From endurance racing to dirt heats, iRacing will offer a packed schedule of special events to race in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the can’t-miss iRacing events this year, featuring both premier and community-driven opportunities.

1. The Hoosier 500

An IndyCar qualifies at the Hoosier 500 on iRacing

The Hoosier 500 is one of the standout iRacing events of 2025. A meticulously recreated virtual Indy 500, this race is more than just a competition – it’s a two-week celebration of open-wheel racing.

  • When: December 21, 2025
  • Car and Track: Dallara IR-18 IndyCar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Official Website: thehoosier500.com

Why It’s Unmissable

  • True to Tradition: Hosted on iRacing’s Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the event mirrors the challenges of the real-life 500-mile race on the sim’s millimeter-perfect recreation of the World’s Greatest Race Course.
  • Community Focus: With authentic qualifying and true-to-life atmosphere, the Hoosier 500 appeals to a wide range of sim racers and creates the most exciting “500” sim racing experience.
  • Engaging Broadcasts: Featuring professional commentary and live streaming, the Hoosier 500 brings the thrill of IndyCar racing to sim racing fans worldwide.

2. Knoxville Nationals

The iRacing Knoxville Nationals brings the excitement of dirt sprint car racing to the virtual stage. Modeled after the iconic real-world event at Knoxville Raceway, this Special Event is a high-octane spectacle that tests racers’ skills on the dirt.

  • When: July 29-August 3, 2025
  • Car and Track: 410 Winged Sprint Car at Knoxville Raceway

Event Highlights

  • Authentic Dirt Racing Experience: iRacing’s Knoxville Raceway is a meticulously detailed replication of the legendary dirt oval, complete with dynamic track conditions that evolve throughout the race.
  • Sprint Car Showdown: Featuring powerful 410 winged sprint cars, this event delivers blistering speeds, thrilling slide jobs, and wheel-to-wheel action.
  • Accessible Competition: Open to drivers of all experience levels, the Knoxville Nationals lets you compete alongside some of the best dirt racers in the iRacing community.
  • Unpredictable Excitement: The fast pace and tight racing of sprint cars ensure edge-of-your-seat action in every heat, qualifier, and main event.

3. Nürburgring 24 Hours

The Nürburgring Nordschleife on iRacing.

If you crave an endurance challenge, the Nürburgring 24 Hours is one of the essential iRacing events to compete in 2025. Tackling the Nordschleife—one of the most demanding circuits in the world—requires skill, patience, and teamwork.

  • When: June 6-8, 2025
  • Car and Track: GT3, GT4, Porsche Cup, LMP2, TCR at the Nürburgring Nordschleife

Why Join This Event?

  • Grassroots-Friendly: Open to sim racers of all levels, this community-driven event often sees hundreds of participants competing across multiple splits.
  • Dynamic Challenges: Changing weather and day-night transitions ensure that no two hours of racing are the same.
  • Legendary Circuit: The Nürburgring Nordschleife is a bucket-list track to drive, and this event captures its essence perfectly.

4. Firecracker 400

1987 NASCAR Cup cars racing at Daytona on iRacing.

The Firecracker 400 is a nostalgic tribute to NASCAR’s storied past, featuring the classic 1987 stock cars on the historic Daytona International Speedway.

  • When: July 2-7, 2025
  • Car and Track: 1987 NASCAR Cup Series at the 2007 version of Daytona International Speedway

What To Expect

  • Vintage Racing Experience: Compete in the iconic 1987 NASCAR machines, renowned for their raw power and challenging handling characteristics.
  • Historic Venue: Race on a historic version of Daytona International Speedway, capturing the essence of NASCAR’s golden era.
  • Strategic Competition: With 160 laps to complete, drivers must juggle drafting, pit strategy, and attrition to succeed.

5. Bathurst 1000

Supercars race at Bathurst on iRacing.

The Bathurst 1000 is a virtual rendition of Australia’s “Great Race,” challenging drivers on the treacherous Mount Panorama Circuit.

  • When: September 26–27, 2025
  • Car and Track: Supercars at Bathurst (Mt. Panorama Circuit)

Bathurst 1000 Highlights

  • Demanding Circuit: Navigate the 6.213 km Mount Panorama track, known for its steep grades and tight corners.
  • Endurance Challenge: Tackle 161 laps in high-performance Supercars, testing both driver stamina and mental focus.

6. Mooncar Series

Mooncar on iRacing.

Known for its wild formats, off-the-wall commentary from Moonhead (Travis Brown), and incredible community spirit, Mooncar offers something truly unique in the sim racing world.

  • When: Weekly Races Throughout 2025
  • Platform: iRacing

What Makes Mooncar Special?

  • Crazy Race Formats: Forget traditional sim racing norms—Mooncar thrives on chaos. Races often feature unconventional combinations of cars and tracks, like ARCA cars on superspeedways or dirt stock cars on asphalt ovals, ensuring no two races are the same.
  • Hilarious Commentary: Moonhead’s live streams are as much about the laughs as they are about the racing. His quick wit, interactive audience banter, and authentic personality make the series a must-watch for fans.
  • Surprises Galore: Expect unpredictable wrecks, photo finishes, and post-race interviews that are just as memorable as the on-track action.

7. SCCA Runoffs

SCCA Runoffs in iRacing at Road America.

The SCCA Runoffs bring the excitement of grassroots racing to the virtual world, allowing drivers to compete in a variety of car classes.

When: November 22, 2025
Car and Track: Various car classes at Road America

Racing at the Runoffs

  • Diverse Competition: Participate in multiple car classes, showcasing a wide range of racing disciplines.
  • Prestigious Format: Emulate the real-world SCCA National Championship Runoffs, a hallmark of amateur racing excellence.
  • Historic Track: Test yourself against one of the most legendary tracks in the United States, Road America.

8. iRacing FF1600 Festival

The iRacing FF1600 Festival celebrates the legacy of Formula Ford racing, offering intense competition in the nimble FF1600 cars.

  • When: October 31 – November 1, 2025
  • Car and Track: FF1600 at Brands Hatch (Indy layout)

Event Highlights

  • Historic Venue: Race on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, a classic track known for its tight corners and elevation changes.
  • Equal Machinery: With identical FF1600 cars, driver skill is paramount, ensuring close and competitive racing.
  • Solo Event: Showcase individual talent in this driver-focused competition.

From the high-stakes drama of races like the Hoosier 500 to the zany, laughter-filled chaos of Mooncar, 2025 is packed with sim racing events for every type of racer and fan. Whatever your racing style, this year promises plenty of opportunities to hit the track, have fun, and be part of a growing global community.