What iRacing Subscription Costs and Includes
iRacing is a subscription-based online racing simulator where you pay a monthly or yearly fee to race against other players in a competitive environment. The subscription gives you access to the racing platform, a rotating selection of cars and tracks, and online multiplayer races organized by skill level.
iRacing offers three subscription tiers. The basic tier costs the least and includes access to the core racing experience. Mid-tier and higher tiers unlock additional content — more cars, more tracks, and priority access to certain race series. The exact pricing and what each tier includes can change, so you should check the iRacing website directly for current rates.
Beyond the subscription fee, iRacing also sells additional cars and tracks separately. You are not required to buy these to race, but many players purchase them to expand their options. Think of the subscription as your entry ticket, and the à la carte purchases as optional upgrades.
Key Takeaways
- iRacing charges a monthly or yearly subscription fee that gives you access to the racing platform and a base set of cars and tracks.
- The subscription tier you choose determines how many additional cars and tracks are included at no extra cost.
- You can purchase additional cars and tracks separately if you want more variety beyond what your subscription includes.
- Your subscription renews automatically each month or year unless you cancel it before the renewal date.
How to Start and Cancel Your Subscription
To begin, you create an account on the iRacing website and choose which subscription tier you want. You enter your payment information — iRacing accepts major credit cards and PayPal — and your subscription starts when ready. You can then read the iRacing software and begin racing.
Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. iRacing will charge your payment method on file without asking again. If you want to stop, you log into your account on the iRacing website, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to cancel. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you keep access until that date passes.
If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can reactivate your subscription by logging back in and selecting a plan. Your account and any progress you made stays on file.
What Happens When Your Subscription Ends
Once your subscription expires and you do not renew, you lose access to the racing platform. You cannot log in or race online. Any cars or tracks you purchased separately remain tied to your account, but you cannot use them without an active subscription.
If you pause your subscription for a few months and then reactivate it later, your account is still there with your driver rating, safety rating, and race history intact. You do not start from zero.
Understanding Subscription Tiers and Content
iRacing structures its tiers so that each level includes a different number of cars and tracks. The entry-level subscription includes a smaller roster — enough to race regularly, but not every car or track in the iRacing library. Higher tiers unlock more content without requiring you to buy it separately.
The cars and tracks included in your subscription tier are yours to use as long as your subscription is active. If you upgrade to a higher tier mid-month, you gain access to the additional content when ready. If you downgrade to a lower tier, you keep access to everything until your next renewal, at which point your access adjusts to match the lower tier.
Buying Extra Cars and Tracks
iRacing sells individual cars and tracks in its in-game store. These purchases are separate from your subscription and are permanent — once you buy a car or track, it stays in your account even if your subscription lapses. When you reactivate your subscription later, those purchased items are still there.
Many players buy extra content to race in specific series or to have more variety. For example, if a particular race series uses a car that is not included in your subscription tier, you can purchase that car separately to enter the series. The cost per car or track varies.
Payment Methods and Billing
iRacing accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal. You enter your payment information when you sign up, and iRacing stores it securely to charge you each billing cycle.
Your billing date is the same day each month or year, depending on your plan. If you signed up on the 15th of the month with a monthly plan, you are charged on the 15th of every month. You can view your billing history and upcoming charges by logging into your account.
If your payment method fails — for example, your card expires or is declined — iRacing will attempt to charge you again. If payment continues to fail, your subscription may be suspended until you update your payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my subscription tier without canceling?
Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your tier at any time through your account settings. If you upgrade, you gain access to the new content when ready and your next billing charge adjusts accordingly. If you downgrade, the change takes effect at your next renewal date.
What if I want to take a break from iRacing?
You can cancel your subscription anytime, and it stops charging you after your current billing period ends. Your account, driver rating, and purchase history remain saved. When you are ready to race again, you can reactivate your subscription and pick up where you left off.
Do I own the cars and tracks I purchase separately?
Yes. Cars and tracks you buy with real money are permanent additions to your account. They stay with you even if your subscription lapses. When you reactivate your subscription, those purchased items are still available to use.
Can I share my subscription with someone else?
No. Your subscription is tied to your account only. Each person who wants to race needs their own account and subscription. Sharing login credentials violates iRacing's terms of service.
What happens to my progress if I cancel and come back later?
Your account, driver rating, safety rating, and all race history are preserved. You do not lose any progress. When you reactivate, you resume racing at the same skill level you left off at.