Sim racing broadcast overlays, explained.
The graphics a sim racing broadcast needs, what each one is for, and the design rules that make them readable on any screen.
By the GSRC crew · Updated October 2026
Overlays are the graphics layered on top of the race picture. They answer the questions viewers keep asking: who’s leading, how big is the gap, who’s that driver, where are they on track? Here’s the set that covers almost every broadcast.
The timing tower
The most important overlay. A vertical list of the field showing position, driver and the gap or interval, usually down the left of the screen. Add class colours for multi-class racing and markers for cars in the pits. If you only build one graphic, build this one.
Lower thirds
A bar in the bottom third of the screen naming the driver on camera, often with their car, team or position. Bring it up when a driver becomes the story, then take it away again.
Track map
A simple outline of the circuit with a dot for each car. It shows where battles are happening and how close cars are on track, which the timing tower alone can’t show.
Grid and results pages
Full-screen pages for the starting grid before the race and the results after it. They give the pre- and post-show something to talk over and give drivers a screen to share.
The rest of the set
Session information: laps remaining, flags and race time.
Battle or head-to-head graphics for two cars fighting.
Commentator name tags.
The series logo and sponsors.
Design rules
Big enough to read on a phone. Many viewers watch on small screens.
Keep the middle of the screen clear. The cars are the picture.
Use the series’ colours and fonts so the broadcast looks like the championship.
Show only what helps. Every extra graphic competes with the race.
Check names and numbers against the entry list before you go live.
Build or buy?
Overlay tools that read live data from iRacing exist, and many leagues start with one. The work is in making them look like your series and running them during the race. That second part matters most: a graphic is only useful when someone brings it up at the right moment.
Graphics built to your series.
A timing tower and graphics package in your branding, run live by our director.