How to Fix iRacing demo drive not working

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-09-11 10:12:43

How to Fix iRacing Demo Drive Not Working (Season 4 Update)

Step 1: Check iRacing Server Status

Before diving into local fixes, confirm that the issue isn’t on iRacing’s end:
  • Visit the iRacing Status Page
  • Check the iRacing Forums for maintenance announcements or bug reports
  • Demo Drive is typically available during or shortly after maintenance windows
If servers are up and no issues are reported, move on to local troubleshooting.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can prevent the simulation from launching properly.

  • Use your GPU’s official software (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
  • Choose the Clean Install option during setup
  • Restart your PC after installation

This ensures compatibility with the latest iRacing UI and rendering engine.

Step 3: Rename the iRacing Folder

Corrupted configuration files can block demo drive access. Renaming the folder forces iRacing to rebuild fresh settings.

How to do it:

  • Navigate to:
    C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\iRacing
  • Rename the folder to:
    iRacingbackup
  • Launch iRacing again to generate a new folder

This preserves your old settings while allowing a clean rebuild.

Step 4: Restart iRacing Services Manually

Sometimes the background services don’t initialize correctly. Restarting them manually can fix UI and simulation launch issues.

Steps:

  • Go to your iRacing installation folder (e.g.,
    C:\Program Files (x86)\iRacing)
  • Run Stop_iRacingService.bat
  • Then run Start_iRacingService.bat
  • Navigate to the UI folder and launch iRacingUI.exe
  • This refreshes the service stack and UI environment.

    Step 5: Clear UI Cache and Force Update

    Corrupted cache files can block demo drive access or prevent new cars from loading.

    Steps:

  • Press Win + R and type %appdata%
  • Delete the folder named iRacing-electron
  • Relaunch iRacingUI.exe
  • Go to Updates Available and manually download the required car or track
  • If updates are stuck or say “update required”:

    • Go to your iRacing install folder
    • Delete tracks.dat and version.txt
    • Relaunch the UI to force a fresh re-download

    Step 6: Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat

    Anti-cheat conflicts can prevent demo drive from launching, especially if the service is corrupted or blocked.

    Fix:

    • Navigate to the Easy Anti-Cheat folder inside your iRacing directory
    • Run the installer again to repair or reinstall
    • Restart your PC

    Also consider temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall to rule out interference.

    Step 7: Disconnect External Devices

    Peripheral conflicts—especially with racing wheels, pedals, or VR headsets—can cause startup issues.

    Steps:

    • Close iRacing
    • Unplug all external devices
    • Relaunch the game
    • Plug devices back in one at a time

    This helps isolate any hardware-related conflicts.

    Final Tips

    • Always run iRacing as Administrator
    • Keep your system and game fully updated
    • Use wired internet for better stability during demo drive sessions
    • If issues persist, contact iRacing Support with logs and screenshots
    Mode:
    Video preview



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