iRacing Special Events 2026: Ultimate Guide to Endurance Majors | Image: simracingsetup.com

iRacing Special Events 2026: Ultimate Guide to Endurance Majors

Created on 8 January, 2026 • Sim Racing & Esports • 2 views • 5 minutes read

Explore the 2026 iRacing Special Events schedule. Join virtual races like Daytona 24, Spa 24, and more. Start your engines today!

The world of sim racing is set to reach new heights in 2026 with the iRacing Special Events calendar promising an exhilarating lineup of endurance races and oval majors. If you're a sim racing enthusiast, brace yourself for a year packed with virtual motorsport excitement, including the iconic Daytona 24, Bathurst 12H, and many other thrilling competitions. What makes 2026 stand out? Let's delve into the details of each event and explore what this year has in store for iRacing fans.

The 2026 iRacing Special Events Calendar

iRacing's 2026 Special Events calendar is a testament to the growing popularity and diversity of sim racing. This year not only features traditional endurance challenges but also introduces new formats and events designed to keep racers on the edge of their seats.

Core Endurance Majors

The endurance racing scene is a cornerstone of iRacing's Special Events, with several key races forming the backbone of the calendar:

  • Daytona 24 (Jan 16–18): A 24-hour team endurance race at Daytona Road, featuring GT3 class cars. This race kicks off the major events of the year and is known for its intense competition and strategic depth.
  • Bathurst 12H (Feb 20–22): Held at the iconic Mount Panorama, this 12-hour endurance race is famous for its challenging circuit and dramatic elevation changes.
  • Sebring 12H (Mar 27–29): Known for its bumpy track and demanding conditions, Sebring International Raceway hosts this 12-hour multiclass endurance event.
  • Nürburgring 24H (May 1–3): The Nordschleife is one of the most formidable circuits in the world, and this 24-hour race is a must-attend for any endurance racing fan.
  • Spa 24H (Jul 10–12): Spa-Francorchamps hosts this 24-hour race, renowned for its unpredictable weather and high-speed corners.
  • Bathurst 1000 (Oct 2–4): A 1000 km team race at Mount Panorama, featuring GT3 cars, marking a departure from its traditional Supercars format.
  • 8 Hours of Indianapolis (Oct 16–18): An 8-hour endurance race at Indianapolis Road, expected to feature an IMSA-style class mix.

Major Oval and Stock Car Specials

In addition to endurance races, iRacing offers several major oval events that simulate full-length NASCAR races:

  • World 600 (May 20–25): A full-distance race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, part of the NASCAR iRacing Series.
  • Brickyard 400 (Jul 22–27): A full-length race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, another key event in the NASCAR series.
  • Homestead Championship (Nov 4–9): The season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, mirroring the real NASCAR Cup finale.
  • Dale Jr Foundation Driven to Give 400 @ Iowa: A charity event at Iowa Speedway, with details to be confirmed closer to the date.

New and Notable Specials

The 2026 calendar also introduces new events that add variety and excitement:

  • 4 Hours at Thruxton (May 29–31): A touring car endurance event at the UK's fastest circuit, Thruxton.
  • iRacing FF1600 Festival (Oct 30–31): A Formula Ford-style event at Brands Hatch Indy, featuring the Ray FF1600.
  • SCCA Runoffs (Nov 17–21): A week-long club racing championship showcasing multiple classes, including Dirt Midget.
  • THE Production Car Challenge @ VIR (Dec 18–19): A 4-hour endurance race at VIR Grand Course, open to both solo and team entries.

Understanding the 2026 iRacing Special Events Format

Endurance Racing Dynamics

Endurance racing in iRacing is not just about speed; it's a test of strategy, teamwork, and endurance. Events like the Daytona 24 require meticulous planning, from team composition to pit stop strategies. The inclusion of driver swaps, a feature celebrating its ninth anniversary in 2026, adds another layer of complexity and realism to these events.

Multiclass Racing

Many of the endurance events feature multiclass racing, where different classes of cars compete on the same track. This format requires drivers to be adept at navigating traffic and managing the unique challenges that arise when racing alongside faster or slower cars.

Race Weekend Structure

Most iRacing Special Events are structured to include multiple time slots across the weekend, allowing participants from different time zones to compete. This flexibility ensures a broad range of competitors and makes the races more accessible to iRacers worldwide.

Expert Insights and Industry Trends

According to Traxion.GG and SimRacingSetup, the 2026 calendar reflects iRacing's commitment to offering diverse and authentic racing experiences. The introduction of new events and formats highlights the platform's adaptability and its focus on mirroring real-world racing dynamics. iRacing positions its Special Events as both competitive esports spectacles and community-driven festivals, appealing to a wide audience of sim racers.

Predictions for the Future

As technology continues to advance, the future of sim racing looks promising. We can expect further integration of virtual and real-world racing events, enhanced realism through improved physics engines and graphics, and a continued emphasis on community engagement and inclusivity.

FAQs on iRacing Special Events 2026

iRacing Special Events are a series of competitive races held throughout the year on the iRacing platform. These events include endurance races, oval races, and other special formats designed to simulate real-world motorsport events, offering both casual and professional sim racers an opportunity to compete in a virtual setting.

To participate in the 2026 iRacing Special Events, you'll need an active iRacing subscription. Once subscribed, you can join events by registering on the iRacing platform. It's important to check the schedule and ensure you meet any specific requirements, such as car class eligibility and team composition for endurance races.

Key endurance races in 2026 include the Daytona 24, Bathurst 12H, Sebring 12H, Nürburgring 24H, Spa 24H, Bathurst 1000, and the 8 Hours of Indianapolis. These races are known for their challenging circuits and are a highlight of the iRacing calendar.

Yes, the 2026 schedule includes new events such as the 4 Hours at Thruxton, iRacing FF1600 Festival, and THE Production Car Challenge @ VIR. These events introduce new racing formats and add variety to the traditional lineup of endurance and oval races.

iRacing Special Events are unique due to their combination of realism, community engagement, and competitive spirit. These events simulate real-world racing dynamics with detailed physics and graphics, offer opportunities for team collaboration and strategy, and provide a platform for sim racers to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Conclusion

The 2026 iRacing Special Events calendar is set to deliver an unparalleled virtual racing experience. With a mix of classic endurance races, challenging ovals, and exciting new formats, there's something for every sim racer. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the sim racing scene, 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to test your skills and immerse yourself in the thrill of motorsport. Ready to join the action? Check out the full schedule on the iRacing website and start planning your race calendar today. For more insights and tips on improving your racing skills, visit our other articles on technique and racecraft and hardware and gear. Get ready to rev up your engines and make your mark in the world of sim racing!

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