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How to Reset Car in Iracing

Quick guide for iRacing drivers on how to reset car in iracing: find the in-sim Reset Car button, why it may be disabled, and how to fix it fast. Quickly. Now.


If you’re asking how to reset car in iracing, the quick answer is: open the in‑sim menu (Esc) and use the Reset Car option, then choose “Reset to Track” or “Reset to Pits.” You’re in the right place — below are simple steps and fixes when that option is greyed out.

What’s really going on

iRacing’s reset feature is a convenience for practice, qualifying and many situations when you’re stuck off track or flipped. It simply moves your car back onto the track or into the pits so you can continue. The option can be unavailable because the session rules block resets (common in official races), because of a cooldown timer, or because using it would interfere with race integrity.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Pause the sim: Press Esc to open the in‑sim menu. This always works to access session controls.
  2. Find Reset Car: Click the “Reset Car” button in the menu. You’ll usually see choices like “Reset to Track” or “Reset to Pits.”
  3. Pick the right reset: Choose “Reset to Track” to rejoin at a safe position, or “Reset to Pits” if you want repairs or a pit stop.
  4. Wait for the reposition: The sim will reposition you and clear most blockages; give it a second to place the car and load tires.
  5. If Reset is greyed out: You’re likely in an official race with resets disabled or waiting for a cooldown. Drive back to the pit lane or finish the lap — you may need to retire if you can’t rejoin safely.
  6. Bind a control (optional): If you want faster access, bind the Reset action in Options → Controls so you don’t have to open the menu every time.

Extra tips / checklist

  • Practice vs race: Use resets freely in practice and qualifying; be conservative in races because they may be disabled.
  • Pit repairs: Reset won’t repair heavy damage — go to the pits and request repairs if needed.
  • Don’t exploit: Repeated or strategic resets to gain position is abuse and can affect Safety Rating (SR) or result in penalties.
  • If you disconnect: Use the Rejoin option from the Session menu or reopen the sim; reset may not work during certain reconnect states.
  • If you’re stuck visually after reset: Toggle your camera or respawn into cockpit view; sometimes the camera stays odd after reposition.

FAQs

Q: Can I reset my car in an official race?
A: Sometimes, but many official races disable resets or limit them. If the Reset button is disabled, you must drive back to the pits or retire.

Q: Does resetting cost a time penalty or affect SR/iRating?
A: Reset itself doesn’t add time penalties, but repeated resets or misuse can harm your Safety Rating or lead to steward action if used to gain advantage.

Q: Why is the Reset Car button greyed out?
A: Common reasons: session rules disallow resets, you’re in cooldown, or you’re in a position where the sim won’t safely place the car. Check session type and try driving to pits.

Q: Is there a hotkey for reset?
A: The default way is Esc → Reset Car, but you can bind reset actions in Options → Controls if you want a direct key.

Short wrap-up

Resetting in iRacing is usually Esc → Reset Car → choose Track or Pits. If it’s unavailable, you’re likely in a race with resets blocked or a cooldown is active — drive to the pits or continue safely. Next session: bind the control and practice using reset in practice so you know how it behaves during an actual event.