Generally you are looking for the track folder that contains the track layout subfolder. Initially this may be a hassle but if you're familiar with rFactor's folder structure it's really only a case of locating key folders and files and working back from there - it's usually all over in less than a minute or two. You might find the track folders and files you need are nested down within folders that don't relate to your rFactor installation.
On unpacking the track archive you might find rFactor's folder structure mirrored making things easy for you. It's a good idea to unpack the archive to temp location - not directly to your rFactor install.
There is little consistency as to how compressed track archives are organized. Did you use a download manager? I hope so! If you receive an error unpacking a file it's usually a good idea to verify the problem by attempting to unpack the file with another tool. Software like Winrar or 7 Zip (free) will unpack most formats. Most tracks are released as a compressed archive e.g. After a quick check of the files, they then copy the necessary files across to their rFactor install. When a track is supplied as an exe many people create a temp folder elsewhere on their computer and point the exe installer to that, rather than their rFactor install. Is an exe worth the risk? Installing a track is really only about copying a small number of folders/files to the correct location so personally I don't think so, but it's up to you to decide for yourself. The exe may create an uninstaller that creates unexpected results when run later on.The exe could clutter your registry and Start menu etc unnecessarily.The exe could overwrite important rFactor game files without warning.
Exe installers also provide modders with a slick way to package their car or track release. In theory exe installers files should make things easy.
Usually in this situation the modder will release a fix asap, just be sure to wait for the file servers around the place to update with the new version. If there is a corrupt file in a track release you won't need to travel far to verify the problem as MANY people will have the same problem within a short time following the release. Use a download manager to eliminate problems caused by incomplete downloads. 99.9% of the time there is NO problem with the file supplied by the modder on the server. But wait, you haven't even got started and there are errors being reported - the file is corrupt or incomplete. You've downloaded a track and you're ready to go.
The track and event names are set in the. NOTE: The name under which a track appears in-game does not relate to the track folder and subfolder names. That's the general lay of the land when it comes to the structure of installed tracks in rFactor. everything needs to be in the right place to work. These files are essential to the track working correctly in-game and some point to other files, both within the track and rFactor installations i.e. gdb - general track info including event name, track name, location aiw - data related to racing line and AI
New to rFactor and not sure how to install tracks and cars? The good news it really is easy- it comes down to placing a small number of folders/files in the right place. Home / Track Mods / Installing Tracks in rFactor