iRacing is an online sim-racing service for PC. An iRacing membership gives you access to the service and a base set of cars and tracks, while most other cars and tracks are bought separately.
An iRacing purchase goes well when you pick the right membership length, plan which cars and tracks you will need, and check that your PC and wheel are up to the job.
How the iRacing membership works
An iRacing membership is a subscription that gives access to official racing, practice and the base content. Memberships come in different lengths, such as 1 year and 2 years.
Longer memberships usually cost less per month. If you are sure you will race for two years, the 2-year iRacing membership is often the better value.
Membership renews on a schedule. Check the renewal terms in your iRacing account.
Cars and tracks are bought separately
The base iRacing membership includes a set of starter cars and tracks. Most other content is bought one item at a time.
Official series use specific cars and tracks. Check the season schedule for the series you want to race and buy only what it needs.
Owned cars and tracks stay on your account while your membership is active. They are bought once, not rented each season.
Planning your content spend
Start with the free iRacing content and race it for a while. That shows you which kind of racing you enjoy before you spend.
iRacing offers volume discounts when you buy several items in one cart. Grouping purchases is cheaper than buying one track at a time.
Oval and road racing use mostly different content. Choose one direction first rather than buying across both.
Hardware and PC requirements
iRacing runs on Windows PCs. Check the current system requirements before subscribing.
A steering wheel and pedals are close to essential for iRacing. Racing with a gamepad is possible but hard.
Direct drive wheels give more detailed feedback but cost more. A good belt-driven wheel is a fine start.
New members versus renewals
Many iRacing offers are split between new members and existing members renewing. Check which group each code is for before you use it.
New-member offers apply only to accounts that have not subscribed before. Renewal offers apply to existing members.
Check your iRacing account status before choosing a code.
Licences, safety rating and iRating
iRacing uses a licence system. New drivers start at the rookie level and move up by racing cleanly.
Safety Rating tracks incidents such as spins and contact. Driving cleanly matters more than finishing first while you are new to iRacing.
iRating measures skill and is used to match you with drivers of a similar level. It rises and falls with your finishing positions.
Moving up licence levels opens more series. That is another reason not to buy advanced cars too early, since you may not be able to race them in official series yet.
Getting started without wasted spend
Spend your first weeks practising in the rookie series with included content. Learn the tracks before you race, since clean laps matter more than fast ones early on.
Join the practice sessions before official races. They show the racing line and the braking points on each track.
Watch the iRacing season schedule when choosing new content. A track used in several series gives better value than one used once.
Seasons change a few times a year, and each new season can bring new cars and tracks into the schedule. Check the upcoming schedule before you buy content for a series.
Set up your wheel and field of view before racing. A correct field of view makes judging braking points and gaps to other cars much easier, and iRacing includes a calculator for it in the graphics settings.
Many iRacing drivers keep a short list of content they plan to buy. Buying it together when a volume discount applies saves money.
Where the iRacing savings are
The 50% off code is for a new 24-month iRacing membership. It is the best value for a new member planning to stay.
The 40% off code is for a new 1-year membership. It suits someone trying iRacing without committing for two years.
The 25% off code is for existing members renewing for 12 months. It will not apply to new accounts.
These codes cover the membership, not cars and tracks. Check at checkout what each code applies to.
Common questions
Are cars and tracks included in iRacing?
A base set is included. Most other cars and tracks are bought separately.
Can existing members use new-member codes?
No, new-member codes are for new accounts. Existing members should use the renewal code.
Do I need a wheel for iRacing?
A wheel and pedals are strongly recommended. A gamepad works but is harder.
Does iRacing run on consoles?
iRacing is a PC service. Check the system requirements before subscribing.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 50% Off 1 Year Membership (Members Only) | Promo code | View at iRacing → |
| 24 Month Subscription for New Members Only 24 Month Subscription | Promo code | View at iRacing → |
| 40% Off 1 Year Membership (new Customers Only) | Promo code | View at iRacing → |
| 50% Off 24 Month New Membership | Promo code | View at iRacing → |
