First Run Checklist

This page walks you through everything needed for your first successful run with RaceLab – from installing the app and preparing your games, to selecting overlays and layouts so you see the right information on screen.

Good to know: This is an unofficial help page written by Scott (“Scottozy”). Always treat the official RaceLab website and Garage documentation as the final word, especially if the app has just been updated.

0. Before you start – basic requirements

RaceLab is a Windows application that runs alongside your sim and shows overlays on top of the game window. Before installing, make sure you have:

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC (64-bit) with a modern CPU and GPU suitable for sim racing.
  • At least one supported simulator installed (iRacing, Assetto Corsa / ACC, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, Le Mans Ultimate, F1, etc.).
  • A stable internet connection (for sign-in and cloud features).
  • At least one social account you are happy to use for login: Google, Twitch or Discord.
  • (Optional) A Twitch account if you plan to use RaceLab’s streaming/chat overlays or StatBot.

It’s always a good idea to run each sim once on its own and confirm it is installed correctly and performing well before adding overlays.

1. Install the RaceLab app

  1. Go to the official website: https://racelab.app.
  2. Download the Windows installer and run it.
  3. During installation or first launch, allow RaceLab through Windows Firewall if prompted. It needs local network access for telemetry and to serve overlays to your browser or VR.
  4. When the installer finishes, start the RaceLab app from your desktop or Start menu.

2. Prepare your games for overlays (per-sim basics)

Each simulator needs a small amount of configuration so overlays can appear and telemetry can reach RaceLab. Full, step-by-step guides are available in the official RaceLab Garage > First Steps section – this table is just a high-level overview so you know what to expect.

Simulator Key steps before first run
iRacing Set the game to windowed + borderless (Options > Display). Run one session to confirm everything works. RaceLab connects directly to iRacing’s telemetry – just keep the app running in the background.
Assetto Corsa Install the RaceLab plugin into your AC Steam folder, then enable it in the in-game Options > Plugins menu and restart AC.
Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) Disable exclusive fullscreen and use borderless/windowed video mode so overlays can sit on top of the game. Make sure the UDP port/settings in ACC match what RaceLab expects.
Automobilista 2 (AMS2) Set Window Mode = Borderless in the graphics options so overlays can appear. Check the First Steps guide for the latest telemetry notes.
Le Mans Ultimate (LMU) Install the official RaceLab telemetry plugin into your LMU Plugins folder, then enable it via the CustomPluginVariables.json file as described in the LMU First Steps guide.
rFactor 2 Switch to borderless windowed mode and install the rFactor2 shared-memory plugin into the Bin64\\Plugins folder, then enable it in the in-game Plugins section.
F1 (Codemasters series) Enable UDP telemetry in the F1 settings and set the UDP port/format to match the RaceLab F1 guide. Make sure the game and RaceLab are using the same port.

If you are unsure, open the RaceLab app and look for Support → First Steps or visit the online docs for your sim. The Garage documentation is kept in sync with new versions.

3. Sign in to RaceLab

When you start RaceLab, you’ll see the sign-in screen with the big red logo and a message: “Please use a social login”. Below that are three icons:

  • Google
  • Twitch
  • Discord

Click the icon for the account you want to use. RaceLab links your profile to that social login – you do not create a separate RaceLab password.

  • Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google/Twitch/Discord account in your browser first.
  • If you later log out of RaceLab, you’ll sign in again by clicking the same icon.

4. Choose your simulator in the app

In the top-right corner of the RaceLab app you’ll find a simulator selector. Choose the sim you want to configure first (for example iRacing, ACC, LMU, rFactor 2).

  • The overlay list will update to show what’s available for that sim.
  • Make sure the sim itself is running or ready to send telemetry when you test overlays.

5. Select and fine-tune your overlays

Open the Overlays tab. This is where you decide what you see on screen during a session.

  • Click an overlay name to open its settings and options.
  • Use the “eye” icon to show or hide each overlay.
  • Drag overlays on the preview to place them where you want.
  • Resize and tweak colours or data options as needed.
Free vs Pro overlays:
  • Overlays available to everyone are shown normally.
  • Overlays or options marked with a small Pro icon are for RaceLab Pro subscribers only (including some advanced and streaming overlays).
If you have Pro, you can use the full overlay set and unlock more customisation. Free users still get a very capable core overlay package.

6. Create a layout (Pro feature, but worth it)

If you have RaceLab Pro, you can group overlays into layouts. A layout is a saved arrangement of overlays for a particular situation – for example “iRacing – Practice”, “LMU – Race HUD” or “Broadcast Layout”.

  1. Go to the Layouts tab.
  2. Click New Layout and give it a clear name.
  3. Add the overlays you want to that layout and position them.
  4. Save, then test switching layouts while your sim is running.

With layouts configured, RaceLab can automatically choose the right layout per sim, session type or series, so you don’t have to rebuild your HUD each time.

7. Test overlays in your simulator

  1. Start your chosen sim and join a practice or test session.
  2. Make sure the game is running in windowed or borderless mode (not exclusive fullscreen).
  3. Use your RaceLab Show/Hide Overlays key or hotkey to toggle the overlays.
  4. If nothing appears, check:
    • The RaceLab app is running and the correct sim is selected.
    • Telemetry/UDP or plugin settings are enabled as per the First Steps guide.
    • No other overlay tool is fighting for the same port.

8. Optional: VR setup (RaceLabVR, Pro only)

If you’re a Pro user and want overlays in your VR headset, install RaceLabVR and follow its installation guide. Once VR is set up:

  • Start your sim in VR.
  • Start RaceLab and RaceLabVR.
  • Click the VR Start/Stop button in the RaceLab footer.

A small “welcome” overlay should appear in-headset to confirm VR overlays are active. From there you can position and resize them like normal.

9. Save and back up your configuration

When you’re happy with your overlays and layouts:

  • Use the Save buttons in the RaceLab app to store your setup.
  • Consider backing up your RaceLab configuration folder or doing a full system backup before big changes.

10. Quick “First Run” summary

Step What to check
0 – Requirements Windows 10/11 PC, supported sim installed, working internet, social login ready.
1 – Install RaceLab Download from racelab.app, install, allow firewall access.
2 – Prepare games Borderless/windowed mode and telemetry/plugins enabled per sim.
3 – Sign in Use Google, Twitch or Discord icon on the RaceLab login screen.
4 – Select sim Choose your simulator in the top-right of the RaceLab app.
5 – Pick overlays Enable and position overlays; note which ones are Pro-only.
6 – Layouts (Pro) Create layouts for different sessions (practice, race, broadcast).
7 – Test in sim Join a session and confirm overlays appear, then fine-tune.
8 – VR (optional) Install RaceLabVR, start VR mode and position overlays.
9 – Save & backup Save your configuration and back it up somewhere safe.

Complete this checklist once and you’ll have a solid, reliable baseline for RaceLab in all your supported sims. From there we can dive deeper into layout design, streaming overlays and troubleshooting pages elsewhere on this site.