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

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Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x?

Learn about Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x?

Introduction

New dirt racers ask this a lot: Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x? The short answer is simple, and it affects your Safety Rating in every official race. Below, we explain what triggers incident points on dirt, how to avoid stacking them, and what to do after a spin.

Quick Answer

Spinning on dirt in iRacing is a 2x “Loss of Control”. If you also hit the wall (usually 2x) or another car (4x), those stack on top. A solo spin you save without fully looping may not trigger anything; the system only assigns a 2x when you lose control beyond a threshold.

Key Takeaways

  • A solo spin is typically a 2x Loss of Control.
  • Car-to-car contact is 4x; wall/object contact is often 2x.
  • Points stack: a spin into a wall and another car can be 2x + 2x + 4x.
  • No 1x off-tracks on dirt/ovals.
  • Fewer incidents = better Safety Rating (SR) in official races.

Understanding Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x? (What It Is & Why It Matters)

  • iRacing uses “incident points” (x) to track contact and control issues.
  • On dirt ovals, the common events are:
    • 2x Loss of Control (spin/loop beyond control threshold).
    • 4x Car Contact (hit another car).
    • 2x Wall/Object Contact (hit the wall/tires). Light brushes may be 0x, but expect 2x if it’s a hit.
  • Dirt racing involves sliding, but controlled drifts don’t equal a spin. You’ll only get a 2x when the sim determines you’ve actually lost control.
  • This matters because SR goes down with more incident points, affecting your license promotions. It doesn’t change iRating directly, but it can get you disqualified in sessions with inc limits (common in leagues, sometimes in special events).

What Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x? Means

  • If you spin by yourself and don’t hit anything, expect a 2x.
  • If you spin and hit the wall, it’s likely 2x + 2x.
  • If you spin and someone hits you, add 4x per car contact event.
  • Multiple hits can occur in the same wreck, so incidents can pile up fast.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Before the race

    • Run Test/Practice to learn how the car feels as the track slicks off.
    • Start with lower brake bias and use shorter throttle pulses to avoid looped exits.
    • New? Try the Dirt Street Stock and an included dirt oval to reduce cost.

  2. During the race

    • If you begin to loop: breathe off the throttle, countersteer smoothly. If you can’t save it, lock the brakes so the car is predictable and stays put.
    • If you spin: stay stopped until traffic clears. Moving unpredictably creates 4x contact.
    • If you’re near the wall: avoid scraping during the spin; that usually adds a 2x.

  3. Rejoining safely

    • Check the relative (F3) and mirrors/spotter.
    • Rejoin on the back straight or after the pack passes.
    • If it’s chaos or you’re damaged, ESC to pit to avoid stacking more incidents.

  4. After the race

    • Review the Replay and Incidents to see exactly what triggered each x.
    • Adjust line and inputs for the track state (more slick = straighter corner exits, softer throttle).

Practical Examples

  • Example 1: You loop the car mid-corner and stop in the infield without hitting anything. That’s a 2x Loss of Control only.
  • Example 2: You half-spin, tap the wall, and get clipped by a passing car. That can be 2x (Loss of Control) + 2x (Wall) + 4x (Car Contact) = 8x total.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Overdriving a slick track
    • Fix: Back up your entry, turn in earlier, and throttle up straighter off the corner.
  • Chasing the car during a spin
    • Fix: If it’s gone, lock the brakes and hold still to be predictable.
  • Rejoining blindly
    • Fix: Wait for a gap, then rejoin low and gradually.
  • Riding the wall to “save it”
    • Fix: That often adds a 2x; better to lift and reset the car angle earlier.
  • Ignoring setup basics
    • Fix: Run a stable baseline. Too much rear brake or rear steer can cause loops.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

  • Start with the Dirt Street Stock at an included oval; it’s forgiving and cheap to enter.
  • Use short, controlled throttle on exit. Wheelspin equals rotation equals potential 2x.
  • As the track slicks up, move to a line that lets you exit straighter (often a lane lower or higher, or gently off the cushion).
  • In official races, clean laps matter. A P7 with low incidents can be better for SR than a risky P4 with a pile of x’s.
  • Hosted/league sessions may use incident limits; know the rules. Hosted sessions don’t affect SR/iRating, but you can still be DQ’d by reaching the limit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x?

  • Does spinning out give me a 2x or 4x?

    • 2x for Loss of Control. Hits with walls or cars add more and stack.

  • Does a light wall brush count?

    • Sometimes it’s 0x, but meaningful contact is typically 2x. Don’t rely on getting a 0x.

  • Do hosted or league races affect my SR and iRating?

    • Hosted/league sessions do not affect SR/iRating, but they may have incident limits that cause DQs.

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

    • Strongly recommended. A force-feedback wheel gives the control you need to avoid spins and manage throttle/steering on slick tracks.

  • How much content do beginners need?

    • You can start with the included car(s) and a couple of included dirt tracks. Add paid cars/tracks as you move up series or join leagues.

  • Is dirt harder than asphalt?

    • It’s different. The track evolves, and traction changes a lot. Expect to learn throttle control and line changes as it slicks off.

  • Can I race dirt with just the base membership?

    • Yes, there are rookie/entry-level dirt options with included content. Higher series and many tracks are paid.

Summary

Spinning out on dirt is a 2x Loss of Control. If you also hit the wall or another car, those incident points stack. Keep the car predictable, rejoin safely, and drive straighter off the corner as the track slicks up. Questions? Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/VSPAFjd7Ea

  • How Safety Rating Works on Dirt Ovals
  • Clean Racing: How to Avoid 4x Contacts in Traffic
  • Dirt Track Evolution: Reading the Cushion and Slick
  • Beginner Car Guide: Picking Your First Dirt Series
  • Practice Plans for Dirt: Building Consistency Without Wrecks

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.