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About iRacing
iRacing is a computer-based motorsports simulation that lets members race against real people online. A paid membership provides entry into the centralized service where official series and private leagues are organized.
The service runs on Windows PCs and works with a gaming wheel or gamepad that plugs into a USB port, along with an internet connection. It features dynamic track surfaces, team racing, heat races and constant free automatic updates.
01 / THE GUIDE
Membership and Access
A paid membership unlocks the core iRacing service, allowing entry to official series, the ability to host races, and participation in private leagues. Accounts purchased directly from iRacing cannot be renewed through Steam.
Members join an online community of more than 300,000 enthusiasts and can create their own custom series or join any of the over 800 existing private leagues.
- Check the “Included” label on cars to avoid extra purchases.
- Explore existing leagues before creating your own.
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Cars and Tracks
iRacing offers a large roster of licensed cars, from NASCAR stock cars to GT3 machines, engineered from the ground up in cooperation with real-world race teams and using real-world physics. Cars marked “Included” are part of the membership; all others are available as in-game purchases.
The service also includes officially licensed, laser-scanned replicas of the world’s greatest race tracks, ranging from ovals to road courses, and everything receives free automatic updates.
- Start with included cars to learn vehicle dynamics.
- Practice on a familiar track before entering a new series.
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Race Formats
The platform supports open practice, qualifying, testing, ghost racing, time trials, heat racing and team racing, in which teammates share driving, spotting and pit crew responsibilities. Team events can last up to 24 hours.
Dynamic track surfaces change over the course of a race, mirroring real-world conditions, and competition is head-to-head against real people in a centralized place.
- Use practice sessions to learn how the surface evolves.
- Coordinate with teammates early for long endurance events.
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Community and Leagues
iRacing hosts an online community of over 300,000 members, offering officially sanctioned races organized by iRacing alongside user-run private leagues. Players can join existing leagues or create custom series with friends.
Leagues provide a social framework for regular competition, and the service lets users host their own private sessions or run their own tournaments.
- Join a league that matches your skill level for balanced competition.
- Participate in community events to meet new racers.
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Technical Requirements
iRacing runs on Windows PCs and works with a gaming wheel or gamepad that simply plugs into the computer’s USB port. The Steam listing notes VR support and partial controller support.
All updates and improvements to the service are delivered automatically and free of charge.
- Ensure your wheel or gamepad connects via USB for plug-and-play use.
- Consider a VR setup if you want a more immersive racing experience.
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