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How many dirt tracks are on iRacing?
Introduction If you’re new to sim dirt racing, you’ve probably asked: how many dirt tracks are on iRacing? Good question—and a moving target. This guide is for rookie racers, families getting into iRacing, and asphalt veterans trying dirt for the first time. You’ll learn the current landscape, how to check the live count yourself, smart buying priorities, and practical coach-level tips to get up to speed without wasting money.
Why “how many dirt tracks are on iRacing” isn’t a fixed number
iRacing has three dirt disciplines:
- Dirt Oval (Sprint Cars, Late Models, Modifieds, Midgets, Micro Sprints)
- Dirt Road: Rallycross (RX)
- Dirt Road: Short course off-road (Pro Trucks/Pro Buggies)
iRacing sells tracks by venue, but many venues include multiple dirt layouts. New venues and layouts arrive with seasonal builds, so the exact number changes. That’s why the best answer is learning how to check the live count—and understanding what you actually need for the series you plan to run.
How many dirt tracks are on iRacing right now?
Quick answer
- Expect more than 30 dirt venues across Dirt Oval and Dirt Road combined, with 40–50+ individual dirt layouts. The split typically looks like:
- Dirt Oval: roughly 17–20 venues
- Dirt Road (Rallycross + short course off-road): roughly 12–15 venues combined
Note: Counts shift as iRacing adds content. Use the steps below to get today’s exact number for your account and for the entire service.
Step-by-step: Check the live count in the iRacing UI
To see the current, official count:
- Open the iRacing desktop UI.
- Go to Store > Tracks.
- Use Filters to set:
- Category: Dirt Oval. Note the number shown (venues and layouts).
- Category: Dirt Road. Then use the sub-filters to view Rallycross vs Off-Road (if available) and note those numbers.
- Toggle Owned vs All to see how many you own vs how many exist service-wide.
- Important: Decide how you want to count.
- By venue: counts each track once, regardless of layouts.
- By layout: counts every configuration (e.g., “Short,” “Long,” “Joker variations” in RX, and multiple off-road courses at the same venue).
Pro crew-chief tip
- Before buying, open Go Racing > Series. Click a dirt series you want to run and review the Season Schedule. You only need the tracks used in that series to participate all season.
Key things beginners should know
- Track state changes everything: iRacing dirt evolves during the session—polished slick, cushion building, and marbles. Your line and throttle change with it.
- Cushion 101: The built-up ridge near the wall can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Enter straighter, let the right rear lean on it, and avoid climbing over the lip.
- Car-to-track fit: Tight bullrings (e.g., quarter-miles) reward short gearing and quick hands; half-miles need momentum and patience off-corner.
- Tear-offs: Map a button for tear-offs in dirt oval. Visibility wins races.
- Wing and brake bias: In Sprint Cars, small wing changes are big. Start neutral, move the top wing back as the track slicks, and creep brake bias rearward to keep the nose from diving.
- Rallycross basics: Look through the dirt, not at it. Commit to the joker strategy early (clear air or undercut), and straighten the car before throttle.
- Off-road short course: Set the truck with the brake, not the steering wheel. Jump landings matter—land flat with a tiny throttle to stabilize.
Equipment, gear, and costs
What you truly need
- Wheelbase: Any reliable entry-level force feedback wheel (5–8 Nm is fine for dirt).
- Pedals: Load-cell brake strongly recommended; throttle smoothness is critical on slick.
- Mounting: A solid stand or rig. Flex ruins consistency.
- Settings: Start at 540–620 degrees of rotation for dirt oval; 900 for rallycross/off-road, then adjust feel.
iRacing track costs (what to expect)
- Dirt tracks are paid DLC unless marked Included with membership (a few are). Pricing and discounts change, but you can expect:
- Individual tracks are typically in the low-to-mid teens (USD).
- Volume discounts apply when purchasing multiple items in one cart.
- Long-term ownership discounts also exist. Always check the cart—iRacing displays current savings.
Smart starter pack (examples; subject to availability)
- Included/free dirt ovals commonly offered: USA International [Dirt], Lanier [Dirt] (verify in Store).
- First paid picks for Dirt Oval racing: Eldora, Knoxville, Volusia, Williams Grove, Port Royal, Fairbury, Cedar Lake, Weedsport, I-55, Lincoln, Kokomo, Bristol Dirt, Charlotte Dirt.
- Rallycross to learn lines and joker timing: Charlotte RX, Daytona RX, Atlanta RX, Sonoma RX, Hell (Lankebanen).
- Off-road short course staples: Crandon, Bark River, Wild Horse Pass.
Buy to the schedule. If your target series won’t visit a track this season, you can often wait.
Expert tips to improve faster
- Build pace in phases:
- Run 10-lap stints at low Usage (fresh track) to learn entry/exit marks.
- Set a private test to 30–50% track usage and chase the cushion.
- Finish with 70–90% slick and practice throttle feathering off-corner.
- Calibrate for control: In-sim linear pedals on; throttle curve slightly softened in your pedal software if you struggle with wheelspin.
- Sprint Car wing discipline: Move it back a click when the rear steps out too easily on throttle. Move forward if the nose won’t plant on entry.
- Save the RR: If you light the right-rear mid-corner twice in one lap, you’re over-rotating on entry. Enter a lane higher or lift earlier to keep the car straighter at apex.
- Replays + UIE telemetry: After a session, review lap delta vs line. Watch top splits—pause at apex and note their steering angle and throttle trace.
- Rallycross joker chess: If you’re stuck in traffic, take the joker early to get clean air; if you launch in clean air, delay joker to protect track position.
- Off-road timing: Brake before the takeoff. Land with the wheels pointed straight and a touch of throttle to avoid a bounce that scrubs speed.
Common beginner mistakes
- Buying everything at once. Start with the season schedule and your license progression.
- Driving the cushion like a wall ride. If you climb over it, you’ll snap loose. Aim to “lean,” not “climb.”
- Over-rotating on entry. Shallow entries and late stabs at throttle cause pendulum slides. Float the entry, roll the middle, and feed power early but gently.
- Never changing the setup. Even fixed setups allow in-car adjustments (wing, brake bias, ARB where applicable).
- Ignoring session evolution. Lines that qualify fast often aren’t the best race lines once the track slicks off.
- FFB too high. Clipping masks detail. Lower the overall strength until you can feel the tire snap before it’s too late.
FAQs
Q: How many dirt tracks are on iRacing right now? A: It changes with new builds, but expect 30+ dirt venues across Dirt Oval and Dirt Road, and 40–50+ layouts. Use Store > Tracks and filter by Dirt Oval and Dirt Road to see today’s exact number.
Q: Which dirt tracks are free with iRacing? A: A small set of dirt ovals is included with membership (often USA International [Dirt] and Lanier [Dirt]). Check the Store—Included items are labeled.
Q: Do I need every dirt track to race official series? A: No. You only need the tracks on your chosen series’ current season schedule. Buy to the schedule to save money.
Q: What’s the best first dirt oval to learn on? A: Start with USA [Dirt] or Lanier [Dirt] to learn car control, then add Eldora or Volusia to practice cushion work and momentum.
Q: Are rallycross and off-road worth it for dirt skills? A: Yes. Rallycross sharpens car rotation and joker strategy; short course off-road builds brake/throttle timing and jump control—both translate to better dirt oval feel.
Q: How do I stop spinning on slick tracks? A: Slow your hands, open your entry a lane, and feed throttle earlier but gentler. Reduce rear brake, move the wing back a click (Sprint Cars), and practice on 70–90% usage tracks.
Conclusion
The real answer to “how many dirt tracks are on iRacing” is: enough to keep you busy for years—and growing. Learn to check the live count, buy to your season schedule, and focus on pace-building skills: smooth entries, reading the cushion, and smart in-car adjustments. Start with the included dirt ovals, add a few staples, and you’ll climb the ladder without draining your wallet. See you on the cushion.
Optional suggested images
- Screenshot of iRacing Store > Tracks with Dirt Oval filter applied
- Action shot of a Sprint Car leaning on the cushion at a half-mile
- Rallycross joker merge diagram showing early vs late strategies
- Off-road short course jump landing sequence illustration
