Why do I keep getting 4x in dirt?

Learn about Why do I keep getting 4x in dirt?

Introduction

If you’re asking “Why do I keep getting 4x in dirt?” you’re not alone. New dirt racers see 4x a lot because dirt racing is close, chaotic, and always changing. Below I’ll explain exactly what triggers a 4x, how it impacts Safety Rating, and how to avoid it.

Quick Answer

A 4x in iRacing dirt usually means the sim detected car-to-car contact (and sometimes a heavy wall hit). It’s awarded to both drivers regardless of fault. Dirt racing packs are tight, the track slicks off, and small bumps are common—so you’ll see more 4x than on road. Leave space, avoid late sliders, and protect your connection to cut them down.

Key Takeaways

• 4x = significant contact; both drivers get it, even if you weren’t at fault.
• Dirt oval has no off-track 1x, so most incidents are 2x (loss of control) or 4x (contact).
• Netcode can create a 4x without visible contact—stable internet helps.
• Clean, predictable lines and early lifts reduce 4x more than outright speed.
• Survive the first two laps and restarts—most dirt 4x happen there.

Understanding Why do I keep getting 4x in dirt? (What It Is & Why It Matters)

• What triggers a 4x:

  • Car-to-car contact with enough force.
  • Hard wall/object contact can also be 4x; light scrapes are often 0x, medium hits 2x.
  • Spins or big slides without contact are typically 2x (loss of control).

• Why dirt racers get more 4x:

  • Pack racing and sliders create overlap constantly.
  • Dynamic track: as it slicks, stopping distance grows and cars drift more.
  • Cushion and wall proximity: running inches from the fence is fast—but risky.
  • Netcode: latency can register contact you didn’t see.

• Why it matters:

  • Safety Rating (SR) drops with incidents. Dirt uses corners-per-incident too.
  • Series have incident limits (varies by series/session). Hit it and you can be DQ’d.
  • In leagues, incident rules differ—some forgive a few 4x, others penalize them.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set up your view and info

   • Turn on the Relative (F3) to see who’s around you.
   • Boost spotter volume; consider a better spotter pack for clearer calls.
   • Use mirrors and get comfortable glancing at them mid-corner.

2. Drive lines that avoid trouble

   • Early race: run a stable, mid or low line while the field sorts itself.
   • On slick: lift earlier, enter lower, and diamond the corner to stay off the right-rear of cars ahead.
   • On the cushion: don’t pinch exit—let the car wash out predictably to avoid right-rear/right-front hooks.

3. Manage sliders correctly

   • Only throw a slider if you’re clearly alongside by corner entry.
   • Call “slider” in league races; in officials, be predictable and leave a lane.
   • If you receive a slider, cross under instead of turning down early into the slider car.

4. Give space on entry and exit

   • Leave half a lane more than you think you need in packs.
   • On exits, avoid squeezing the wall or the car outside—4x often happens here.

5. Reduce netcode risk

   • Use wired Ethernet; close streams/downloads.
   • Join servers with low ping; avoid door-to-door rubbing on straights.
   • Leave a buffer in side-by-side—netcode shrinks real overlap.

6. Build car control

   • Practice lifting to save the car instead of counter-steering late and snapping.
   • Use Test Drive and AI to practice race starts and traffic lines.
   • In fixed setups, reduce steering ratio (e.g., 12:1 to 14:1) for smoother inputs.

7. Race the right content

   • Start with Dirt Street Stock or 305 Sprint—they’re stable and widely run.
   • Many popular cars/tracks are paid, but some dirt content is included. You can race dirt with just the membership, then add content as you like.

8. Protect your SR in officials

   • Focus on finishing clean, not winning every corner.
   • If a driver is erratic, lift early and let them go. You’ll gain SR and spots later.
   • Avoid rejoining in traffic after a spin; wait for a clear gap.

Practical Examples

• Example 1: You clip the cushion and brush the wall—0x or 2x. A lap later you barely touch a car’s left-rear while sliding across its nose—both get a 4x.
• Example 2: On a restart, the pack checks up. You nudge the car ahead—4x. Leave a larger gap and roll in.
• Example 3: You send a late slider from two car-lengths back and can’t clear. Right-front to left-rear contact = 4x for both. Wait an extra lap for a better run.
• Example 4: Side-by-side on the straight with 120ms ping. Netcode registers a touch—4x. Give a half-lane and tuck in behind.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Diving from too far back: Only slider when you’re already overlapping at entry.
• Pinching exits: Let the car flow; don’t trap someone against the wall.
• Riding the wall early: Save cushion running for when you can hold it consistently.
• Overcorrecting snaps: Lift and straighten first; don’t whip the wheel late.
• Ignoring the track state: As it slicks, brake earlier (or lift sooner) and open your hands.
• Racing every lap like it’s the last: Survive Lap 1 and restarts—most 4x happen there.
• Poor connection: Use Ethernet, close apps, and avoid risky side contact.

Why This Matters for iRacing Dirt Racers

• Lower incident counts mean better SR and easier license progression.
• Fewer 4x keeps you in the race when there are incident limits.
• Clean racing builds reputation—the fastest way into good splits and leagues.

What Why do I keep getting 4x in dirt? Means

• It means iRacing is detecting contact in situations that are common on dirt: tight packs, slider attempts, cushion taps, and sometimes netcode.
• The fix isn’t magic—it’s about space, predictability, car control, and internet stability.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

• Run Street Stocks or 305 Sprints first; avoid 410 Sprints and Pro Lates until you’re comfy.
• In practice, do 10-lap runs on an already-slick track state to learn lift points.
• Map a “Look Left/Right” button for quick awareness.
• If you’re tilting, pit for repairs and reset your head—don’t compound 4x with more 4x.
• In leagues, ask about slider etiquette and incident penalties before race night.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why do I keep getting 4x in dirt?

• Does a 0x hurt my Safety Rating?

  • No. 0x is informational and doesn’t reduce SR.

• Is dirt harder than asphalt for SR?

  • Often, yes. Dirt has more contact and spins. Drive conservatively and finish races to grow SR.

• Can I race dirt with just the base membership?

  • Yes, there’s some included dirt content (cars and a couple of ovals). Many popular series use paid cars/tracks though.

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

  • Strongly recommended. A wheel gives the control you need to avoid snaps and 4x. Gamepads are much harder on dirt.

• What incident limit do dirt officials use?

  • It varies by series and session type (heats, C-mains, feature). Check the series page; expect a limit that can DQ you if exceeded.

• How do I avoid netcode 4x?

  • Use wired Ethernet, choose low-ping servers, and leave extra room in side-by-side. Avoid rubbing on straights.

Summary

You’re getting 4x in dirt because iRacing flags contact—common in close, sliding packs. Give space, time your sliders, run predictable lines, and stabilize your connection. Focus on finishing clean over forcing passes.

Got questions or want feedback on your replays? Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/VSPAFjd7Ea

Related Guides

• Clean Racing on Dirt: Lines, Lifts, and Space
• Safety Rating on Dirt Oval: How It Works and How to Raise It
• Beginner Dirt Cars: Street Stock vs 305 Sprint
• Dirt Track States: Cushion, Slick, and How to Adjust
• Racecraft 101: Sliders, Crossovers, and Restarts