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How to Enter Special Events in Iracing

New to iRacing? Learn how to enter special events in iRacing with a clear step-by-step guide, common rookie mistakes to avoid, and tips to register and race confidently.

Opened the UI, saw a calendar full of famous races, and felt lost? You’re not the only one. Big events sound epic, but the menus and time slots can feel like a maze. Take a breath—this is simpler than it looks, and you’ll have a plan in minutes.

This guide shows you how to enter special events in iracing without the stress. For iRacing beginners and anyone new to iRacing, we’ll keep it clear, calm, and actionable.

Quick Answer: how to enter special events in iracing

Find the event in the iRacing UI (Go Racing > Special Events), read its requirements (license, content, solo vs. team), and pick a time slot. Make sure you own the car/track, meet the license rules, and join during the registration window. If it’s a team race, create a team and register together.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check the schedule
  • In the UI, open Go Racing > Special Events. Click your event to see dates, time zones, and whether it’s solo or team-based.
  1. Confirm requirements
  • The event page lists the required car/track, license level, and setup type (fixed/open). Buy missing content and complete any license needs. This is how iRacing works for access control.
  1. Prepare your entry
  • Solo event: you register yourself. Team event: create a Team (Teams tab), invite friends, and set at least one driver who will start the race.
  1. Register at the right time
  • Registration opens before each time slot. Be in the UI, click Register, and stay in the session as it transitions to practice/qualifying. Don’t step away—if you miss the transition, you miss the grid.
  1. Drive the session flow
  • You’ll move from practice to qualifying to race automatically. Your iRating places you in an appropriate split. Focus on clean laps and finishing—consistency beats heroics. Consider these iRacing tips: conserve tires, avoid Lap 1 chaos, and respect incident points.

Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

  • Not owning required content

    • Fix: On the event page, click through to the car/track store. Test drive to confirm it loads.

  • Ignoring license/eligibility

    • Fix: Check the posted license class and Safety Rating. Run a few official races ahead of time to meet it.

  • Missing the registration window

    • Fix: Convert the posted time to your local zone and be in the UI 10–15 minutes early. Stay put through session launches.

  • Team confusion on race day

    • Fix: For team events, set your starting driver before registering and ensure everyone knows how to swap stints in-session.

When to Ask for Help

If something doesn’t click, ask early. Event forum threads and iRacing Discord communities often share checklists, setup notes, and time-zone reminders. A quick question there can save you an entire weekend.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a high iRating to enter? A: No. Most special events are open to a wide range of licenses. Your iRating just affects which split you race in.

Q: How early should I register? A: Be in the UI 10–15 minutes before the time slot. Click Register as soon as it opens and remain in the session until practice starts.

Q: What if I crash or disconnect? A: You can rejoin while the session is live. For team events, a teammate can continue if you can’t return.

Q: Are setups provided? A: Fixed-setup events provide them. Open-setup events require your own. Download a stable baseline from a trusted source and test it beforehand.

Final Takeaways

Start simple: pick one event, confirm requirements, and be early for registration. Do a short practice the day before, then focus on finishing clean. Your next session: open Special Events, choose a slot, and commit—your grid spot is waiting.