iRacing raises its subscription prices for only the second time in its history
On 9 July 2026, iRacing announced an increase to its subscription rates, taking effect on 18 August 2026. It's a rare event: in nearly twenty years, this is only the second time the American simulator has raised its subscription prices. The previous increase dates back to 2022, when the monthly plan went from 12 to 13 dollars.
The new prices
Every plan is affected, with an increase of around 13%:
| Term | Old price | New price | Approx. €* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $13.00 | $14.75 | ≈ €12.90 |
| 3 months | $33.00 | $37.50 | ≈ €32.80 |
| 12 months | $110.00 | $124.50 | ≈ €108.90 |
| 24 months | $199.00 | $222.50 | ≈ €194.60 |
* iRacing bills in US dollars: euro amounts are indicative only (July 2026 rate, $1 ≈ €0.87) and will vary with the exchange rate at the time of payment, before any applicable VAT. For comparison, the old $13 monthly rate was worth around €11.40.
These rates apply to subscriptions taken out directly on iRacing.com. Prices on Steam will rise by similar amounts. One point that matters to regulars: the price of cars and tracks is not changing. The base content stays the same too, with more than 30 cars and more than 25 tracks included in every subscription.
Why the increase, and why now?
In its statement, iRacing first points to the general rise in costs:
“We don't take this decision lightly, and we recognise that rising costs have affected everyone.”
But the Chelmsford, Massachusetts company mainly highlights the value added since the last increase: hundreds of new features, a dynamic weather system, AI, and a substantially expanded base-content catalogue.
Above all, iRacing says it has “significantly increased its investment in development,” with two major projects under way: a new proprietary graphics engine and a single-player Career mode, two long-standing community requests. The studio stresses that all the new additions will remain included in the subscription, at no extra cost.
This timing also reflects the company's wide-ranging expansion: iRacing Studios is currently developing NASCAR 26, an official IndyCar game expected in early 2027, and launched iRacing Arcade this year, a more accessible experience aimed at a general audience. The main service, meanwhile, is reported to have passed 350,000 subscribers worldwide according to figures reported in June 2026.
How to lock in the old rates
Good news for current members and newcomers alike: it's possible to lock in the current prices until 18 August. Any early renewal made before that date is added to the end of the current subscription rather than replacing it, up to two extra years. In practice, a subscriber can therefore prepay 24 months at the current $199 rate and only face the increase once that period runs out.
Watch out for automatic renewal, though: if it happens after 18 August, it will be billed at the new rate. New members will still get the usual sign-up promotions, but based on the new price grid.
Renewing early before 18 August locks in the current rate — up to 24 months prepaid ($199). Automatic renewal, on the other hand, switches to the new price if it falls after that date.
A business model still up for debate
As with every iRacing pricing announcement, the debate over its business model flares up again in the community. Its supporters point to unmatched online matchmaking and a competitive environment that, in their view, justify the subscription. Its critics highlight the cumulative cost of add-on content — around $15 per car or track — and the fact that an active subscription is still required to access content already purchased.
Some do put the size of the increase into perspective, though: adjusted for inflation, an iRacing subscription costs less today than at its 2008 launch. With competition asserting itself — notably Le Mans Ultimate and Assetto Corsa EVO on the online-racing front — iRacing is betting that its dominant position in structured online racing justifies this extra $1.75 a month. We'll find out at the next subscriber update.