How Much Does iRacing Cost?

iRacing is one of the most realistic and competitive sim racing platforms available today. However, newcomers are often surprised by its pricing model, which is different from traditional racing games. Instead of a one-time purchase, iRacing operates on a subscription basis, with additional costs for cars and tracks. In this guide, we’ll break down how much does iRacing cost, help you understand where your money goes, and provide tips on how to get the best value for your investment.

The most fundamental cost of iRacing is its subscription fee. Unlike traditional games, iRacing requires an active subscription to access its servers and features. Here are the current prices (excluding VAT, tax etc.):

  • $13.00 per month
  • $33.00 for 3 months ($11.00 per month)
  • $110.00 per year ($9.17 per month)
  • $199.00 for 2 years ($8.30 per month)

New users can often find promotional offers, with discounts of up to 40% off for the first-time subscription and sometimes even more. So it can make sense to keep an eye out for special deals. However, if you’re unsure about committing long-term, or if you just want to try iRacing, you might consider the monthly plan. But please note though that the iRacing cost per month adds up quickly. A yearly subscription is the more economic deal if you plan to play consistently.

When you invest in an iRacing subscription, it includes more than 25 laser scanned cars, 30 laser scanned tracks and over 125 official series to compete in. For a full overview of what the subscription includes, you can see here what comes with the iRacing membership.

iRacing Cost of Cars

One of the biggest surprises for new iRacers is that not all cars are included in the subscription. While iRacing does provide a selection of free cars (or cars included in the subscription rather), many popular and competitive ones must be purchased separately.

Each additional car costs a one-time fee of $11.95. You can also purchase 3 or more cars at the same time and receive 10% off, or you can purchase 6 or more cars and receive 15% off. Once you have purchased a car, you own it permanently and don’t need to repurchase it for future seasons.

When you purchase a total of 40 or more cars or tracks, you receive a 20% discount on all future content purchases.

Money-saving tip: Only buy cars that you truly enjoy driving or those required for a series you plan to participate in.

iRacing Track Cost

iRacing offers a variety of laser-scanned tracks, but just like the cars, most of them are not included in your base subscription. Each track costs between $11.95 and $14.95 depending on the track. Tracks are used across different racing series, so choosing wisely can maximize your value. Just like with the cars, when you purchase 3 or more tracks at the same time you receive 10% off, or you can purchase 6 or more tracks and receive 15% off.

Money-saving tip: Instead of buying every track, focus only on the ones used in the series you plan to race in during the current season. This way, you minimize unnecessary spending.

Why Is iRacing a Subscription Service?

iRacing operates as a subscription service because it provides a continuously evolving online racing experience. Unlike traditional games, iRacing relies on dedicated servers to ensure a smooth and competitive multiplayer environment. The subscription model also funds regular software updates, which include physics improvements, graphical enhancements, and new features to keep the experience fresh.

Additionally, iRacing maintains a ranking and safety system that promotes fair and clean racing. This structured online system is a key part of what makes iRacing unique and justifies the need for an ongoing subscription.

Why Is iRacing So Expensive?

iRacing is often considered expensive, but its pricing reflects the high-quality experience it provides. A significant portion of the cost goes toward developing laser-scanned cars and tracks, which offer unmatched realism. The game also relies on dedicated servers to ensure smooth online competition, which requires constant maintenance and upgrades. Frequent updates keep the game evolving, and iRacing also incurs licensing fees for real-world cars and circuits to ensure authenticity.

While the upfront costs may seem high, they contribute to a professional-level sim racing environment. Serious racers appreciate the attention to detail, regular content updates, and structured online racing system.

Is iRacing Worth It?

So, with all these costs, is iRacing worth it? It depends on what you’re looking for.

iRacing is worth it if:

  • You love realistic racing simulations.
  • You plan to race online competitively.
  • You’re willing to invest time and money into improving your skills.

It might not be worth it if:

  • You prefer a casual racing experience.
  • You’re not interested in online competition.
  • You don’t want to spend extra on cars and tracks.

For beginners, the best approach is to start with the content that is included in the subscription and gradually expand your collection based on the series you want to participate in.

Tips to Reduce iRacing Cost and Get the Best Value

If you’re on a budget, here’s how you can reduce your iRacing cost:

  1. Take advantage of new user discounts. First-time subscribers often get up to 40% off.
  2. Buy only the cars you love and plan to use. Avoid purchasing every new release.
  3. Only buy tracks for the series you want to race in. Check the current season’s schedule before buying.
  4. Utilize bulk discounts. Buying three or more pieces of content at once provides a discount.
  5. Watch for seasonal sales. iRacing occasionally offers discounts on content and subscriptions.
  6. Add iRacing gift cards to your wishlist for birthdays, holidays, or other special occations. Get iRacing gift cards..

Conclusion: Is iRacing a Good Investment for You?

iRacing’s pricing model can seem intimidating at first, but by making smart purchasing decisions, you can enjoy the experience without overspending. Focus on only buying what you need, take advantage of discounts and bulk deals, and make the most of the included content before expanding your collection.

If you’re serious about sim racing and want a highly competitive, realistic experience, iRacing is worth the investment. Start with a short-term subscription, explore the included content, and decide if it’s the right platform for you!