Racing is a subscription-based racing simulator where you purchase content like cars and tracks to compete in various series. The content system is divided into two categories: base content, which is included with your subscription, and additional paid content.
Progression in iRacing is tied to licenses, ranging from Rookie to Class A.
To advance, you’ll need to race cleanly, accumulate safety ratings, and achieve specific participation goals. Strategic planning is crucial to avoid overspending while still accessing the series and content that align with your goals.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the iRacing ecosystem, plan your purchases strategically, and get the most bang for your buck.
- The Season 1 2025 calendar is available for download at this link.
Note: In this guide we cannot analyze all the racing series, we will only cover the most famous road series. Therefore, it is vitally important that you analyze well your series and the content to be used to manage your budget.
Must-Have Base Content for Beginners
The good news is that iRacing provides enough base content to get you started and keep you entertained in your Rookie series. Iconic cars like the Mazda MX-5, Formula Vee, and BMW M2 CS are included, along with beginner-friendly tracks such as Laguna Seca and Okayama.
These provide an excellent foundation for learning the basics of racing.
To maximize your time in Rookie series, focus on improving your safety rating and learning clean racing techniques.
These skills will help you progress quickly to higher classes without unnecessary costs.
Recommended Cars and Tracks by Class
Class D – A Strong Foundation
In Class D, you begin to explore more advanced series.
Popular options include the BMW Tour Fixed, SimLab Multiclass, and Ferrari Fixed Challenge. Essential purchases for this class are the BMW GT4 and Ferrari 296 GT3.
Key tracks like Daytona, Road Atlanta, and Zolder are frequently featured across multiple series, making them valuable additions to your library.
Investing in content with crossover potential will save you money in the long run.
Class C – Expanding Your Horizons
Class C is where racing becomes more specialized. Advanced Mazda, Porsche Cup, and LMP3 Fixed series are fan favorites.
For cars, consider the LMP3, Porsche Cup, and Radical SR10.
Tracks like Mugello, Phillip Island, and Barcelona are widely used and will continue to appear as you climb the ranks.
Class B and A – Mastering the Top Tiers
At Class B, you’ll find high-profile series like GT3 Open and Super Formula Lights. Must-have purchases include the SF23 Super Formula car and LMDh Ferrari 499P.
Tracks like Nürburgring (GP and Nordschleife), Sebring, and Monza are staples at this level.
In Class A, the competition intensifies with series like IMSA, GT Endurance, and NASCAR Next Gen.
Cars like the GTPs (Ferrari 499P, BMW M Hybrid V8) dominate, and tracks like Daytona and Watkins Glen are recurring fixtures.
Specialty: Oval Racing and Lesser-Known Series
For the Oval Racers
Oval racing enthusiasts have a unique progression path, starting with Street Stock Rookie and advancing to NASCAR Next Gen. Tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Indianapolis are critical for oval racing fans and frequently appear across multiple series.
Exploring Niche Series
Want to try something different? The Rain Master Series introduces dynamic weather conditions for an extra challenge, while the TCR and PCC series deliver thrilling racing action for fans of unconventional formats.
Strategic Circuit Purchases
To maximize your participation and discounts, it’s important to plan your circuit purchases wisely. Here’s a strategy to ensure you get the most value:
Achieving Minimum Participation:
- 8-Week Participation Goal: Aim to participate in at least 8 weeks of racing to qualify for the participation bonuses.
Discount Strategies:
- 10% Bulk Purchase Discount: Purchase three to five pieces of eligible content (cars/tracks) at once and receive 10% off the total
- 15% Bulk Purchase Discount: Purchase six or more pieces of eligible content (cars/tracks) at once and receive 15% off the total
- 20% Loyalty Discount: Purchase 40 pieces of eligible content (cars/tracks) and receive a 20% discount from that point forward. In other words, once you own 40 pieces of eligible content, every content purchase after that is automatically discounted by 20%
- 30% Loyalty Discount: Purchase all available, full-priced content (cars/tracks) and receive 30% off the total price. This discount is calculated at the time of purchase, which means, if new content becomes available in the future, this would need to be purchased in order to receive the discount again. For example, if there are 100 pieces of content available and you already have purchased 97, you need to purchase the remaining 3 pieces in order to receive the discount, even if you had previously received the discount.
Choosing your iRacing Series
Factors such as car type, track variety, race length, and competition level all play a crucial role in determining the suitability of a series for individual drivers.
Whether you’re a rookie looking to climb the ranks or a seasoned veteran seeking new challenges, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of iRacing series selection. So, what are you waiting for?
Is it worth chasing iRacing bonuses?
You may have noticed that the platform offers bonus credits for completing a minimum number of races within a 12-week schedule of any series. While this may seem like a tempting opportunity to earn some extra credits, it’s important to carefully consider whether or not it’s worth the investment.
In some cases, the cost of chasing these bonuses may be higher than the value of the credits themselves.
To make the most of your content purchases on iRacing, it’s a good idea to only buy tracks and cars that you know you will use frequently.
This will help you get the most value and enjoyment out of your purchases. For example, if you plan to race a particular car in multiple series, it may be worth investing in it.
- Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
Check out our Hardware Guide 2024
- iRacing: Top Direct Drive Racing Wheel Bundles for 2024
- Sim Racing: The Best Entry-Level Racing Wheels in 2024
- Best No Direct Drive Wheel For Sim Racing 2024
See you on the track!
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