Before installing an iRacing overlay the same questions always come up: is it allowed, can it get your account in trouble, does it lower FPS, or why doesn't it show on screen. Here are the answers, short and clear.
Are overlays allowed in iRacing?
Yes. iRacing publishes its telemetry so external programs can read it: positions, lap times, fuel, pedals, flags. An overlay takes that data and draws it in a window on top of the sim. It doesn't modify iRacing, doesn't touch its files and doesn't send it anything.
RaptoRacing Overlay only reads: it never writes anything to iRacing, not the fuel fill nor the car setup. That's why you can use it in official races and leagues with no problem.
Can I get penalized for using an overlay?
Not for using an overlay that only reads the official telemetry, which is what standard overlays do. What iRacing does not allow is modifying the sim or gaining an advantage with programs that alter the simulation, and an overlay does none of that.
Do overlays lower FPS?
A well-made overlay is barely noticeable. A few tips to protect performance:
- Turn on only the ones you use. Each overlay is one more window being drawn.
- Don't run two overlay programs at once: it doubles the work without adding anything.
- Let them hide on their own. RaptoRacing Overlay's overlays hide in the garage, in menus and in replays, and the menu turns off its preview while you race.
I can't see the overlay in the sim, what do I do?
It is almost always fullscreen. In fullscreen iRacing doesn't let any window draw on top. In iRacing's graphics options choose borderless window: it looks the same and the overlays appear.
If it still doesn't show, check that you are on track: overlays appear while you drive, not in the garage.
Do they work in VR?
RaptoRacing Overlay has no VR mode: its overlays are drawn on the monitor. If you race with a headset, you can view the overlays on your phone or tablet with the PRO plan's wifi connection.
Can I see them on my phone or tablet?
Yes, with the PRO plan. Turn on the wifi connection in the menu, scan the QR code and choose which overlay to view. There's nothing to install on the phone, no account needed and everything stays inside your home wifi.
Can I show them on my Twitch, Kick or YouTube stream?
Yes, with the PRO plan. Paste an address as a browser source in OBS and position each overlay with an editor. You can also add a Twitch and Kick multi-chat.
Do they work on console?
No: iRacing is PC only, and the overlay requires 64-bit Windows 10 or 11.
How many PCs can I use it on?
The license is for one PC. If you format or replace the drive or the motherboard, it keeps working.
How much does it cost?
There is a FREE plan for life with Standings, Relative, spotter, track re-entry and the ABS and traction lights. The PRO plan adds every other overlay and can be canceled whenever you want. See the details on the iRacing overlay page, or follow the guide free iRacing overlay step by step.
Related guides: Free iRacing overlay: step-by-step install · Best iRacing overlays: which ones you need · RaptoRacing iRacing overlay