Pit stops are where good races get thrown away—especially in iRacing endurance events where you’re tired, under pressure, and trying to click through menus while the clock is running.
The good news: iRacing has a built-in system for pit macros (chat commands) that can set fuel, tyres and other actions with a single button press. Once you combine macros with a clean “control zone” (Stream Deck, button box, keyboard tray), pit stops become repeatable instead of stressful.
What are iRacing pit macros?
Pit macros are commands you send through chat (usually via a bound hotkey) that change your pit service options.
They start with a # symbol. For example, #autofuel +0 tells iRacing to use auto fuel with a zero-lap margin.
High impact macros you’ll actually use
Start small. You don’t need 80 buttons. You need 8–12 macros you trust.
| Goal | Macro example | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Enable auto fuel | #autofuel +0 |
Auto fuel with 0-lap margin (adjust margin to taste). |
| Disable auto fuel | #-autofuel |
Unchecks auto fuel (useful for a splash or no-fuel stop). |
| Add a fixed amount of fuel | #fuel +2l |
Adds 2 litres (you can use l/g/k depending on units). |
| Clean windshield | #ws |
Runs the windshield tear-off/clean command where supported. |
| Fast repair | #fr |
Requests fast repair when available. |
| Select tyre compound | #tc 1 |
Selects tyre compound (by numerical order in the sim). |
Two shortcuts most people miss
-
Invert with “-”: Prepend a minus sign to uncheck a service. Example:
#-autofuel(turns it off). -
Toggle with “!”: Prepend an exclamation to toggle a service. Example:
#!autofueltoggles auto fuel on/off.
Where to map your macros
You have three realistic options, and each has a “best use”:
- Wheel buttons: perfect for critical, urgent inputs (pit limiter, radio/push-to-talk, tear-off).
- Stream Deck or button box: best for “setup actions” (fuel + tyres, wet/dry switch, repair) that you want to execute once, correctly.
- Keyboard: fine for practice, but easy to miss in a race—especially with triples or VR.
Build a clean “control zone” in your cockpit
A control zone is simply: everything you touch in a race is in one reachable area, without you hunting around.
Recommended SIMGASM control-zone parts
- Keyboard swivel mount: for chat, menus, and quick adjustments.
- Mouse tray: keeps your mouse usable without balancing it on your seat.
- Cupholder: small upgrade, huge quality-of-life for endurance racing.
Why your rig matters for pit work
If your cockpit flexes, your brake pedal moves, or your controls shake, your “repeatable process” turns into a mess. A stable platform helps you do the same actions the same way every time.
Pick the right SIMGASM simulator tier
- Hobby (SIMGASM Hobby simulator): a low-cost entry rig that still punches above its price class, great for your first real cockpit.
- Club (SIMGASM Club simulator): 80×40 profile strength and adjustability, ideal for almost any wheelbase and pedal set you’ll find on the market.
- Sport (SIMGASM Sport simulator): longer and wider, stronger and more adjustable wheel mount, plus integrated cable pass-throughs so you can route cables cleanly without clips.
- Pro (SIMGASM Pro simulator): our flagship 160×40 profile rig for extreme forces, motion-ready builds, and maximum adjustability with a flex-free feel.
Example Stream Deck layout (simple and fast)
If you want a starting point, try:
- Page 1 (Race): limiter, tear-off, radio, tow, reset, black box next/prev.
-
Page 2 (Pit): tyres on/off,
#autofuel +0, fuel +2L, fuel -2L, repair toggle, wet tyres. - Page 3 (Endurance): driver swap reminders, “pit now” chat, safety car macros, backup fuel presets.
FAQ
Do macros work in all cars and series?
Most core commands work broadly, but always test in practice. Some series have limitations (e.g., fast repair availability).
Is a Stream Deck “worth it”?
If you race endurance, stream, or run lots of different cars/series, yes—because it reduces mental load. If you only do short sprint races, wheel buttons plus a keyboard may be enough.
Continue reading
- Streaming and content creation sim racing setup guide
- USB stability and disconnect fixes
- Motion ready sim rig guide
