What iRacing costs and what you get

iRacing is a subscription-based online racing simulator. You pay a monthly or yearly fee to access the platform, drive in races against other players, and use the cars and tracks included in your membership tier. There is no free version — you must subscribe to play.

iRacing offers three subscription tiers: Starter, Racer, and Pilot. Each tier includes a different set of cars, tracks, and race series. The Starter tier is the least expensive and gives you access to a limited number of vehicles and courses. Racer and Pilot tiers unlock more content. On top of your subscription, you can purchase additional cars and tracks individually if you want content not included in your tier.

Subscription prices vary by region and change periodically. In the United States, monthly subscriptions typically range from around $10 to $20 depending on the tier, and yearly subscriptions offer a discount compared to paying month-to-month. iRacing occasionally runs promotional pricing for new members. You can view current pricing on the iRacing website before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • iRacing requires a paid subscription to access the racing simulator; there is no free tier or trial period.
  • Three subscription levels exist — Starter, Racer, and Pilot — each including different cars, tracks, and race series.
  • Monthly subscriptions cost less per month when purchased as a yearly plan, and promotional rates are sometimes available for new members.
  • Cars and tracks not included in your subscription tier can be purchased separately, which adds to your total cost.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time, though refunds for partial months depend on iRacing's current policy.

Subscription tiers and what each includes

The Starter tier is the entry-level option. It includes a smaller roster of cars — typically road cars, oval cars, and formula-style vehicles — and a limited number of tracks. Starter members can race in beginner-focused series and some open-wheel events. This tier is designed for players new to iRacing who want to learn the basics without paying for the full library.

The Racer tier adds more cars and tracks than Starter. It includes additional racing series across different disciplines: road racing, oval racing, and formula racing. Racer members have access to more competitive events and a larger selection of vehicles to choose from. This is the middle option and the most popular tier for regular players.

The Pilot tier is the highest level and includes the broadest selection of cars and tracks. Pilot members have access to all racing series and the full content library available to subscribers. This tier is aimed at serious racers who want every option available without purchasing additional content.

Every tier also includes access to iRacing's online racing events, multiplayer races, and the ability to join leagues. The difference is which cars and tracks you can use in those events. If a race series requires a car or track you do not own, you cannot enter that race unless you purchase the missing content separately.

Additional content purchases beyond your subscription

iRacing's business model includes both subscription and à la carte purchases. Cars and tracks not included in your tier can be bought individually. A single car typically costs between $10 and $15, and a single track usually costs $10 to $15 as well. Some players spend significantly more than their subscription fee by purchasing popular cars and tracks they want to race.

iRacing occasionally bundles cars or tracks at a discount, and seasonal sales sometimes reduce prices. If you are unsure whether you will use a car or track regularly, you can rent it for a single race series season (usually a few weeks) at a lower cost than buying it outright. This lets you test content before committing to a purchase.

New content is added regularly. iRacing releases new cars and tracks throughout the year, and older content sometimes goes on sale. Keeping track of what you own and what you need for races you want to enter is part of managing your iRacing costs.

How to set up and manage your subscription

To start, you create an iRacing account on their website and choose your subscription tier. You provide payment information and confirm your choice. Your subscription begins immediately, and you can download the iRacing software and start racing.

You manage your subscription through your iRacing account page. There you can view your current tier, see what content you own, purchase additional cars or tracks, and change or cancel your subscription. Most changes take effect at the start of your next billing cycle, though cancellations are usually processed immediately.

iRacing sends billing reminders before your subscription renews. If you want to pause or stop your membership, you can cancel through your account settings. The timing of your cancellation affects when your access ends — canceling mid-month typically means you keep access until your next billing date.

Comparing iRacing to other racing simulators

Other racing simulators use different payment models. Assetto Corsa Competizione and Assetto Corsa are one-time purchases with optional paid content. Gran Turismo Sport and Gran Turismo 7 are console games you buy once. Forza Motorsport is included in Xbox Game Pass, a separate subscription service.

iRacing's subscription model funds ongoing online racing events, server maintenance, and regular content updates. If you race primarily offline against computer opponents, iRacing is more expensive than a one-time purchase. If you race online against other players in organized events, iRacing's structure supports that experience directly.

The choice depends on what you want to do. Casual players who race offline may prefer a one-time purchase. Competitive players who want organized online racing and regular new content often find iRacing's subscription worth the cost.

Costs over time and budgeting for iRacing

Your total iRacing cost depends on your subscription tier, how long you subscribe, and how much additional content you purchase. A player on the Starter tier paying monthly might spend $10 to $15 per month with no additional purchases — roughly $120 to $180 per year. A Pilot tier subscriber paying yearly might spend $150 to $200 per year, plus another $50 to $200 or more on cars and tracks they want.

Serious racers who buy many cars and tracks can spend $300 to $500 or more annually. Casual players who stick to one tier and rarely buy extra content might spend $100 to $150 per year. There is no fixed total cost because it depends entirely on your choices.

If you are new to iRacing, start with the Starter tier and see how much you race before upgrading. You can always move to a higher tier later, and you can purchase specific cars or tracks as you discover races you want to enter. This approach lets you control costs while you learn the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try iRacing before paying for a subscription?

iRacing does not offer a free trial. You must purchase a subscription to access the simulator. Some players purchase the cheapest tier (Starter) for one month to test the platform, then upgrade or cancel based on their experience. This is the closest option to a trial.

What happens to my account if I cancel my subscription?

Your account remains active, but you lose access to the racing simulator. You cannot race online or use the iRacing software. Your account data, statistics, and any content you purchased are saved. If you resubscribe later, you can log back in and your history is still there.

Do I have to buy cars and tracks, or can I race with just my subscription?

You can race with only your subscription. Every tier includes enough cars and tracks to enter races. You only need to buy additional content if you want to race in a specific series that requires a car or track not in your tier. Many players race for months or years without buying extra content.

Is there a discount if I pay yearly instead of monthly?

Yes. iRacing typically offers a lower per-month rate if you pay for a full year upfront compared to paying month-to-month. The exact discount varies, but yearly billing usually saves you money. You can view the current pricing for both options on the iRacing website.

Can I change my subscription tier anytime?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your tier through your account settings. Changes usually take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. If you upgrade mid-month, you may be charged a prorated amount for the difference. If you downgrade, the change applies at your next renewal.