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How many dirt tracks are there on i racing?

Introduction If you’re just getting into iRacing’s dirt scene, one of the first questions you’ll ask is simple: how many dirt tracks are there on i racing? This guide is for new racers, families helping a beginner gear up, and fans deciding what to buy first. You’ll learn the current count, how to verify it yourself in seconds, what’s included with membership, smart buying order, costs, and proven tips to get fast safely on dirt.

Why “how many dirt tracks are there on i racing” matters

  • Budgeting: Dirt content adds up. Knowing the count helps you plan purchases around the series you want to run.
  • Progression: Different license classes (Rookie through Pro) use different dirt tracks. The right handful can carry you through multiple series.
  • Practice quality: Certain venues teach core skills (slick driving, cushion work, throttle control) better than others. Your choices impact your learning curve.

How many dirt tracks are there on i racing? (And how to check the live count)

Short answer

  • As of late 2024, iRacing typically offers about 20 dirt oval tracks and roughly a dozen rallycross (dirt road) layouts—around 30+ dirt-surface configurations in total.
  • The exact number changes as iRacing releases new content or updates existing venues. Always verify live.

How to see the current, exact count (takes 30–60 seconds)

  1. In the iRacing UI (desktop app):

    • Go to Store > Tracks.
    • Set Category to “Dirt Oval” to see every dirt oval track.
    • Switch Category to “Dirt Road” to see rallycross layouts.
    • The list displays the current count at the top and lets you preview each track.

  2. On the web (if you’re not at your sim PC):

    • Log in at members.iracing.com.
    • Store > Tracks.
    • Use Filters: Category = Dirt Oval; then Dirt Road.
    • Count the results shown; it’s quick and accurate.

A sampling of popular dirt ovals you’ll find

  • Eldora, Knoxville, Williams Grove, Port Royal, I-55, Weedsport, Lernerville, Fairbury, Cedar Lake, Volusia, The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Bristol Dirt, Limaland, Kokomo, Lincoln (PA), Millbridge, Chili Bowl, plus “dirt-converted” versions of tracks like USA International and Lanier.

A sampling of rallycross (dirt road) you’ll find

  • Daytona RX, Charlotte RX, Atlanta RX, Phoenix RX, Sonoma RX, Iowa RX, Lucas Oil Raceway RX, Hell LĂ„nkebanen, and multiple layout variants where available.

Note: Lists evolve. New releases, seasonal promotions, and legacy content can adjust the count.

Step-by-step: Smart way to start racing iRacing dirt

  1. Pick your path: Dirt Oval vs. Dirt Road (Rallycross)

    • Dirt Oval: Sprint cars, late models, street stocks. Focus on throttle control, running the cushion, and reading slick vs. tacky.
    • Dirt Road (Rallycross): AWD cars, jumps, joker laps, mixed tarmac/dirt. Requires rotation on entry, handbrake use, and momentum management.

  2. Check what you already own

    • In UI: My Content > Tracks. Filter by Dirt Oval or Dirt Road.
    • Some dirt content may be included with membership and used in Rookie series.

  3. Target beginner-friendly tracks first

    • Dirt Oval: Start with USA International (Dirt) and Lanier (Dirt) for predictable lines, then move to Eldora or Knoxville for cushion work.
    • Dirt Road: Start with Daytona RX or Charlotte RX. Clear joker lap placement and flowing layouts help you learn quickly.

  4. Join the series that matches your content

    • UI > Go Racing > Series. Filter for Dirt Oval or Dirt Road and your license level.
    • Look at the 12-week schedule. Buy only the tracks you’ll race soon (more below).

  5. Practice with purpose

    • Run Test Drive to learn moisture changes and where the cushion forms.
    • Do short runs (8–10 laps) focusing on one skill: braking points, throttle feathering, or running half-a-car off the cushion.

  6. Race clean to build Safety Rating

    • Fewer incidents = faster license gains.
    • If the session is chaotic, back it down 5% and survive. Promotion beats hero laps.

Key things beginners should know

  • Track state matters: A “tacky” track (more moisture) has grip; a “slick” track demands finesse and throttle control. Expect a slick middle and a faster top as the cushion builds.
  • The cushion is your friend—if you respect it: Enter smoother, aim just under it, and let the right-rear lean against it on exit. Don’t force turn-in.
  • Car setup basics affect feel more than lap time at first:
    • Dirt Oval: Focus on rear stagger, gear, and wing angle (for sprints). Keep it simple.
    • Dirt Road: Bias a stable brake balance, set a handbrake you can modulate, and keep differential settings friendly.
  • Session flow: Official series run fixed setups often at lower licenses—great for learning racecraft without chasing setup gremlins.
  • Safety Rating and iRating: SR promotes you; iRating matches you. Early on, protect SR with clean finishes.

Equipment, gear, and costs

Core gear (what you really need)

  • Wheel and pedals: Any reliable force-feedback wheel, with pedals you can modulate smoothly. Load-cell brake helps on dirt road; throttle smoothness is key on dirt oval.
  • Handbrake (optional but helpful for rallycross): A simple analog handbrake makes rotation more consistent.
  • Seat and mount: Stability matters. Flexy rigs cause inconsistent inputs.

Nice-to-have upgrades

  • Load-cell or hydraulic pedals for precise brake/throttle work.
  • Button box for quick tear-off, black box controls, and brake bias on the fly.
  • Triple screens or VR for better spatial awareness in traffic.

Costs (typical, subject to change)

  • Membership: Monthly or yearly plans; watch for sales around Season launches and holidays.
  • Tracks: Commonly around $11.95–$14.95 USD per track.
  • Volume discounts (typical): 10% off 3+ items in one order, 15% off 6+, and 20% off when you own 40+ pieces of paid content.
  • Pro tip: Buy only the next 2–4 weeks of scheduled tracks you’ll actually race. You’ll save more and learn faster.

Expert tips to improve faster

  • Drive 95%, not 105%: On dirt, overdriving kills exits. Smooth hands, smooth right foot.
  • Learn with a telemetry crutch: Use lap delta only. Try to beat your best by a hundredth, not a tenth. It keeps inputs calm.
  • Build a line library:
    • Early run: Bottom feeds, short and straight exits.
    • Mid run: Middle polishes off; migrate high.
    • Late run: Edge the cushion; diamond off to straighten exit.
  • Reset your marks as the track slicks: Brake 5–10 feet earlier every 10 laps on ovals. In RX, alter entry to rotate earlier as ruts form.
  • Racecraft > hotlaps: Practice 2-wide entries and exits in hosted sessions. Goal: hold lane without pinching or washing up.
  • Mental checklist each lap: Entry speed? Car rotated before apex? Exit straightened early? If not, fix one thing next corner—don’t chase all three.

Safety notes

  • Cold tires + tacky surface = sudden bite. Build heat before sending it.
  • On restarts (ovals): Don’t anticipate the leader; look at his car, not the lights.
  • In rallycross: Commit to the joker plan early. Lifting mid-jump or last-second jokers cause pile-ups.

Common beginner mistakes

  • Oversteering the wheel: Excess steering angle scrubs speed. Aim for calm hands; let throttle rotate the car.
  • Hammering throttle on slick: Think “squeeze” not “stab.” If the rear steps, breathe off, don’t snap shut.
  • Chasing every track every week: Buy too much, learn too little. Focus on 2–3 venues and master lines.
  • Ignoring the state bar: The “track usage” indicator tells you what you’ll face. Test in similar states to race conditions.
  • Skipping mirrors/spotter: Dirt packs up quick. Use the spotter and glance mirrors off-corner to avoid tangles.

FAQs

Q: Does the count include rallycross, or just dirt ovals? A: iRacing splits them: Dirt Oval and Dirt Road (rallycross). When someone asks “how many dirt tracks,” many mean dirt ovals, but rallycross layouts are dirt-surface tracks too. Check both filters to see the full picture.

Q: Which dirt tracks are free with membership? A: iRacing includes some dirt-ready content for rookies, and it can change over time. In the UI, go to My Content > Tracks and filter by Dirt to see what you already own at no extra cost.

Q: How often does iRacing add new dirt tracks? A: New content commonly arrives with seasonal releases (roughly quarterly). Check patch notes and the Store > Tracks filter each season.

Q: What are the best starter dirt ovals? A: USA International (Dirt) and Lanier (Dirt) for fundamentals, then Eldora or Knoxville to learn cushion discipline.

Q: Do I need a handbrake for rallycross? A: Not mandatory, but an analog handbrake improves consistency. Map it to a pedal or lever for precise rotation.

Q: Can I practice these tracks with AI? A: Many dirt ovals and several rallycross layouts support AI. In the UI, choose Test Drive > AI to see supported tracks/cars.

Conclusion

You now know how many dirt tracks are there on i racing—roughly 20 dirt ovals and about a dozen rallycross layouts as of late 2024—and, more importantly, how to check the exact live count in seconds. Start with beginner-friendly venues, buy only what you’ll race soon, and focus on clean, repeatable techniques. Smooth inputs and smart track choices will move you up the license ladder faster than any “hero” lap.

Optional suggested images

  • Screenshot: iRacing Store with Dirt Oval filter applied.
  • Overhead line diagram: Low/middle/high lines and cushion placement at a common 3/8-mile oval.
  • Pedal trace example: Smooth throttle application on a slick exit.