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

How Do I Participate in Special Events in Iracing

New to iRacing and curious about special events? This calm, beginner guide explains how iRacing works for marquee races with clear steps, common mistakes, and tips.

If the big races sound exciting but the menus feel like an airport terminal, you’re not alone. Many new to iRacing drivers ask, “how do i participate in special events in iracing?” Here’s the calm version: you don’t need magic. You need the right clicks and a light plan.

how do i participate in special events in iracing

Special events are time‑limited, official races like the Daytona 24, Nürburgring 24, Indy 500, and more. To join, own the required car/track, find the event’s time slot in the iRacing UI, register before the session opens, and show up ready (solo or as a team, depending on the event).

Why This Matters for Beginners

These marquee races are the best way for iRacing beginners to experience big grids, teamwork, and long‑run strategy. The confusion comes from how iRacing works: schedules are in UTC, registration opens close to race time, and team events use driver swaps. Once you know where to look and what to prep, it feels straightforward.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check the schedule and requirements: In the iRacing UI and on the iRacing Special Events page, find the event. Note car(s), track, license/class requirements, time slots, and whether it’s a team event.

2. Get the content and practice: Purchase the required car and track. Run test sessions to nail fuel usage, tire wear, and traffic management. For team events, practice safe pit entry and driver swaps.

3. Set up your team (if needed): In the Teams area, create a team, invite drivers, and confirm everyone owns the content. For endurance races, most require at least two drivers; check the event info sheet.

4. Register early: Registration opens shortly before each slot (commonly 30–60 minutes). Register solo or as your team, confirm your car class, and join the warmup/practice.

5. Race day basics: Be in the session early, load a stable setup, assign a spotter/crew chief, and focus on clean laps. Splits are based on iRating, so you’ll be placed with similar pace.

Common Mistakes

• Missing required content: Owning both the car and track is mandatory. Double‑check before race day.
• Time zone confusion: Events list in UTC. Convert to your local time and set alarms.
• Team swap errors: Not all teammates join the session, or driver swaps aren’t practiced. Do a rehearsal pit stop together.

Quick Pro Tips

• Treat practice as traffic training: run in mixed‑class groups and practice safe passing.
• Fuel math first: know your stint length; save a “splash” strategy.
• Start conservative: survive Lap 1, then build pace. It’s the easiest iRacing tip to gain positions.
• Backups help: save a stable setup and a weather-adjusted variant.

When to Ask for Help

If you’re unsure about registration, stints, or driver swaps, ask early. Official iRacing forums and iRacing Discord communities for your car/series are friendly places to get quick answers and shared setups.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a certain license to enter? A: Many special events are open broadly, but some have minimum license or age requirements. Check the event’s info sheet in the UI.

Q: Can rookies join endurance events? A: Yes, if the event allows it. Just plan more practice, run safe setups, and consider a lower-traffic class to learn.

Q: What happens if I disconnect? A: You can usually rejoin the session. In team events, your teammate can continue while you reconnect.

Final Takeaways

Your next step: pick the next special event, confirm car/track, and register for an early practice slot. Keep it clean, stay organized, and the big-race magic will take care of itself.