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Recommended Overlays for iRacing

These overlays give the best balance of information, clarity, and performance in iRacing. Start with the Core set, then add Strategy/Awareness overlays only if you need them.

Best practice: Set your final resolution/window mode first (Borderless recommended), then place overlays and Save Layout. If you change resolution later, expect to re-save your layout.

✓ Core race awareness ✓ Strategy essentials ✓ Optional advanced tools ✓ Performance friendly ✓ VR notes (Pro)

Core Strategy Awareness Advanced VR (Pro)

Core Overlays (Start With These)

These are the best “every race” overlays for iRacing. They improve awareness and strategy without clutter.

Relative

The single most useful overlay in iRacing. Shows gaps to cars ahead/behind and helps manage traffic, defending, and passing decisions.

Essential for racing in packs and multiclass traffic
Keep it compact and readable
Place near mirror/eyesight area (but not blocking apex view)

Image file: relative_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Standings

Great for multiclass and endurance. Shows the running order and class position at a glance.

Best for multiclass + endurance
Use a smaller size for sprint races
Avoid placing over mirrors/spotter UI

Image file: standings_1600x1200.png

Fuel

A must-have for longer races. Tracks consumption and helps plan pit stops and stint length.

Highly recommended for endurance + longer officials
Place near the lower HUD region
Keep it visible when entering pit lane

Image file: fuel_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Strategy Overlays (Add When Needed)

Session Timer

Keeps session time obvious. Very useful for enduros, timed races, and planning the final pit window.

Low clutter, high value
Great for endurance and leagues

Image file: session_timer_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Tyres

Helps manage long stints and tyre saving. If you race mostly short sprints, this can be optional.

Most useful in longer runs
Keep it smaller to avoid clutter

Image file: tyres_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Awareness Overlays (Close Racing)

Radar

Excellent in side-by-side racing. Helps prevent contact and improves confidence in tight traffic.

Great for road + multiclass
Place near mirrors/peripheral vision
Keep it small and non-distracting

Image file: radar_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Track Map

Useful for multiclass traffic and endurance. Optional for short sprint races.

Best for endurance + multiclass
Keep it compact and out of the driving line

Image file: track_map_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Advanced / Optional (Use With Care)

Delta (Lap Comparison)

Fantastic for practice and hotlaps. Can be distracting in races if you stare at it.

Best used in practice/qualifying
Small size recommended

Image file: delta_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Input Telemetry

Useful for coaching, streaming, and technique improvement. Not required for most races.

Great for review sessions and streams
Keep it small to avoid clutter

Image file: input_telemetry_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

Advanced Panel / Data Blocks

Highly configurable overlays for experienced users. Powerful, but easy to overdo.

Best for advanced strategy/telemetry needs
Don’t overload the screen (readability first)

Image file: data_blocks_overlay.png (rename src to match your media folder)

VR Recommendations (Pro Only)

Important: RaceLab VR overlays require a Pro subscription.

Use fewer overlays: Relative + Fuel + Radar is a great VR baseline.
Avoid large Standings overlays in VR (clutter + eye travel).
Place overlays within a comfortable head-movement range.
Save a dedicated VR-only layout.

Sources & References

Community-tested RaceLab overlay usage patterns for iRacing ↩ back