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How to Select Car Class in Iracing

Learn how to select car class in iRacing: step-by-step fixes for locked car choices, missing cars you own, and host/series restrictions—get back on track fast.

If you’re asking how to select car class in iRacing, the short answer is: open the session entry or garage, use the car/class dropdown, and pick a car you own that the event allows. You’re in the right place — below I’ll show exactly where to click and how to fix the common reasons the choice is blocked.

Quick Answer — how to select car class in iracing

In practice: go to the Race tab → choose the event (Official/Hosted/League) → click Enter/Join → in the entry panel or garage use the Car or Class dropdown to pick your vehicle. If the option is greyed out, the event is locked, the series forces a single car, or you don’t own that car.

What’s really going on

iRacing separates sessions (practice, qualifying, race) and enforces rules per event. Some series are spec races — you must use the single required car. Hosted and league sessions let the host pick allowed cars. You can only select cars you have purchased and installed. Multi-class races have separate class filters; you must choose the correct class to get into the right grid. If the car selection is blocked, iRacing is enforcing one of those rules — not a bug in your controls.

Step-by-step fix

Open iRacing and go to the Race tab.
Find the event you want (Official Series, Hosted, Test Drive, or League) and click Enter or Join.
In the entry panel (the box before you load), look for the “Car” or “Class” dropdown at the top or right—click it and pick a car.
If you’re already in the garage, look for a “Change Car” or a car icon near the top-left/right; use the dropdown there.
If the car is missing from the list, verify you own it: My Account → Content Store, or check the Car menu for “Owned” vs “Available.” Buy/install if needed.
If the dropdown is disabled, check the event rules: the event may be locked, spec-only, or hosted with a restricted car list. Exit and re-enter after the host or series changes settings if needed.

Extra tips / checklist

You can’t choose a car the series locks. Check the event description for “Spec” or required car.
If you own the car but it doesn’t appear, restart iRacing to force a content refresh.
For multi-class races, use the Class filter in the entry screen — wrong class = wrong grid.
Hosted sessions: ask the host whether they allowed the car or class you want. Hosts can restrict cars.
If skins don’t show, that’s separate: select the car first, then change skins in the garage.

FAQs

Q: Why is the car dropdown greyed out?
A: The event is locked, the series forces a single car, or the host restricted cars. Confirm rules and re-enter.

Q: How do I select a different class in multi-class races?
A: In the event entry or garage use the Class or Filter dropdown and pick your class; you’ll then choose a car from that class list.

Q: I own the car but it’s not listed — what now?
A: Quit iRacing and restart. If still missing, check Content Store to confirm purchase and that the car is installed.

Q: Can I change car during an official race weekend?
A: Usually yes for practice and qualifying if allowed; the race car is fixed by the series entry. Check the event rules.

Short wrap-up

Selecting a car class is usually a simple dropdown in the entry panel or garage. If it’s blocked, check ownership, event rules, and host settings. Next step: enter a test session and practice selecting the car so it’s second nature when race day comes.