Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.

How to Spot in Iracing

Learn how to spot in iRacing: enable and tune the in-game spotter, fix common audio/key issues, and use calls to stay safe. For iRacing drivers who want a quick fix.

If you’re asking “how to spot in iRacing,” the short answer is: enable and configure the in-game spotter, set the correct audio device/volume, and learn the few voice cues that tell you where other cars are. You’re in the right place to fix it quickly and get reliable spotter calls.

Quick Answer: how to spot in iracing

Enable the spotter in Options, choose a voice and verbosity level, confirm the spotter audio goes to your headset, and practice the main phrases (“car left,” “car right,” “clear,” “outside”) in a test session. Fix common problems by checking audio device selection and key bindings.

What’s really going on

The spotter in iRacing is an automated voice system that reports nearby traffic and flags. It helps you know when cars are alongside, passing, or in your blind spot. If you don’t hear accurate calls it’s usually because the spotter is turned off, audio is routed to the wrong device, verbosity is too low, or your headset/game audio is masked by other sounds.

Step-by-step fix

Open iRacing Options: while in the client or on-track press Esc → Options. Look for the Spotter / Voice settings (may be under Audio or Chat/Spotter).
Turn the spotter ON and pick a voice: choose a clear voice and set verbosity to “Normal” or “Verbose” while learning. This increases useful calls.
Set the audio device and volume: confirm the spotter audio is routed to your headset/speakers. If you use a USB sound device, select it in iRacing and your OS sound settings.
Bind spotter keys: assign push-to-spotter or mute keys if you prefer manual control. Check Controls → Misc or Voice to ensure bindings aren’t conflicting.
Test in a solo practice: start a test session, drive near an AI or add a second car and listen for “car left,” “car right,” “clear,” “two cars ahead,” and flag calls. Adjust verbosity and volume until the timing feels right.
Troubleshoot common faults: if no audio, restart iRacing, verify Windows sound defaults, and ensure no other app is stealing audio. If calls are late, lower engine/tyre sound volume or increase spotter volume.

Extra Tips / Checklist

Turn off aggressive engine/ambient audio if spotter gets drowned out at high RPMs.
Use “Verbose” only while learning; drop to “Concise” for race day to reduce chatter.
Remember spotter phrasing: “car left/right” = alongside; “outside” means overlapping on the outside line.
If using voice attack or third-party overlays, make sure they don’t mute or reroute iRacing audio.
Practice a few laps trusting the spotter before racing — timing matters when cars are close.

FAQs

Q: Why don’t I hear the spotter even though it’s enabled?
A: Check iRacing’s audio device, Windows default playback device, and in-sim volume. Restart iRacing after changing devices.

Q: Spotter calls are too late — how do I fix timing?
A: Increase spotter volume and reduce dominant in-cockpit sounds. Practice to learn the call lead time; it isn’t instantaneous.

Q: Can I change what the spotter says?
A: You can change voice and verbosity, but you can’t edit the phrases in-game. Third-party tools exist but are not recommended for official races.

Q: Should I rely on the spotter in league races?
A: Use the spotter as a supplement. Always check mirrors and your situational awareness — spotter errors can happen.

Short wrap-up

Getting the spotter right in iRacing is a quick win: enable it, route audio correctly, set verbosity, and test in practice. Next session, trust quick calls and pair them with mirror checks — you’ll avoid more incidents and race cleaner.