What Are Splits in iRacing?
Learn what iRacing splits are, how they’re determined, and why understanding them can give you a competitive edge. Perfect for newcomers and seasoned sim racers who want to make sense of how race matchmaking really works.
You’ve queued up for your favorite iRacing series. The countdown hits zero, the session loads, and suddenly—there are multiple races running at once. Why aren’t all 70 drivers in one big field? Welcome to the world of splits, one of iRacing’s least understood but most important systems.
Let’s break down what splits mean, how they work, and how you can use them to your advantage.
The Basics: What “Splits” Actually Are
In simple terms, splits are iRacing’s way of dividing large fields into smaller, fairer races. When too many drivers register for a single race session, iRacing uses its matchmaking system to split everyone into multiple races that run simultaneously.
Each race—each split—is a completely separate event with its own grid, results, and championship points.
Think of it like this: if 200 people sign up for the same GT3 race, not everyone can fit into one 60-car grid. So iRacing automatically divides those drivers into several 50-car “splits,” with the highest-rated drivers in Split 1, and so on.
How Splits Are Determined: The iRating Factor
The magic behind splits comes down to one key stat: iRating.
iRating is iRacing’s measure of your skill level based on race results and the strength of your competition. When you register for a session, iRacing takes every driver’s iRating, sorts them from highest to lowest, and starts distributing them into even groups.
For example:
- 200 drivers register.
- iRacing creates 4 splits of 50 cars.
- The top 50 drivers by iRating go into Split 1, the next 50 into Split 2, and so on.
This creates races where drivers face opponents of similar skill. The goal? Keep things competitive, fair, and fun for everyone—rookies and pros alike.
The Strength of Field: Why It Matters
Each split also has its own Strength of Field (SoF), an average of the iRatings of everyone in that race. The higher the SoF, the more iRating points are up for grabs.
So even if you’re not in the top split, you still have motivation. A strong performance in your split can boost your iRating—and move you closer to the next one.
Think of SoF like a prize multiplier. The tougher your competition, the greater the potential reward.
Common Myths About Splits
Let’s clear up a few misunderstandings that trip up newer racers:
“Split 1 drivers get better servers or setups.”
False. Every split uses the same track, conditions, and physics. The only difference is who you’re racing against.
“Being in a lower split means you’re bad.”
Not true. Splits are relative. As you improve, your iRating climbs, and so does your competition.
“You can choose your split.”
Nope. Splits are fully automated and based purely on iRating at the time of registration.
How to Use Split Data to Improve
Smart racers pay attention to their split data. Here’s how you can use it to level up:
- Track your average split position across weeks or series to measure progress.
- Watch top-split replays to see how higher-rated drivers handle strategy, traffic, and tire wear.
- Compare Strength of Field between sessions to understand how competitive your races are.
Pro tip: iRacing’s race results page shows all splits after a session ends, so you can analyze where you stand in the bigger picture.
Takeaway: Splits Aren’t Barriers—They’re Stepping Stones
Understanding splits isn’t just about trivia—it’s a mindset shift. Each split is an opportunity to measure yourself against others at your level and climb the ladder one finish at a time.
Next time you load into Split 3, don’t see it as a demotion. See it as your arena—a perfect chance to master your craft before taking on the next challenge.
Call to Action:
Have you tracked your progress through iRacing splits? Share your experiences and biggest surprises in the comments—or check out my next post on how iRating really works (and how to stop losing it).