> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Configure Race Sessions in Assetto Corsa

> Master the flow of your Assetto Corsa server. Learn how to configure Practice, Qualifying, and Race sessions for track days or competitive leagues.

## Managing Session Flow

The structure of an Assetto Corsa server is defined by its active sessions. Whether you are building an infinite "Track Day" for casual cruising or a strictly regulated competitive league format, everything is managed through specific headers in your server configuration. Mastering these sessions allows you to control the pace and style of your community's racing.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner Friendly
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    10 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Configuring Session Blocks

In your `server_cfg.ini`, you define each stage of the event using dedicated block headers.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Practice (Free Training)">
    Most casual servers use a long practice session to allow for "Join in Progress" flexibility.

    ```ini theme={null}
    [PRACTICE]
    NAME=Free Practice
    TIME=120  ; Duration in minutes
    IS_OPEN=1 ; Allows players to join at any time
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Qualifying & Racing">
    For organized competitive events, implement these consecutive blocks:

    * **\[QUALIFY]:** Set the `TIME` limit for players to set their fastest lap times to determine starting grid positions.
    * **\[RACE]:** Define the final event using `LAPS=10` for distance-based racing or `TIME=20` for timed events.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Joining Methods: Pickup vs. Booking

How players join your server is determined by your server's registration mode.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Evaluate Pickup Mode">
    Set `PICKUP_MODE_ENABLED=1`. This is the recommended setting for 99% of servers. It allows players to choose any available car from your `entry_list.ini` and join the session instantly without pre-registration.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Understand Booking Mode">
    Booking is a legacy system that requires players to pre-register before the session timer starts. We recommend keeping this disabled (`0`) as it is highly restrictive and often results in empty public servers.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

<Tip>
  ### Creating Persistent Lobbies

  If you are hosting a dedicated drift, cruise, or track-day community, set your `[PRACTICE]` time to a maximum value (e.g., `9999`) and remove the `[QUALIFY]` and `[RACE]` blocks entirely. This creates a persistent environment that remains online indefinitely without resetting.
</Tip>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
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  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Assetto Corsa:** Race your own way.
</div>