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How to Show Delta in Iracing

Answers for iRacing drivers: learn how to show delta in iRacing, what it means, and simple in‑sim steps to enable the lap delta display so you can fix this issue fast.

If you want to know how to show delta in iRacing, the short answer is: enable the delta/timing element in your HUD layout and make sure a reference lap is set. You’re in the right place — below is a plain‑language explanation and the fastest steps to get the lap delta visible in the sim.

Quick Answer — how to show delta in iracing

iRacing displays a “delta” number that compares your current lap/sector to a reference lap (your best, session best, or another driver). To show it: open the in‑sim Options menu, go to HUD/Drive display or HUD customization, enable the lap delta/timing element, apply and set the reference lap in the timing/scoring screen. Return to track — delta appears after you have a lap to compare.

What’s really going on

“Delta” is simply a live time comparison: positive (slower) or negative (faster) compared to a chosen reference lap. iRacing won’t show a meaningful delta until there’s something to compare (for example, you’ve completed a reference lap, or the session has at least one lap recorded). Many drivers think it’s broken when it’s just turned off in their HUD or they’re on an out lap with no reference yet.

Common causes for no delta:

  • HUD layout element is disabled.
  • You haven’t completed a reference lap yet.
  • You’re using a custom HUD or third‑party dash that hides delta.

Step-by-step fix

  1. Pause the session (press Esc) and open Options. Look for “HUD” or “HUD customization” (wording can vary by build).
  2. Pick a HUD layout that includes timing/delta or manually enable the “Lap Delta” / “Timing Delta” element. Save/apply changes.
  3. Open the scoring/timing screen (the on‑screen scoring button or menu). Set the reference lap to what you want to compare against — “Session Best,” “Your Best,” or another driver.
  4. Return to the cockpit and complete at least one full lap so the reference exists. The delta should now display as a small time (+/‑) next to your current lap or in the timing bar.
  5. If you still don’t see it, switch to the stock “Default” HUD to verify the feature works; if it does, your custom HUD is hiding the value.

Extra tips / checklist

  • Delta only becomes meaningful after a reference lap — do one flying lap first.
  • Green/negative numbers = you’re faster; red/positive = slower.
  • If you use a third‑party dashboard or app, check its settings — some overlays replace the in‑sim delta.
  • In multi‑split sessions (practice/qualify), confirm the “compare to” option (your best or session best) is set correctly.
  • If in race vs qualifying, remember delta compares whatever reference you selected — you may want “Session Best” during qualifying and “Your Best” during race practice.

FAQs

Q: Why doesn’t delta show on my first lap?
A: There’s no reference lap yet. Complete a lap first, then the delta will compare your current lap to the chosen reference.

Q: I enabled delta but it’s not visible — what next?
A: Switch to the Default HUD to test; if it appears there, edit your custom HUD to add the timing/delta element. Also check any third‑party dash apps.

Q: Can I change what the delta compares to?
A: Yes. In the timing/scoring screen choose the reference (your best, session best, or another driver). The HUD delta uses that reference.

Q: Does delta affect your SR or iRating?
A: No. Delta is only a live performance display to help you improve; SR (Safety Rating) and iRating are separate.

Wrap-up

Showing the delta in iRacing is a HUD setting plus having a reference lap. Enable the timing/delta element in the HUD, set the reference in scoring, and complete a lap — you’ll see live deltas next time around. If it’s still hidden, test the Default HUD and check any third‑party dashboards.