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How to Select Starting Tire in Iracing

This article shows how to select starting tire in iRacing with clear steps and quick tips for iRacing drivers - fix the issue fast and start races correctly.

If you’re asking “how to select starting tire in iRacing,” the short answer is: set the compound in the Garage/Tires panel before the session and save/apply that setup. You’re in the right place — below is a clear, no-fluff walkthrough and fixes for the common reasons you can’t change it.

Quick Answer

Open the Garage (before the race or while in pits), go to the Tires tab, pick the compound you want (primary/alternate/qualifying if available), apply the change and save the setup. If the series locks tires or uses a fixed setup, you won’t be able to change them.

What’s Really Going On

iRacing uses the tire compound that’s mounted on your car in the Garage. That compound comes from the loaded setup file or from the series’ rules. Some series allow multiple compounds (primary vs alternate), some force a single compound, and some official events use a fixed setup that prevents changes. If your car arrives on track with the wrong tires, it’s usually because the loaded setup has a different compound or the series blocks changes.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Open the Garage: From the pits or paddock, click Garage/Setup before joining the session or after stopping in-pits.
  2. Find the Tires panel: Look for the tire icon or “Tires” tab in the Garage menu.
  3. Select the compound: Use the compound dropdown or radio buttons to choose Primary, Alternate, or Qualifying (whichever your series supports).
  4. Apply the change: Click “Apply to Car” or “Apply” so the simulator mounts that compound on the virtual car.
  5. Save the setup: Save the setup under a new name so the compound persists next time you load it.
  6. Verify on HUD: On track or in the garage, check the top-right session info or Vehicle Info to confirm the compound name and tire life.

If you can’t change the compound: check the series rules (some official races lock setups), or confirm you’re not loading a setup that immediately resets tires (like a fixed setup from the series).

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Don’t forget to save: Applying without saving means your next load might revert.
  • Loading someone else’s setup can overwrite your chosen compound — re-check Tires after loading.
  • If you need different tires for the start and pit stops, set the pit stop options in race strategy (pit action) when available, and plan stops accordingly.
  • For mandatory alternates: iRacing will show required compound rules in the session info; follow them to avoid penalties.
  • If the Garage UI looks different, press F2/F3 or check the control overlay — iRacing updates UI, but Tires panel is always in the Garage.

FAQs

Q: Why can’t I change starting tire in iRacing?
A: Most likely the series uses a fixed setup or you’re loading a setup that forces a compound. Check series rules and whether the setup is locked.

Q: How do I see what tire compound is mounted?
A: In the Garage Tire panel and on the on-screen Vehicle Info/HUD — the compound name and life appear near tire temps.

Q: Can I change starting tires after the race starts?
A: Not before rolling off the grid. You can only change tires during pit stops once the race is underway.

Q: Will starting tire choice affect iRating or safety rating (SR)?
A: No — ratings are based on on-track performance and incidents, not which compound you chose. But tire choice affects pace and strategy.

Short Wrap-Up

Set the compound in the Garage Tires panel, apply and save your setup, then verify on the HUD. If the option is blocked, check the series’ rules or fixed-setup status. Next session, practice with the compound you plan to start on so your race strategy matches reality.