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How to Load Fuel in Iracing

Answers how to load fuel in iRacing for drivers: a clear, step-by-step fix to avoid runouts and wrong pit fuel settings — get back on track fast in under 2 minutes.

If you’re asking how to load fuel in iRacing, the short answer is: set the fuel amount in the garage/setup or in the pit strategy before the session, then save the setup. You’re in the right place — below is a fast, practical fix and what to watch for.

Quick Answer — how to load fuel in iracing

Open the garage or setup screen before the session, find the fuel field (the editable box or strategy/pit stop area), type the total fuel you want, save the setup, and for races also confirm pit-stop refuel amounts. You can only add fuel when the car is in the pits during a session.

What’s really going on

iRacing separates car setup and in-session pit fueling. The garage/setup lets you choose starting fuel for practice, qualifying, and race start. For races, there’s also a pit strategy area where you decide how much fuel to add during stops. You can’t add fuel on track — only in the pits. If you don’t see fields to edit, the series may use fixed fuel or your setup wasn’t unlocked/saved.

Step-by-step fix

Join the session and click Garage or Setup before entering the track. The fuel box is usually on the setup panel or strategy tab.
Click the fuel field and type the amount you want (liters or gallons depending on series). Use +/− if available.
For races: open Pit Strategy (or Pit Stops) and set “fuel to add” or the pit stop plan for each stop. Confirm whether refueling is automatic or manual.
Click Save Setup or Apply. Make sure you’re not overwriting with a different saved setup when you leave.
During the session, pit to take on fuel. If you set pit fuel amounts, the simulator will add that much during the stop.
If the series disables changes or uses mandated fuel, check race rules — you can’t override fixed fuel settings.

Extra tips / checklist

Fuel maths: fuel per lap × laps + 1–2 extra laps (safety) = starting fuel.
Check units: some cars show liters, others gallons. Don’t mix units when copying setups.
Save different setups: one for qualifying (low fuel) and one for the race (full fuel).
If your car feels off, confirm the fuel amount in the garage — fuel changes balance and handling.
If you can’t edit fuel, verify series rules or that you’re in the garage/setup screen, not the in-car HUD.

FAQs

Q: Why can’t I add fuel during the race?
A: You can only add fuel while stopped in the pits. You cannot add fuel on track. Also check if the series locks fuel settings.

Q: Where is the fuel field in the iRacing setup?
A: It’s in the garage/setup panel or under Pit Strategy. Look for a box labeled Fuel (L) or Fuel (gal) or a pit-stop fuel option.

Q: How much fuel should I load for a race?
A: Multiply your fuel-per-lap (from practice) by race laps, then add 1–2 extra laps as a safety margin and account for formation laps or extra caution laps.

Q: My pit fuel didn’t apply — why?
A: You may not have saved the setup or configured the pit stop fuel amount. Also check if refueling is set to automatic or if the session uses fixed pit settings.

Short wrap-up

Set your starting fuel in the garage/setup, set pit stop refuel amounts for races, save the setup, and only add fuel when you pit. Next session: practice one lap with the chosen fuel and adjust if your fuel-per-lap estimate was off.