iRacing: Fundamentals Before Speed

If you’re asking why you’re not faster in sim racing after one week of practice, you’re already starting off wrong. Not because it’s bad to want to improve, but because you’re looking for answers without learning the most basic things.

Before you worry about lap times, ask yourself if you’re even driving properly.

Let’s get to the point.

1. Turn off the racing line. NOW.

This is not optional. The racing line is a crutch that, instead of helping you learn, teaches you to rely on it. If it’s turned on, you’re not learning the track, you’re not developing reference points, and you’re not paying attention to what matters. You’re just following a colored line like it’s a kid’s game.

Learning to find your own braking and throttle points is FUNDAMENTAL. Want to be faster? Then start by looking out the windshield, not at the glowing asphalt below.

2. You’re braking wrong. Period.

• Brake too early? You lose time.
• Brake too late? You overshoot and ruin the corner.
• Brake hard and release instantly? You don’t understand trail braking.

Practice braking properly. That means knowing when, how much, and how to release the brake. You don’t need fancy gear for this—just a brain and repetition.

3. You’re not using the whole track. Why do you think the rest of the asphalt is there?

Leaving half a meter at corner entry or exit is like running with weights on your feet. If you’re not touching the track limits, you’re not driving fast. If you don’t understand when and how to use kerbs (and when not to), then you don’t understand the track at all.

This mistake is so common it’s exhausting. Watch any decent fast lap and you’ll see one thing: they use every inch of the track.

4. You’re missing apexes—completely.

If you’re not hitting the apex in every corner, you’re not cornering correctly. This is step one. You don’t need telemetry to see it. If your car isn’t pointed at the inner part of the corner at the right moment, then your whole line is compromised.

5. You’re not watching or learning from others.

Can you watch replays? Then do it. Can you join a practice session and follow someone faster? Do it. Are there onboard videos of optimal laps? Watch them. Copying is one of the most powerful learning tools, but only if you drop your ego.

Yes, telemetry is great—but only if you understand what you’re looking at. If you can’t brake right or hit an apex, telemetry won’t save you.

6. You’re chasing lap times before learning the basics.

Sim racing is a precision sport. This isn’t arcade. This isn’t slamming the gas and hoping the car turns. If you’re looking to gain 2 or 3 seconds without putting in 500 clean laps on a single circuit, you’re skipping steps.

There are no magic secrets. No miracle setups. Only discipline, practice, and attention to detail. If you’re not ready to learn the fundamentals, don’t complain about being slow.

• Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.

Start right, or don’t start at all.