What counts as an incident in dirt races?

Learn about What counts as an incident in dirt races?

Introduction

If you’re new to dirt, it can be confusing to know What counts as an incident in dirt races? This guide explains exactly what triggers iRacing incidents on dirt, how they affect Safety Rating, and how to race clean without slowing down.

Quick Answer

On dirt oval, incidents are mainly: 2x for loss of control (spins), 2x for contact with a car or wall (light hit), and 4x for heavy car-to-car contact. There’s no 1x off-track on dirt oval. 0x contacts don’t affect Safety Rating. Dirt road (rallycross) does use 1x off-tracks for course cuts.

Key Takeaways

• Dirt oval: no 1x off-track; expect 2x spins, 2x light contact, 4x heavy car contact.
• Wall slaps can be 0x or 2x; repeated wall-riding will stack incidents.
• Every official session (practice, qualifying, heats, features, time trials) affects SR; hosted and AI do not.
• Some series/leagues use incident limits—check the Session Info.
• Smooth, predictable driving prevents most 2x/4x without giving up pace.

Understanding What counts as an incident in dirt races? (What It Is & Why It Matters)

Incidents are iRacing’s way of measuring on-track risk to calculate your Safety Rating (SR). On dirt, the system expects sliding—but it penalizes spins, contact, and crashes.

What you’ll see on dirt oval:

• 0x: contact detected but no SR hit (light brush with car or wall).
• 2x: loss of control (spin/loop) or light contact with a car or wall.
• 4x: heavy car-to-car contact.

What you won’t see on dirt oval:

• 1x off-track. Dirt ovals don’t use off-track penalties.

On dirt road (rallycross):

• 1x off-track for course cuts still applies, plus 2x/4x for loss of control/contact.

Why it matters: SR impacts your license promotions and access to higher series. Driving cleanly also keeps you in more competitive splits and out of admin trouble in leagues.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Before you join

• Read the Session Info: look for incident limits per heat/feature.
• Plan your approach: early laps clean, passes with overlap, no last-second divebombs.

2. Practice (official practice counts for SR)

• Run 10–15 consecutive clean laps to find a stable pace.
• Learn the cushion and exits—aim to avoid wall taps.
• Practice safe lift-and-reset techniques to catch slides before a 2x spin.

3. Qualifying / Time Trials

• Bank a safe first lap: keep it off the wall and avoid hero entries.
• If you feel a loop starting, straighten and lift—avoids the 2x.

4. Racing (heats and features)

• Start predictable: hold your lane off the start—don’t wash up into someone.
• Slide jobs: clear by a car length before sliding up; be ready to lift if you won’t make it.
• Traffic: back out early if a gap closes; a safe 0x tap is better than a 2x/4x wreck.
• Under caution: keep distance; incidents still count.

5. After the race

• Open the Results/Incidents tab; note where you got 2x/4x.
• Rewatch those laps and adjust your entries/exits next session.

Practical Examples

• Example 1: You loop the car alone exiting Turn 2. Result: 2x loss of control.
• Example 2: Light right-rear vs. left-front rub in a slide job. Result: 2x contact (can be 0x if ultra-light).
• Example 3: Kiss the wall on exit. Result: often 0x; harder hits can be 2x.
• Example 4: Big netcode hit that turns both cars. Result: usually 4x for each driver.
• Example 5 (dirt road): Cut a joker/chicane too deep. Result: 1x off-track.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Riding the wall to “turn” the car: racks up 2x and can lead to 4x. Keep it an inch off.
• Late slide jobs: if you’re not clear, don’t go; try again next corner.
• Catching slick exits too hard on throttle: feather it and straighten early to avoid spins.
• Unpredictable re-joins: parallel the racing line and blend predictably after leaving the infield/apron.
• Over-driving early in heats: you can’t win it in Lap 1, but you can ruin SR and the feature spot.

Frequently Asked Questions About What counts as an incident in dirt races?

• Is brushing the wall an incident on dirt?

  • Often it’s a 0x (no SR hit). Heavier wall contact can be 2x. Don’t rely on wall-riding.

• Do heats and cautions affect Safety Rating?

  • Yes. All official session segments (practice, qualifying, heats, features, time trials) affect SR. Caution laps add clean corners; incidents under yellow still count.

• Do hosted or AI races change my SR or incidents?

  • No. Hosted and AI do not affect SR. Incidents may be tracked in-session but don’t change your license.

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

  • Strongly recommended. Some manage with a gamepad, but a wheel with pedals gives much better car control on slick dirt.

• How much content do beginners need?

  • You can start with the included rookie dirt car(s) and a couple of included dirt ovals. Most other dirt cars and tracks are paid—add content as you move up series.

• Is dirt harder than asphalt?

  • Different. Dirt rewards car control, throttle finesse, and reading the cushion. The learning curve can feel steeper at first, but it’s very teachable.

• Are there incident limits in official dirt?

  • Many series and most leagues use incident limits. Limits vary—always check Session Info before you grid.

Summary

On dirt oval, incidents are mainly 2x (spins/light contact) and 4x (heavy car contact); there’s no 1x off-track. Drive predictably, avoid the wall, and manage throttle on corner exit to keep SR healthy. Need help dialing it in? Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/VSPAFjd7Ea

Related Guides

• Safety Rating on Dirt: How It Works and How to Raise It Fast
• Clean Racing on the Cushion: Entry, Exit, and Wall-Avoidance Tips
• Beginner Dirt Cars: What to Buy Next After Rookie
• Effective Dirt Practice Plans (15–30 Minutes)
• League Racing on Dirt: Incident Limits, Admin Expectations, and Etiquette