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How Long Does a Season Last in Iracing

New to iRacing? This calm, coach-like guide explains how long a season lasts, how iRacing works week to week, and smart tips so beginners can plan with confidence.

If the season calendar feels like a moving target, you’re not alone. Many iRacing beginners worry they’ve missed out if they don’t start on Week 1. You just need a clear map. Wondering how long does a season last in iracing? Let’s make it simple and stress-free.

Quick Answer: how long does a season last in iracing

An iRacing official series season runs for 12 weeks. Each week features a new track (or combo), and points accumulate across the season—typically with a couple of “drop weeks.” After those 12 weeks, there’s usually a fun, transitional “Week 13” before the next season begins.

Why This Matters for Beginners

New to iRacing? The 12-week rhythm is the backbone of how iRacing works. It sets when tracks change, how championships are scored, and when promotions often happen. The confusion comes from thinking you must start in Week 1 or that ratings reset each season. Neither is true. You can join anytime, and your iRating and Safety Rating carry forward season to season. Knowing the timeline helps you plan practice, choose races you’ll enjoy, and avoid burnout. Quick iRacing tips like focusing on clean finishes and picking a series you can commit to weekly go a long way.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open the iRacing UI and go to Go Racing > Series.
  2. Pick your license category (Rookie, D, C, B, A) and choose a series.
  3. Click Season Schedule to see the 12-week track list and dates.
  4. Plan your weeks: circle the tracks you like, skip the ones you don’t, and aim for consistent participation.
  5. Remember: you can join mid-season—there’s no penalty for starting on Week 3 or Week 8.

When to Ask for Help

  • If you’re unsure which series to run, ask in the official forums or friendly iRacing Discord communities. A quick chat can save weeks of trial and error.
  • If promotions confuse you: you can be promoted at season end, or earlier via “FastTrack” when your Safety Rating reaches 4.0 and you meet participation requirements.
  • If scheduling is tight: pick a series with race times that fit your timezone and plan 1–2 races per week.

FAQs

  • Can I join a season late?
    Yes. Jump in any week. You won’t be disqualified from scoring points or improving your license by starting mid-season.

  • Does my iRating reset each season?
    No. iRating and Safety Rating carry over. Seasons affect points championships and schedules, not your core ratings.

  • What is “Week 13”?
    A short break between seasons. iRacing rolls out updates and often runs fun events. It’s a great time to test new content without points pressure.

  • How are points handled across 12 weeks?
    You score points weekly, and most series use drop weeks (commonly two) so your worst results don’t hurt your season. Your best results tend to define your championship standing.

Final Takeaways

A season in iRacing lasts 12 weeks, followed by a casual Week 13. For iRacing beginners, the best move is simple: pick one series, check its schedule, and commit to clean laps each week. Next session, open the Season Schedule, choose one track to focus on, and aim for two safe, consistent races. That’s how steady progress—and confidence—starts.