Join the Discord! →

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


How to Get New Content in Iracing

New to iRacing? Learn how to get new content in iRacing, what to buy first, how discounts work, and the fast install process so you can jump into races with confidence.

If the store pages and series requirements feel like a maze, you’re not alone. Many iRacing beginners wonder what to buy, when to buy it, and how iRacing works behind the scenes. Take a breath—I’ll show you the simple path, with clear iRacing tips and zero fluff.

Quick Answer: how to get new content in iracing

You buy cars and tracks from the Store inside the iRacing UI (or the website), then the sim downloads them automatically. You only need the car and the weekly track for the series you want to run—don’t buy everything at once. Discounts apply when you purchase multiple items.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Pick your target series Open iRacing and browse Series. Choose one you want to race. Click through to see the required car and the week’s track. That’s your shopping list.

  2. Buy the essentials Go to Store > Cars or Store > Tracks. Add the required items to your cart. If you’re new to iRacing, prioritize the series you’ll actually race.

  3. Save with volume discounts Buying 3+ items usually triggers a discount (and bigger savings at 6+). Don’t pad your cart with things you won’t use, but do group essentials to save.

  4. Checkout and install Complete checkout. The iRacing UI will prompt you to download; use Update/Manage Content to install. It’s automatic—just let it finish.

  5. Test drive before you race Use Test Drive to verify the car/track installed, check FFB and controls, and learn the first two corners. Then join a Practice or Official session.

Common Mistakes

  • Buying everything at once Fix: Start with one series. You only need its car and the track of the week to compete now.

  • Ignoring the series schedule Fix: Look ahead 3–4 weeks. If your chosen series will visit tracks you already own, you’ll get more value.

  • Missing discounts Fix: Combine essential items in one purchase to trigger volume pricing. Check for seasonal promos before you buy.

Quick Pro Tips

  • Understand how iRacing works: your membership gives access to the service; cars and tracks are purchased separately and stay in your account.
  • Prices vary, but paid cars/tracks typically run about $12–15 USD. Expect larger road courses and premium ovals toward the higher end.
  • Filter smart: in Series, use “Only show series I can run” or “Hide content I don’t own” to focus decisions.
  • If you prefer solo racing, prioritize tracks labeled as AI-ready so you can practice or race AI immediately.
  • Storage tight? Use Manage Content to only download what you plan to drive this week and add more later.

When to Ask for Help

If you’re unsure what to buy, ask in the official iRacing forums or friendly iRacing Discord communities. Share your license level and preferred discipline; veterans will point you to the best-value path.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to buy lots of content to start? A: No. Start with the free cars/tracks, then buy the car and weekly track for one series you want to race. Expand slowly.

Q: Is purchased content permanent? A: Yes. Once you buy a car or track, it stays in your account and updates automatically with the sim.

Q: Why can’t I join a race even after buying a car? A: You need both the car and the current week’s track for that series. Check the schedule and verify the download finished.

Q: How do discounts work? A: iRacing offers volume discounts when you buy multiple items in one order, with higher savings at larger totals. Watch for seasonal promos, too.