iRacing 101: The iRacing Indianapolis 500

Welcome to iRacing 101, where each week we’ll go through some of the many features that make iRacing the World’s Premier Motorsport Simulation. From highlighting our features to some of the top series and forms of racing you’ll encounter when you get behind the wheel.

This week’s topic: What is the iRacing Indianapolis 500, and how does it differ from other iRacing Special Events?

One of the most popular Special Events on the iRacing calendar, the iRacing Indianapolis 500 brings the drama of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing to the virtual Indianapolis Motor Speedway each year.

With both Open (for those of you intent on bringing your own car setup) and Fixed (for those of you content to let us do the setup work) versions of the race available, iRacers of all skill sets and skill levels have the chance to compete together and take on 32 opponents for the chance at taking the checkered flag. The only other thing you’ll have to supply is your own bottle of milk if you win!

Is iRacing Indianapolis 500 qualifying like the real thing?

Yes! Unlike most iRacing Special Events, qualifying for the iRacing Indianapolis 500 is unattached from your race session. Like the real-world Indy 500, you’ll face four laps around the Brickyard to post the fastest possible combined speed. These times are what will set the grid for each race split.

You’ll have all week leading up to the race to post your best run, so don’t be shy about making as many attempts as you need to in order to get as high up the order as you can. The good news: unlike the real thing, there’s no Bump Day. Instead of going home just because you didn’t make the fastest 33, you’ll get your own race session with racers who posted similar times to yours.

The 2024 iRacing Indianapolis 500 will be held from May 27-June 2, 2024. Qualifying will take place from Monday through Friday before races are held on Saturday and Sunday.

Interested in learning more about iRacing? Click here for the full iRacing 101 archives!

You may also like...

Recommended

INDYCAR ButtKicker iRacing Qualifying Series to Kick Off July 11

Recommended

iRacing Staff Member Profile: eSports Competition Manager Travis Sollenberger

Recommended

Steven Wilson takes hometown eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series victory at Iowa

Recommended

Sim to Reality: eNASCAR stars capitalizing on real world racing opportunities