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iRacing Team Communication Guide

Clear communication keeps endurance teams coordinated. One spotter/strategist, brief messages, and a pre-race comms check prevent chaos. iRacing's in-sim radio and external tools like Discord each have a role.

Spotter Role

Register as a spotter when joining a team session. Use [Start Spotting] to declare intent—this disables the computer spotter voice (high-priority messages still appear as text). Spotters can use all spectator camera views and talk to the driver on the @TEAM channel. Only team members (driver and spotters) can use @TEAM. The driver controls who can spot: anyone, friends only, or password-protected (Settings → General Settings).

Strategist Role

One person should manage pit timing, fuel data, gaps, and fair share tracking. Avoid multiple voices giving conflicting instructions. The strategist relays: "Pit next lap," "Gap to P2 is 12 seconds," "Driver B needs 5 more laps for fair share." Keep it brief. The driver is focused on the track—long messages get missed.

Comms Protocol

  • One voice: Spotter/strategist speaks; drivers listen unless they need to report something
  • Brief: "Pitting this lap," "Clear left," "Car behind, 2 seconds"
  • Structured handover: Outgoing driver: tyre feel, fuel usage. Incoming driver: confirm stint plan
  • No chatter: Avoid off-topic talk while the driver is in the car

In-Sim Radio

Drivers scan @DRIVERS, @TEAM, @CLUB, @RACECONTROL, and @PRIVATE. Spotters scan @TEAM, @RACECONTROL, and @PRIVATE. @TEAM is private to your team. Use Next/Previous Channel controls (Options → Sound) to switch channels. @TEAM overrides @DRIVERS when someone speaks—your teammate's message takes priority.

Discord & External Comms

Many teams use Discord for strategy discussion, driver swaps, and coordination outside the car. Run a comms check before the session: mic clarity, latency, push-to-talk. Keep a separate channel for drivers in the car vs. strategists and off-stint drivers to avoid overlap. Avoid duplicate comms—if the strategist uses in-sim, do not also relay the same info on Discord.

Pre-Race Comms Check

Before the session starts, confirm everyone can hear and be heard. Test the spotter connection. Agree on who spots and who strategises. Confirm stint order and handover phrases. A short rehearsal prevents mid-race confusion.

Tip: One spotter/strategist, brief messages, no overlap. The driver's job is to drive—everyone else supports.

Next: Driver Swaps for handover procedure, or Stint Strategy for planning and roles.