the Discord! →

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


How to Host Practice Sessions in Iracing

iRacing drivers: learn how to host practice sessions in iRacing with quick, step-by-step setup and troubleshooting — fix this issue fast and get back on track.

If you’re stuck on how to host practice sessions in iracing, the quick fix is: use the Hosted tab inside the iRacing UI, create a new session, pick Track/Car, set the session type to Practice, and publish it as Public or Private. This article shows what’s happening and gives exact steps to get people into your session fast.

Quick Answer — how to host practice sessions in iracing

Open iRacing, go to the Hosted tab, click Create/Host, choose the track and car, set Session Type to Practice, pick Public or Private (password if private), set limits (time, players), then click Host. Tell teammates to Join via the Hosted list or accept your invites.

What’s really going on

iRacing separates official events from user-run sessions. “Hosted” sessions are user-created, flexible events that don’t affect official rankings unless you run a sanctioned race. People can only join a hosted practice if they have the same track and car downloaded, the session isn’t full, and you’ve allowed them (public or given the password). If they can’t join, it’s usually a settings mismatch or missing content.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Launch iRacing and sign in.
  2. Click the “Hosted” tab in the top menu (next to Race/Series).
  3. Click “Host” or “Create Session” (button label varies by build).
  4. Enter an Event Name, pick the Track and Car you want, and set “Session Type” to Practice.
  5. Choose Public (anyone can join) or Private (set a password). Set Max Drivers and Session Length.
  6. Adjust extras: open/fixed setups, damage level, weather/time, and whether AI are included.
  7. Click “Host” (or “Create”) to publish. The session will appear in the Hosted list.
  8. Invite friends via the Friends list or tell them to open Hosted → Join and search your event name; give the password if private.

Extra tips / checklist

  • If someone can’t join, confirm they own/downloaded the track and car.
  • Set “Max Drivers” higher if teammates report it’s full.
  • Use a clear Event Name so friends can find you in the Hosted list quickly.
  • For private practice, share the password and exact car/track to avoid confusion.
  • If you need a persistent setup (same car/track each week), save the settings as a template if your client supports it.

FAQs

Q: Can anyone host a practice session in iRacing?
A: Yes. Any active iRacing member can create a hosted session; no special permission needed.

Q: Do hosted practice sessions affect my Safety Rating (SR) or iRating?
A: No. Practice sessions don’t affect SR or iRating. Only official sanctioned races do.

Q: Why can’t a friend join my hosted practice?
A: Common causes: they don’t have the car/track installed, session is full, wrong car class, or you set it private and didn’t share the password.

Q: How do I make my hosted session easy to find?
A: Use a clear event name, set it Public, and message teammates the name and car/track so they can filter the Hosted list quickly.

Wrap-up

Hosting practice in iRacing is quick once you know where the Hosted tab is and how to set session type and visibility. Create the session, confirm players have the content, and use a clear name/password. Try a short, 10–15 minute practice first to verify invites and joins before running longer sessions.