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How to Open in Car Menu in Iracing

How to open in car menu in iRacing: quick, clear steps for iRacing drivers to map or press the In‑Car Menu control — fix this issue fast and resume setup or pitting.

If you’re dealing with how to open in car menu in iracing, the short answer is: press whatever key or wheel button you have bound to the In‑Car Menu control — and if nothing is bound, assign one in Options > Controls. You’re in the right place to fix it quickly.

What’s Really Going On

The In‑Car Menu is iRacing’s on-screen menu that gives you pit options, quick chat, camera changes, and HUD toggles while you’re driving. It won’t open unless iRacing receives the specific control input called “In‑Car Menu.” Some setups don’t have that button assigned by default, or wheel/software drivers intercept the button press before iRacing sees it.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Open iRacing and enter a practice or test session (it’s safest to change bindings outside live races).
  2. From the main iRacing window click Options → Controls.
  3. Click the Edit/Assign button to open control assignments for the currently selected car or controller.
  4. In the search box type “In‑Car Menu” or look under the Misc/Controls group for “In Car Menu.”
  5. Click the control, then press the keyboard key or wheel button you want to use. Save the assignment.
  6. Return to the session and press that key/button once (not held) to open the in‑car menu. If it doesn’t appear, try a keyboard key like F10 to test—if the keyboard works, the wheel button is being intercepted (next step below).

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Map a simple key first (F10, TAB, or M) to confirm iRacing responds; then map a wheel button.
  • If your wheel software (Logitech, Fanatec, Thrustmaster) has a profiler, disable its “send special keys” or onboard mapping that might block the signal.
  • Some buttons require a short press vs long hold—assign and test both if unsure.
  • If using VR, ensure the headset/controller focus isn’t stealing input; test with keyboard.
  • Save a control profile per car or per wheel so you don’t have to reassign every session.

FAQs

Q: Is there a default key for the In‑Car Menu?
A: iRacing doesn’t guarantee a universal default across setups. Many users assign a keyboard key or map a wheel button. Check Options → Controls.

Q: My wheel button doesn’t open the menu but keyboard does — why?
A: Wheel driver software may intercept the button. Disable wheel profiler interception or assign the wheel button in the iRacing controls while the profiler is inactive.

Q: Can I change the items shown in the in‑car menu?
A: The menu content is mostly fixed, but some HUD and camera options can be toggled in Settings and the UI. The menu reveals those pre-defined options.

Q: Does the in‑car menu work during replays or spectating?
A: No. The in‑car menu is available during driving sessions (practice/qualify/race) when you’re in the car. Replays and spectating use different controls.

Short Wrap-Up

The in‑car menu only opens when you send the “In‑Car Menu” input to iRacing. If it doesn’t, bind a keyboard key or wheel button in Options → Controls, test with the keyboard to rule out wheel software, then save the profile. Next session, you’ll be able to access pitting, chat, and camera options instantly.