Racing, whether virtual or real, is as much about strategy as it is about speed. In iRacing, incidents are inevitable. But when you’re behind the wheel—digital or otherwise—how you respond to an unfolding situation can be the difference between crossing the finish line or watching the rest of the race from the pits or just exiting the race before the end entirely.

It’s easy to point fingers after a crash. The replay shows who was out of line, who turned in too early, or who misjudged their braking point. Yet, beyond the black-and-white analysis of fault lies a grey area: the split-second decisions made by everyone involved.

Imagine you’re in the middle of a race, running 5th, when you notice an incident in the making ahead. A dive bomb, a squeeze to the apex—you’re in the correct spot. But as the tension builds, so does the potential for contact. Do you hold your line, knowing you’re right, and risk being taken out by the chaos? Or do you back off, sacrificing a position to save your car?

Here’s the dilemma I am posing: Is it better to get caught in the incident, finish 20th and file a protest with the satisfaction of being “right”? Or is it better to drop a spot, finish the race, and still hold your ground with a protest if necessary?

In my view, the answer is clear: protect your car.

In real-world motorsports, survival is key. Cars are expensive, repairs time-consuming, and races are often won by those who make it to the end. iRacing doesn’t impose the same financial or physical penalties, but adopting that real-world mindset can transform how you approach each race. Protecting your car means staying in the fight. A position can be regained, a race can be salvaged, but only if your car is intact.

Let’s be honest: the drivers diving into corners recklessly are often out of the race sooner rather than later. It happens all the time. Experienced racers generally avoid these aggressive moves, which is why, in oval racing, most first-lap crashes come from drivers qualifying mid-pack. They push too hard to break into the top 10 immediately, taking turn 1 three- or four-wide, only to lose control and cause a massive wreck.

But here’s the key: the experienced drivers in the middle of the pack know this is likely to happen. They either stay low to avoid the chaos or drop back a few spots, knowing they’ll regain those positions as others take themselves out. It’s a calculated decision that prioritizes survival over pride, and it’s one we could all learn from.

Too often, pride leads to disaster. It’s tempting to stand your ground, to prove a point—but at what cost? Racing smart doesn’t mean yielding unnecessarily; it means understanding the bigger picture. Position yourself to avoid trouble, even if it means giving up a spot. In the long run, survival keeps you in contention.

So the next time you’re in the thick of it, remember: protect your car first, position second, and pride last. You’ll finish more races, gain more experience, and learn that the art of avoidance is just as important as the art of speed.