There’s no magic formula or absolute number. Asking what iRating makes someone a “good driver” is like asking how much talent it takes to be “good” at playing an instrument. It’s a mix of technique, practice, outside perception, and above all, an honest self-assessment.
When can you look at another driver and think ‘yeah, this guy knows what he’s doing’?
The answer, as expected, varies. But among all the voices and opinions, a clear pattern begins to emerge.
2.5k – 3k iRating: The Threshold of Competitive Respect
Most people agree that an iRating above 2.5k is where things start to get serious. At that level, major mistakes are less common, and just staying in the top 10 is a challenge.
Many pointed out that drivers in this range can be considered “good” if they manage to maintain their performance across multiple series and tracks. It’s not just about reaching that number—you have to hold it.
“2.5/3K if you can maintain it in multiple series. If I don’t practice enough, I’d definitely lose to those guys.”
3.5k+: Flawless Execution Required
Once you pass 3.5k, it’s no longer just about speed. It’s surgical execution. It’s about making strategic decisions under pressure, even when everything on track pushes you the other way.
“In 4k splits, you need to execute everything perfectly. Patience doesn’t get rewarded anymore because there are almost no mistakes to capitalize on.”
That level demands more than driving skill. It requires mindset, consistency, and self-control. Interestingly, many drivers at that level still don’t consider themselves “good,” which says more about their own high standards than their actual abilities.
Subjectivity: The Mirror Trap
One of the most compelling reflections was that the perception of what’s “good” shifts depending on where you are. When you’re at 1.5k, 2k drivers seem fast. When you’re at 2k, you look up to the 3k guys. And so on.
As one participant pointed out: “The perception bar always goes higher depending on your own iRating.” Every rung you climb on this virtual ladder reveals a new level of challenge.
And What About Low iRating Drivers?
Another important point is that it’s not all about numbers. Some low iRating drivers show a level of technical understanding, on-track respect, and race ethics that many 3k+ drivers could learn from. iRating measures competitive performance, not character or driving style.
“You can have low iR and still be better than someone with more. At some point, iRating shows more about your dedication than raw speed.”
It’s Only a Number
That number, subjectively, represents stability, consistency, and a solid grasp of sim racing fundamentals. I don’t want to reach it just to say I’m ‘good’. I want to feel like I’m starting to compete with those who are.
If I had to define it, I’d say a driver is “good” when:
- They consistently maintain an iRating above 2.5k
- They’re not just fast, but they know how to read and manage a race
- And most of all, they’re someone you enjoy sharing the track with
Because in the end, beyond the number, being a good driver also means being a good rival.
- Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
Happy Racing!
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I’ve lingered among 800-1200 irating in most series and was a solid real life race driver in several series 30 years ago. Now I run a full motion rig and full force feedback for complete immersion. But I only have time to race about one or two times a week or month because of other hobbies and living the good life.
Irating doesn’t mean nothing at all. All the do is wreak you to win to boost there ir. The true tell is safety rating. You can forget a clean race is Dirt I love the Sim but very disappointed in the race educated. Me along with countless others have complained about thus issue and nothing gets done specifically in the Dirt Late Model divisions.