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How to Simulate Endurance Races in Iracing

New to iRacing? Learn how to simulate endurance races in iRacing with clear steps, rookie mistakes to avoid, and simple pro tips to practice teamwork and strategy.

If “endurance” sounds intimidating, you’re not alone. Many iRacing beginners open the UI, see “team races,” “fuel strategy,” and “driver swaps,” and freeze. Here’s the relief: you don’t need a full crew to learn how iRacing works. This guide explains how to simulate endurance races in iracing with simple settings, calm pacing, and a plan you can try today—especially if you’re new to iRacing.

Quick Answer: how to simulate endurance races in iracing

Use longer single- or multi-class races against AI or a private hosted session to practice pit stops, fuel/tire strategy, and consistent lap pacing. Start with 60–90 minutes, add at least one scheduled stop, and (optionally) invite a friend to a team-hosted session to rehearse driver swaps before entering official events.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pick your car and track

• Choose a stable combo (e.g., GT3 at Road Atlanta or Spa). Consistency first, speed second.

2. Create a race that forces a pit stop

• In “Create AI Race,” set 60–90 minutes. Limit tire sets to 1–2. Make fuel tank default so you must pit once. Enable multi-class if supported to mimic traffic.

3. Set realistic conditions

• Time of day: start late afternoon so you get changing light. Track state: “auto” or “marbles build-up” to experience evolving grip. This teaches how iRacing works under endurance conditions.

4. Practice pit and strategy flow

• Map buttons for pit limiter, black boxes, and tear-off/wipers. Use the fuel black box to “add fuel to finish” and practice fueling-only stops. If you have a friend, run a short hosted team session to rehearse a driver swap at the pit box.

Common Mistakes

• Sprint pace mindset

  • Fix: Drive a “95%” pace you can repeat. If your lap deltas swing more than 1 second, slow down and smooth your lines.

• Guessing fuel needs

  • Fix: Check iRacing’s fuel estimate after 5–10 laps, then add a buffer of 1–2 laps. Plan your stop window before the race begins.

• Sloppy pit entries

  • Fix: Pick a braking marker for the pit entry, practice it 3–5 times, and turn on the limiter early. Missing your box costs way more than braking 2 meters too soon.

Quick Pro Tips

• Pre-build pit presets: “Fuel only,” “Fuel + tires,” and “Windscreen” so you’re not scrolling under pressure.
• Use negative splits: aim for slightly faster second-half stints by saving tires early.
• Traffic discipline: Lift early, prioritize exits, and pass on straights—classic iRacing tips that save tires and incidents.
• Log one note after each stint: tire wear feel, brake fade, and any corner that degrades. Small notes = big gains.

When to Ask for Help

If you’re stuck on setup basics, pit logic, or team-session flow, hop into friendly iRacing Discord communities or league servers. Many veterans happily review your plan, share pit presets, or jump into a short hosted test to walk you through a driver swap.

FAQs

• Do I need teammates to practice endurance?

  • No. Start solo with a 60–90 minute AI race and a planned stop. Add teammates later for official team events.

• Can I simulate multi-class traffic with AI?

  • Yes, if your chosen cars/tracks support AI. Mix a faster and a slower class to learn safe, predictable passing.

• How long should my first “endurance” sim be?

  • 60–90 minutes is perfect. It’s long enough to need strategy but short enough to focus on consistency.

• What’s the simplest fuel plan?

  • Run 10 laps, read fuel/lap, multiply by remaining laps, then add a 1–2 lap buffer. Set a pit preset so it’s ready before you stop.

Final thought: pick one track, one car, and run a 60–90 minute AI race this week. Hit your marks, make one calm pit stop, and write a two-line debrief. That’s real endurance skill—built the simple way.