Help and Information for sim racers who want to get better in the dirt.

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Difference between iRating and Safety Rating

Learn about Difference between iRating and Safety Rating

Introduction

New to dirt in iRacing and confused by ratings? You’re not alone. The Difference between iRating and Safety Rating trips up almost everyone at first. Below, I’ll explain the difference, why it matters for dirt racers, and exactly how to improve both.

Quick Answer

iRating measures your skill based on race results and determines which split you race in. Safety Rating (SR) measures how cleanly you drive (incidents per corner) and controls your license promotions. iRating goes up by finishing well in official races; SR goes up by completing clean corners with few incidents.

Key Takeaways

  • iRating = performance and matchmaking. SR = cleanliness and license.
  • iRating changes only in official races; SR changes in official races and time trials.
  • SR doesn’t care about finishing position—only incidents per corner.
  • You need SR to unlock higher-license dirt series; iRating decides split strength.
  • You can gain iRating and lose SR (or vice versa) in the same event.

Understanding Difference between iRating and Safety Rating (What It Is & Why It Matters)

  • iRating:

    • A number that reflects your recent results versus the strength of your opponents.
    • Used for split placement and championship points strength.
    • Separate per category (Road, Oval, Dirt Oval, Dirt Road).
    • Changes only from official race results, not practice or time trials.

  • Safety Rating (SR):

    • A decimal score that tracks your average incidents per corner over time.
    • Incidents include things like contact and loss of control; on dirt, off-tracks are rare.
    • Higher SR unlocks higher license classes and series. Lower SR risks demotion.
    • Updates after official races and time trials (not practice; qualifying typically doesn’t affect SR).

Why this matters for iRacing dirt racers:

  • Dirt races can be chaotic—car contact and spins quickly tank SR if you’re not careful.
  • Track state evolves (slick groove forms, cushion builds), so patience and car control help both SR and iRating.
  • Leagues may ignore iRating but often require a minimum SR to keep racing clean.

H2: What Difference between iRating and Safety Rating Means

In one line: iRating decides who you race; Safety Rating decides what you’re allowed to race. For dirt racers, that means you need SR to climb licenses and access more series, while iRating dictates the competitiveness of your split.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to raise Safety Rating (SR):

  1. Prioritize clean corners:
    • Lift early into traffic, give space on slide jobs, and avoid “squeezing” into the cushion if someone is there.
  2. Use Time Trials:
    • Clean laps in official Time Trials improve SR without the chaos of race traffic.
  3. Start cautiously:
    • If you’re new, qualify mid-pack or even start from the pits to avoid lap 1 pile-ups.
  4. Respect track state:
    • Early runs = tacky grip; later = slick middle, stronger cushion. If it’s slick, slow your entries and be smooth on throttle.
  5. Choose calmer series/times:
    • Fixed setup dirt series are great for learning. Less crowded times of day can mean fewer incidents.
  6. Finish the race:
    • Under caution, corners still count—clean yellow laps can help recover SR mid-event.

How to grow iRating:

  1. Race where you can finish top 5–8 consistently:
    • Don’t chase the “coolest” series—pick fields where you’re competitive.
  2. Qualify and control restarts:
    • Track position and clean launches avoid avoidable chaos.
  3. Run the line you can repeat:
    • Fancy rim-riding is fast but risky. If you miss the cushion often, run the slider line or middle to stay consistent.
  4. Manage race pace:
    • Pace to your comfort. Survive the first half; attack once the field spreads out.
  5. Learn opponents:
    • Give known “senders” extra space. Your iRating thanks you.

Practical Examples

  • Example 1: You finish P6 in a strong field with only 2 incident points.

    • iRating: Likely increases (you beat your “expected” finish).
    • SR: Increases (few incidents over many corners).

  • Example 2: You win but rack up 12x from contact and a spin.

    • iRating: Increases (you won).
    • SR: Decreases (high incident rate).

  • Example 3: You run a clean Time Trial session.

    • iRating: No change.
    • SR: Increases (clean corners in an official session).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Thinking wins raise SR:
    • SR only cares about incident rate, not finishing position.
  • Overdriving a slick track:
    • Slow your entries, straighten exits, and keep tires under you.
  • Forcing slide jobs:
    • If you’re not clear, don’t throw it. Contact costs SR and momentum.
  • Chasing high-SOF races too early:
    • Build consistency first; iRating will follow.
  • Quitting after early incidents:
    • Stay in. Clean caution laps and a calm finish can still boost SR.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

  • Start with included content:
    • The Dirt Street Stock and several dirt ovals are included with membership. You can race official dirt right away.
  • Recommended starter car:
    • Dirt Street Stock (fixed). Forgiving, teaches throttle control and racecraft.
  • Practice smart:
    • Use hosted or AI to learn evolving track states. Practice slick entries and cushion entry/exit without hitting it square-on.
  • Car control on dirt:
    • Keep hands calm, don’t saw at the wheel. Small throttle lifts settle the car better than big stabs.
  • League notes:
    • Many leagues don’t use iRating for splits but expect solid SR-level driving. Clean racecraft gets you invited back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Difference between iRating and Safety Rating

  • What’s the Difference between iRating and Safety Rating in dirt oval?

    • iRating measures results and sets your split. Safety Rating measures clean driving and controls your license progression.

  • Do cautions help my SR?

    • Yes. Corners under yellow still count. Clean laps under caution can help offset earlier incidents.

  • Do I need a wheel to race dirt in iRacing?

    • Strongly recommended. Gamepads make throttle/steering modulation on slick dirt much harder.

  • Can I race dirt with the free membership content?

    • Yes. You can start with the included Dirt Street Stock and several dirt ovals. Higher series and some tracks/cars require purchases.

  • Is dirt harder than asphalt?

    • It’s different. Dirt demands adaptability to changing grip, cushion usage, and throttle finesse. Many find it tougher at first but very rewarding.

  • Does qualifying or practice affect SR or iRating?

    • Practice does not. Time Trials do affect SR. Qualifying generally doesn’t change SR or iRating, but race sessions do.

Summary

iRating is about performance and matchmaking; Safety Rating is about clean driving and licenses. Focus on finishing clean, learning track states, and picking the right series to steadily improve both. Still unsure? Jump into our Discord for help: https://discord.gg/VSPAFjd7Ea

  • Beginner’s Guide to iRacing Dirt Street Stock (Fixed)
  • Clean Racing on Dirt: Slide Jobs, Crossovers, and Space
  • How Track State Changes Your Line on Dirt Ovals
  • Budget Path: What Dirt Content to Buy Next
  • Race Night Routine: Warmup, Qualifying, and Restart Basics

If you want to learn more about dirt track racing in iRacing, join the other racers in our Discord. Everyone is welcome. We talk about dirt racing all the time and have fun league races you can join.