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

Join the other racers on our Discord!

What series can I run at each dirt license level?

Learn about What series can I run at each dirt license level?

Introduction

You want a straight answer to “What series can I run at each dirt license level?” Good news: it’s simple once you know how iRacing licenses work. Below I’ll answer directly, then show you how to check current offerings, pick the right car path, and level up cleanly.

Quick Answer

Each dirt oval series has a minimum license class: Rookie, D, C, B, or A. You can always race series at or below your current license. Rookie gives you Street Stocks with mostly included content. D and up unlock 305 Sprints, Limited/Pro Late Models, Modifieds, 360/410 Sprints, and top-tier Late Models. Exact series rotate each season—check the in-sim Series list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license gates which official dirt series you can enter; higher licenses unlock faster cars.
  • You can race any series at your license level or lower (e.g., A license can run D).
  • Rookie racing works with mostly included content; higher series usually need paid cars/tracks.
  • Promotions come from clean racing and meeting minimum participation.
  • Series options change each season—always confirm in the iRacing UI.

Understanding What series can I run at each dirt license level? (What It Is & Why It Matters)

  • iRacing has separate licenses for Dirt Oval, Dirt Road, Oval, and Road. This guide is Dirt Oval only.
  • Series are “gated” by minimum license class. If you meet or exceed the gate, you can enter.
  • Promotions are based on Safety Rating (SR) and completing a small number of official events. Cleaner racing = faster promotions.
  • Why it matters: choosing the right series at your license level keeps you learning, saves money, and prevents frustration.

Series by Dirt Oval License Level (Typical Options)

These are the common paths. Exact cars/series names and license gates can vary by season, but the progression stays similar. Always confirm in Go Racing > Series > Filter: Dirt Oval.

  • Rookie (minimum license: Rookie)

    • Typical series: Street Stocks (Fixed setup); sometimes an additional beginner-friendly fixed series.
    • Content: Designed so you can race with your base membership; some tracks on the schedule may be paid.
    • Best for: Learning car control, race craft, incident avoidance.

  • Class D (minimum license: D)

    • Typical series: 305 Sprint Car (Fixed/Open), Limited Late Model (Fixed/Open), UMP/358 Modified (Fixed/Open).
    • Content: Usually requires buying the car you choose and some season tracks.
    • Best for: First step beyond Rookie; pick a path (Sprints, Late Models, or Modifieds).

  • Class C (minimum license: C)

    • Typical series: 360 Sprint Car (Fixed/Open), Pro Late Model (Fixed/Open), 358/Big Block/UMP Modified rotations, and sometimes Midget.
    • Best for: Faster fields, deeper setups, more race strategy with evolving track states.

  • Class B (minimum license: B)

    • Typical series: 410 Sprint Car (often Fixed and Open), Super Late Model (often Fixed and Open); sometimes Big Block Modifieds or Non-Wing Sprints appear here.
    • Best for: Advanced pace and race craft; small mistakes get punished.

  • Class A (minimum license: A)

    • Typical series: Top-level 410 Sprint and Super Late Model Open setups, occasional premiere Modified series.
    • Best for: Long races, open setups, top splits; where the fastest dirt drivers live.

Notes:

  • “Fixed” = same setup for everyone; great for learning and saving time.
  • “Open” = custom setups; more car feel and speed if you can build/tune (or use trusted baselines).
  • You can always run lower-class series even with a higher license.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check what’s available right now

    • Go to Go Racing > Series.
    • Filter: Category = Dirt Oval. Add License filter if needed.
    • Click a series to see its minimum license and schedule. If you see a “lock,” you don’t meet the license minimum yet.

  2. Pick your lane

    • Winged Sprints path: 305 (D) → 360 (C) → 410 (B/A).
    • Late Models path: Street Stock (Rookie) → Limited (D) → Pro (C) → Super (B/A).
    • Modifieds path: UMP/358 (D/C) → Big Block (B/A in some seasons).
    • Choose the one that fits your driving style and budget.

  3. Buy only what you need

    • Grab the car for the series you want and a couple of tracks you’ll race most weeks.
    • Bulk discounts apply when you buy multiple items—consider your next few months.

  4. Promote your license cleanly

    • Race official events and finish safely to raise SR.
    • General rule: 3.0 SR can trigger a mid-season promotion (if you meet participation); 4.0 SR promotes at season end.
    • For D and up, you’ll also need a small number of official race/TT completions.

  5. Practice smarter

    • Use the official Practice sessions for the same track state as your race.
    • Run Test Drive or AI races to drill starts, restarts, and traffic.

Practical Examples

  • Example 1: New to Dirt, Rookie license

    • Run Street Stocks (Fixed) on included tracks.
    • Start P12–P16, keep it clean for SR gains.
    • After a few clean races, you’ll hit D and can choose 305 Sprints or Limited Late Models.

  • Example 2: Want 360 Sprints but stuck in Rookie

    • Race Rookie Street Stocks cleanly for SR.
    • Promote to D, then choose a D-series (305 Sprints) to keep progressing.
    • Hit C to unlock 360 Sprints; buy the 360 and 2–4 tracks from the schedule.

Common Dirt Oval Dynamics That Affect Series Choice

  • Track state evolves: the groove slicks off, a cushion builds up top, and lines move. Faster cars exaggerate this.
  • Tires don’t “wear out” like asphalt but heat and surface moisture change grip. Adjust throttle and entry angles.
  • Setup sensitivity increases as you move up. Fixed series reduce this complexity.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

  • Car recommendations

    • Street Stock Fixed is the best dirt starting point.
    • If you want speed but stability, try Limited or Pro Late Models first.
    • If you crave high skill ceiling and quick hands, go 305 → 360 → 410 Sprints.

  • Safety Rating tips

    • Start at the back. Avoid first-lap chaos.
    • Lift early; don’t force slide jobs.
    • If you spin, lock the brakes and hold still—let the field pass.
    • Keep space off the wall; contacts cost incidents and speed.

  • Practice efficiently

    • 20 clean laps > 200 messy laps.
    • Use Ghost Racing or AI to learn traffic lines without risking SR.
    • Watch fastest laps in the Results and load their replays/telemetry if available.

  • League considerations

    • Leagues and Hosted races ignore license gates, but you must own the content.
    • Official series are the only thing restricted by license class.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Buying too much content on day one → Only buy the car and a few tracks you’ll race in the next month.
  • Jumping to open setups too soon → Start in Fixed; focus on lines, throttle control, and race craft.
  • Forcing slide jobs → If you’re not clear by center, back out and live to fight next corner.
  • Ignoring track state → Move your line as the groove slicks off; the cushion can be your friend late in runs.
  • Chasing iRating over SR early → Promotions require SR. Keep it clean first, fast later.

Frequently Asked Questions About What series can I run at each dirt license level?

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

    • Strongly recommended. Gamepads are possible but much harder for car control on dirt.

  • How much content do beginners need?

    • For Rookie, you can race with your membership. Past Rookie, plan to buy one car and 2–4 tracks for your chosen series.

  • Can I race dirt with the free membership?

    • Yes, in Rookie dirt series. To run full schedules or higher classes you’ll likely need paid cars/tracks.

  • Is dirt harder than asphalt?

    • Different hard. Dirt rewards throttle modulation, entry angles, and reading track state. It’s very teachable—start in Fixed.

  • Can I run a series below my license?

    • Yes. An A-class driver can run D and Rookie series.

  • Do leagues require a license level?

    • Usually no. Leagues and Hosted sessions don’t use license gates, but you must own the content.

  • How do I see exactly what series I can run today?

    • In the iRacing UI: Go Racing > Series > Filter Dirt Oval. Series tiles show the minimum license. If you meet or exceed it, you can register.

Summary

Rookie unlocks beginner dirt series you can run with just your membership. Each license step (D, C, B, A) opens faster cars—305/360/410 Sprints, Limited/Pro/Super Late Models, and Modifieds. Choose a path, buy only what you need, and promote through clean, consistent racing. Questions? Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/VSPAFjd7Ea

  • Dirt Oval: Clean Racing and Safety Rating Basics
  • Fixed vs Open Setups on Dirt: Which Should You Run?
  • Sprint Cars vs Late Models vs Modifieds: Picking Your Path
  • How to Read Track State and Find Grip on Dirt

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.