How to Steer Your GT Career on iRacing

In the world of sim racing, the GT category is widely regarded as the premier class. This is especially true on iRacing, where GT3 cars are a staple in Special Events - highly competitive and popular races that attract both professional sim racers and passionate amateurs alike. If your goal is to compete in these thrilling GT3 races, there’s a clear and structured path to follow.

So, what’s the optimal journey to race in GT3s? Let’s break it down.

Introduced in the December 2024 iRacing update, the BMW M2 Cup marks the most powerful vehicle available at the Rookie license level. It serves as the perfect introduction to the world of closed-wheel racing. With its balanced performance and weight, it helps new drivers get a feel for mass transfer, tire management, and momentum driving — crucial foundations for progressing in the GT world.

Once you've earned your Class D license, the GT4 Challenge becomes available — an ideal next step. GT4 cars are significantly more powerful than Rookie-level vehicles and introduce a deeper level of complexity. You'll need to fine-tune your braking and steering techniques, as the cars demand more precision. Racing in GT4s is excellent preparation for the pack-style, tactical racing typical of higher-tier GT categories.

Moving into Class C means stepping into more serious territory. The recommended series here is the Porsche Cup. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car is a racing icon — powerful, fast, and entirely unforgiving. It features no ABS and no traction control, forcing drivers to rely purely on skill and feedback from the car. This stage is where you truly begin to understand grip limits, car balance, and racecraft. It’s also worth noting that this car is used in the iRacing Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup, one of the most prestigious championships on the platform.

Welcome to the big leagues. Class B opens the doors to GT3 competition — the heart of iRacing’s road racing scene. GT3 cars are fast, grip-heavy machines that require a precise driving style. They come equipped with both ABS and traction control, but knowing when and how to minimize their use is key to being competitive. Mastering braking technique and smooth throttle application are critical skills at this level. These single-class GT3 races are intense, strategic, and full of close action.

At the top of the GT ladder is Class A, where the challenge shifts from raw speed to tactical excellence. Here, GT3s race alongside LMP2s and LMH/LMdH prototypes in multiclass endurance events. These races require advanced race management: handling traffic, adjusting pace, pit strategy, and consistent driving over long stints. This is where true racecraft shines and where the experience becomes incredibly immersive and rewarding.

Climbing the GT ranks in iRacing is a journey that closely mirrors real-world motorsport progression, with each class introducing new skills and increasing complexity. Whether you're chasing podiums in high-stakes Special Events or sharpening your racecraft in weekly series, the GT path delivers some of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences in sim racing. And with the precision and performance of a Fanatec setup, you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy every moment behind the wheel, feeling every detail of the drive.