You’re Saving TOO MUCH Tire in iRacing

iRacing veterans know tire saving can win or lose a race — but figuring out when to do it is just as important as how. In a recent breakdown, one experienced driver laid out the five biggest factors that determine whether conserving rubber will pay off. From car type to track banking, and even the competition you’re racing against, the decision isn’t as simple as “always save early.”

• • Which cars let you push flat-out without killing your tires — and which punish you from Lap 1?
• • Why Darlington demands early conservation, while Martinsville barely notices your pace?
• • How hot track temps can ruin even the best setups if you don’t adjust your approach?
• • When holding track position is smarter than banking on a late-race tire advantage?

Between balancing stint length, passing difficulty, and weather conditions, this guide turns tire saving from a vague concept into a race-by-race calculation. Some drivers may be leaving seconds on the table by over-saving, others by pushing too hard too soon — and the difference could be the deciding factor in your next green-flag run.

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