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How to Select Grid Position in Iracing

This article answers how to select grid position in iRacing and why it may be locked. For iRacing drivers: clear, step-by-step actions to fix it fast and race-ready.

If you’re dealing with how to select grid position in iracing, the short answer: you usually can’t pick a spot manually — the game sets the grid based on the session type (qualifying, practice, or host settings). You’re in the right place to fix it: below are clear, direct steps to see or change your grid when it’s allowed.

Quick Answer: how to select grid position in iracing

iRacing sets starting positions automatically. To “select” a grid spot you must either: 1) post a qualifying time (grid comes from fastest laps), or 2) be in a hosted session where the host chooses the grid layout. Drivers cannot move themselves into arbitrary grid slots during official sessions.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing determines grid order from session rules:

Qualifying session present → grid = qualifying times.
No qualifying → host or server rules decide (sometimes fastest lap in practice).
Hosted sessions (leagues/private races) → host can choose grid rules (manual lineup, random, reverse, etc.). If you can’t change your position it’s not a bug — it’s how the server enforces fair starts and timing.

Step-by-Step Fix

Check the event details before you join. Look for “Qualifying” or “Grid from…” in the session description to know how the grid will be set.
If qualifying exists, go to qualifying and complete a clean flying lap. Your fastest legal lap becomes your position when qualifying ends.
After qualifying finishes, open Timing & Scoring (F2 or session screen) and confirm your fastest lap is recorded. If it is, the grid will update automatically.
If you were late to join or joined the race in progress, you may be placed at the back — rejoin before the session starts next time.
For hosted/league races, contact the host or organizer. Only the host can manually set or move drivers on the starting grid through the host controls.
If your qualifying time didn’t register (session disconnect, pit lane, timing errors), file a ticket with the league host or post in the event chat; they can review and, if appropriate, adjust the lineup.

Extra Tips / Checklist

Don’t assume race-only sessions let you pick a spot — check event rules.
Use low-traffic windows in qualifying to get a clean lap (avoid hotlapping behind others).
If you see a wrong grid after qualifying, verify your lap in the session results before complaining.
Hosts: to manually set grid order, use the Hosted Session setup options or server control panel — drivers can’t do this themselves.
Re-entering a session can put you at the back; join and stay connected until the session starts.

FAQs

Q: Can I move my starting position after qualifying ends?
A: No. Grid updates when qualifying closes. Only the host can change starting positions in hosted sessions.

Q: Why is my fastest lap not showing on the grid?
A: Check Timing & Scoring for a valid lap (not undercut by penalties or track limits). If your lap disconnected or was invalid, it won’t count.

Q: I joined late and got put at the back — can I change that?
A: Only a host or race official can move you. For official races, late join usually equals back of the grid.

Q: How do hosts set a custom grid?
A: Hosts choose grid rules in the Hosted Session settings (manual lineup, random, reverse, or grid from qualifying/practice).

Short Wrap-Up

You can’t arbitrarily pick a starting slot in iRacing — grid comes from qualifying or host settings. Do a valid qualifying lap or ask the host to change the lineup if you need a different spot. Next session: check the event rules early and get your qualifier in during a quiet window.