Two numbers that confuse every new iRacer. They measure completely different things, and a lot of old, outdated explanation circulates. Here is how it works now, with concrete examples.
What is iRating (and what is it not)?
iRating measures your speed and results relative to your opponents. It is purely a performance number: if you beat people who are statistically better, you rise; if you lose to people who are statistically worse, you fall. The system is roughly zero-sum — what one person gains, another loses.
What iRating is not: it says nothing about how cleanly you drive (that is Safety Rating) and it does not determine your licence class. It is only used to fill races with people of your level, so you get fair contests.
Example. You have 2,000 iRating and finish ahead of three drivers with 2,500 iRating. Then you rise a lot, because you beat people who were “better”. Finish behind a bunch of drivers with 1,500 iRating and you drop — even if you did your best otherwise.
Important for beginners: your iRating goes up and down at the start, and that is normal. Everyone starts at the same base value and finds their level over time.
What is Safety Rating?
Safety Rating (SR) measures how cleanly you drive. It runs from 0.00 to 4.99 and is based on one simple ratio: the number of corners you drive divided by your incidents. Lots of clean corners between your mistakes = SR up. Lots of incidents in few corners = SR down.
SR is completely separate from iRating. You can be lightning-fast with terrible SR, or slow but spotless. For promotion to a higher licence only your SR counts, not your iRating.
How do incident points work?
Incidents are counted in points, depending on how serious they are:
- 0x — light tap against the wall or light contact with another car.
- 1x — off track (four wheels outside the lines).
- 2x — hard hit against the wall or loss of control (spin).
- 4x — hard, critical collision with another car.
Example. You drive a race of 200 corners and collect 8 incident points: that averages one incident per 25 corners. Drive the same race with 2 incident points and you are at 1 per 100 corners — and that pushes your SR up.
The lesson: it is not about zero mistakes, but few mistakes over many corners. Calm, consistent driving improves your SR by itself.
Licence classes and promotion
Everyone starts with a Rookie licence. Above that, from low to high: class D, C, B, A and finally the Pro licence. Higher classes give access to faster series and heavier cars, and place you with drivers of a similar safety record.
You promote on Safety Rating. There are two routes:
- Fast track (mid-season). From Rookie to class D you promote once you have driven at least 2 races (or 4 time trials) and your SR goes above 3.0. For each promotion above that (D→C, C→B, B→A) you need SR of 4.0 or higher. That promotion then happens automatically, without waiting for the end of the season.
- At the end of the season. If you do not hit the fast-track threshold, but you do meet the minimum requirements, you can still promote at the season change.
Note: after a promotion your SR number can briefly look lower. That is because you are rescaled in a new, stricter class — it is not a penalty, and your iRating stays put.
Common misunderstandings
- “High iRating = high licence.” No. The two are separate. You can have a low licence with high iRating and the other way around.
- “One crash ruins everything.” One 4x incident hurts, but over enough clean corners your SR recovers quickly. Just keep racing.
- “I have to win to rise.” For iRating you do not need to win — finishing better than expected is enough. For SR your position does not even matter, only how cleanly you drive.
- “Going off track does not count.” Yes it does — four wheels outside the line is a 1x incident. Staying neatly on track really helps your SR.
How to improve both
The nice part: what is good for your SR is usually also good for your iRating.
- Drive within your limits. Nine out of ten beginner incidents come from wanting just a bit too much. Leave some margin.
- Give space in battles. Giving a position back costs you nothing in SR and often little in iRating; a crash costs you both.
- Finish every race. Completing a race almost always pays more than a risk that takes you out.
- Learn consistency first, then speed. See also our tips in your first online race.
Frequently asked questions
Does iRating determine my licence?
No. iRating measures speed and results; your licence depends only on your Safety Rating. They are two separate systems.
What is a good Safety Rating?
Safety Rating runs from 0.00 to 4.99. For promotion from Rookie to class D you need more than 3.0; for the classes above that 4.0 or higher. The higher, the cleaner you drive relative to your incidents.
How many races do I need to get out of Rookie?
At least 2 races (or 4 time trials) and a Safety Rating above 3.0. Then you are automatically promoted to class D via fast track.
Why did my Safety Rating drop after a promotion?
On promotion you are rescaled in the new, stricter class. Your number can look lower, but it is not a penalty and your iRating does not change.
What does one incident cost me?
That depends on severity: 0x (light tap), 1x (off track), 2x (hard wall hit or spin) or 4x (hard collision with another car). Your Safety Rating looks at your incidents relative to the number of corners driven.
Do I need to be fast to raise my iRating?
You do not need to win. If you finish better than expected based on the field’s iRating, you already rise. Consistent finishes help more than one quick, risky race.