I have been gaming for most of my life, and I have always loved the idea of racing cars. However, it wasn't until this year that I finally got into the hobby. It all started with Forza Horizon 4 on PC, which is one of the most entertaining driving games in recent years. From there, I expanded my horizons and started playing other games like Forza Motorsport 7 and BeamNG.drive. But these were just video games, and I wanted to experience real racing. That's when simulators came into play!
This is a great time to get into the world of sim racing because there are so many options to choose from, with more coming all the time. You have games like Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 2, DiRT Rally 2.0, and iRacing, all of which support VR. This means that your experience can be as close to real-life as possible.
Whether you plan on being the next Lando Norris or reliving the legacy of Ayrton Senna, this guide based on my personal experience will help you get started.
The term "sim racing" is somewhat vague, and usually refers to games that require the use of a steering wheel and pedals, as opposed to a standard controller. These games also prioritize realism over arcade-style entertainment.
Examples of sim racing games include Assetto Corsa by Kunos Simulazioni, which features cars from all over the world and an impressive selection of tracks, as well as iRacing, a simulator with everything from Formula 1 cars to off-road trophy trucks.
Most sim racing games offer something unique, whether it's an active and competitive community like iRacing, or a large catalog of cars with thousands of car mods available for download like Assetto Corsa. There are also racing teams and competitive leagues that form around these games, with iRacing being arguably the most active, as it is widely used in esports competitions featuring both real racing drivers and the world's best sim racers.
Other games, like Forza Motorsport 7 and Forza Horizon 4, may not be as true-to-life as titles like Automobilista 2 or Assetto Corsa Competizione, but offer stunning visuals and engaging gameplay that have earned them a massive following. These games, along with Gran Turismo, allow console gamers to experience sim racing without needing a high-end gaming PC.
There are also games that offer a balance between fun-filled career modes and true-to-life sim racing experiences, such as Project Cars 2 and Dirt Rally 2.0. When it comes to realism, PC has an advantage as the software and control setups can be modified to be even more realistic than the game developers intended. For example, I've been using a fantastic force feedback profile for Project Cars 2 that added an entirely new dimension to the in-game driving experience.
Sim racing setups can range from a simple Logitech steering wheel mounted to a desk, to a full-motion simulator cockpit with a direct drive wheelbase, load cell brakes, hydraulic dampening, and authentic car-like shifters and pedals. There are even handbrakes from drift or rally cars that have been replicated in both form and function for sim racing!
People use driving simulators for various reasons. Some enjoy the challenge of competitive motorsports or want to test their driving skills without the risks of high-speed track driving. Others use them for professional training purposes, like real-life racing drivers Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso. Still, others simply want a realistic driving experience in their favorite unobtainable cars without leaving the comfort of home.
I purchased a racing simulator to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a motorsports driver. Ever since playing the early days of Need for Speed, I've turned to software to fulfill my need for speed (sorry, couldn't resist).
I wanted to learn how to improve my driving technique and stick to a racing line, but I knew it would be too costly and time-consuming to learn on a real track. Plus, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to drive any car, any time, on any track in the world.
The prospect seemed too good to be true, but after spending a couple of weeks immersed in VR racing with motion control, I can say with authority that it's as close to the real thing as humanly possible. It's not too good to be true, just too expensive to be mainstream.
I'm not the only person who uses racing simulators to improve their driving technique. Real-life racing drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen spend a ton of time training in simulators, some of which cost upwards of $1 million. While there's no limit to how much a simulator can cost, those of us just starting with a sim racing setup can build a mind-blowing sim rig for a few thousand dollars. As always, you get what you pay for, and the most realistic experience does not come cheap.
If you're on a tight budget and looking for the essentials, I recommend starting your sim racing rig with just a racing wheel and pedals. You can always add a shifter, handbrake, or motion later on. While it may not be the most immersive experience for gamers who want to feel like they're behind the virtual wheel of their favorite car, it's enough to get you in the game using realistic controls.
The cost of starting a sim racing hobby is manageable. You can easily find a Logitech or Thrustmaster wheel and pedal set on eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace for around $200. However, if you're serious about the sport and plan on spending a lot of time using your sim racing setup, it's worth investing in a more expensive wheel with a clutch pedal. You should also consider adding a shifter, handbrake, and motion platform to your rig.
Why buy high-end gear from the start? As the old adage goes, "buy once, buy for life."
If you're serious about building a high-quality driving simulator, you'll likely want hardware that offers the most realistic experience. This means that if you start with entry-level equipment, you'll want to upgrade to a more powerful belt-driven or direct-drive wheelbase sooner rather than later.
Apart from the wheelbase, you will need a sim racing wheel and pedals at a minimum. Entry-level kits include all of these components and sometimes an H-pattern shifter. These wheels are often permanently attached to the wheelbase, making upgrades and modifications more challenging (but not impossible).
The key question is how much you are willing to spend on your rig. You can go for a reliable racing wheel that will provide decent feedback, or you can invest in a higher-end kit that offers more immersion but at a significantly higher price point.
While a Logitech wheel is excellent for casual gamers, its gear-driven wheel and low torque output mean you will miss out on fine details in steering and traction that higher-end hardware can replicate. Receiving more information from the vehicle will make you a better and faster racing driver. So, if you intend to compete, it's worth investing in the right hardware from the start.
One of the best investments you can make is a direct-drive wheel. Not only can it produce serious amounts of torque (up to 25 NM in the Fanatec DD2), but there is also nothing between you and the motor, which means no backlash, flex, or unwanted dampening.
Fortunately, Fanatec is the first to announce an entry-level direct-drive wheelbase for only $350! Although this is as much as an entire Logitech setup, the level of immersion you achieve with even a low-end direct-drive wheelbase is well worth the cost. Other manufacturers have followed suit, so you can now find an excellent direct-drive wheelbase for almost any budget.
If you're buying from Fanatec or Thrustmaster, you'll have a wide variety of steering wheel and wheelbase options. These sim racing wheels replicate models from nearly every famous manufacturer, including Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, and BMW. Even Momo and Sparco offer sim racing versions of their steering wheels, and Fanatec sells a wheelbase adapter that lets you mount real automotive steering wheels on your wheelbase.
This flexibility allows sim racers to replicate not only the driving characteristics of their favorite cars in-game, but also recreate the feel in their hands by choosing a steering wheel that best matches their favorite cars. Some wheels even offer additional vibration motors on top of the force feedback provided by the wheelbase for even more detail.
For example, I chose a round Porsche 918 RSR replica steering wheel because I wanted to feel like I was driving road cars that typically have round steering wheels. Thrustmaster offers similar choices in the form of Ferrari replica wheels. But if you prefer to feel like you're behind the wheel of other types of vehicles, there are sim racing wheels for you too.
The spectrum of choices covers modern Formula 1, vintage open-wheel, GT3, rally, and drift cars. And with Fanatec's adapters, the sky is the limit! For example, I plan to purchase a large vintage wooden steering wheel to emulate road and racing cars from the 1950s like the Mercedes 300SL.
As I become more involved in open-wheel and GT3 racing, I will likely want a wheel that closely matches what those drivers experience in order to minimize the gap between simulation and reality.
Manufacturers have been increasingly catering to this need for racing realism, to the extent that Fanatec is now selling a steering wheel that is not a replica, but the actual steering wheel used in the BMW M4 GT3 race car. The steering wheel is compatible with both real race cars and Fanatec wheelbases.
This wheel alone costs $1,500—more than most people spend on a sim racing setup! But the combination of a real racing car steering wheel with a direct drive wheelbase takes racing simulation to a whole new level.
One of the most important items on your kit list for sim racing is your pedals. Fanatec and Thrustmaster both offer the most realistic components that are commonly used in sim racing setups. Both companies offer an inverted pedal arrangement, just like in a real car, where the clutch and brake hang down from above, rather than being attached to the base.
While an inverted arrangement is not necessary to drive fast in a sim, it is essential for a realistic driving experience, in my opinion. To further increase realism, I added stiffer brake springs and an adjustable hydraulic damper on the gas pedal.
This setup is definitely in the higher price range, but for those serious about winning races, Load Cell Brakes are almost mandatory.
A load cell is a type of force sensor. It can be found on a bathroom scale or an industrial crane. Load cells are rated in pounds and measure the pressure being applied to them.
The main advantage of a load cell over a potentiometer is that a force applied to the sensor produces an output voltage proportional to the pressure applied to the brake pedal. This is superior to a potentiometer which simply measures the distance traveled by the brake pedal.
By measuring pressure instead of distance, load cell brakes provide more precise braking that more closely matches how real-world brakes work. Additionally, racers develop muscle memory for braking, which is an essential element of racecraft.
If you've already spent your budget and have a way to run racing games, you can stop here. Simply mount your steering wheel to a sturdy table or desk and put your pedals on the floor. Depending on your kit and floor type, you may need something to prevent the pedals from sliding around as you drive. Inverted pedals may require additional bracing to prevent them from tipping over since the pivot point for the brake and clutch are high above the center of gravity.
Entry-level wheelbases, such as the Logitech G29, come with built-in clamps that allow for quick and easy setup. Higher-end gear, like the Fanatec CSL Elite and Thrustmaster T1MX, is designed to bolt directly to a cockpit or wheelstand. To attach these types of wheelbases to a desk, a mounting plate is required.
For an enjoyable rim racing experience, beginners should aim to purchase at least a wheel stand, if not an entire cockpit. Rigidity is one of the most important factors in sim racing and without a proper cockpit, there will always be some sort of compromise. For example, if your desk twists around when you crank up the force feedback settings, you won't be able to enjoy the full experience.
A sturdy cockpit (or at least a wheelstand) is essential for any sim racing setup. It not only provides rigidity, but also allows the pedals to mount directly to the frame, preventing them from sliding around or tipping over during intense braking or acceleration. The driver is fixed in place relative to the controls, creating a more realistic driving experience. If you plan on doing sim racing in VR, a cockpit is a must-have.
Finally, if you want a motion experience, a cockpit is necessary. If engineered solutions are out of your budget, there are many guides available that can teach you how to build your own cockpit using extruded aluminum. Some of these guides also include instructions and a list of materials to add tactile transducers and motion components to enhance your immersion.
A complete cockpit enables you to position additional peripherals, such as a shifter and handbrake, in a natural position for a more enjoyable racing experience. These items enhance the immersion and make drifting much easier. (If you didn't know, both the handbrake and a well-timed downshift can be used to initiate a drift.) Placing these peripherals in a natural position is crucial for both comfort and realism, and most cockpits allow you to position them in the optimal spot for you.
The last piece of hardware you need for sim racing is likely one you already have: your PC or gaming console. Depending on the sim racing software you want to use and the power of your computer, the choice may already be made for you. For example, if you are into Gran Turismo, you will need a PlayStation and a compatible wheel and pedal set.
Some peripheral manufacturers offer solutions for cross-compatibility, while others limit their offerings to either Xbox or PlayStation. Generally, both types of wheels work on PC, but make sure to check for compatibility before purchasing any hardware.
If you want to experience the most lifelike sim racing, I highly recommend playing in virtual reality. To run your sim software, you will need a gaming PC. This is because simulation is one of the most compelling reasons to use VR, making it a match made in heaven.
Without going into excessive detail about computer hardware requirements, a general rule is to get the most modern and fastest gaming hardware you can afford. Sim racing is extremely resource-intensive, especially when simulating vehicle physics and environmental changes. Playing in VR requires immense GPU power, as the entire game is essentially rendered twice, once for each eye.
Even if you don't own a VR headset right now, every sim racing enthusiast should plan on getting one because it is the ideal accessory for every sim rig. Make sure you have the best hardware or can afford it when you add a VR headset to your rig.
In terms of computer performance, I can only speak for myself, but I will say that even the latest hardware is not future-proof for sim racing. For instance, none of the current titles offer ray tracing, which means that the next generation of sim racing titles might require next-generation hardware.
My Sim Racing Computer Specs
My computer is equipped with an Intel 10900K processor, which allows me to achieve excellent GPU performance. In my experience, RAM usage is not excessive, so you do not need a huge amount. At least 16 GB should suffice, with 32 GB being more than enough. Faster RAM is, well, faster—make sure you prioritize speed over capacity if you’re forced to choose.
As for which GPU to use, even if you can obtain an RTX 4090 and pair it with a 13900KS, that may still not be sufficient to run current VR titles on Ultra at 144 fps. A GTX 1080 Ti is just barely sufficient to run games like iRacing and Automobilista 2 at 144 fps, and depending on conditions such as weather and dirt tracks, the frame rate sometimes drops to 72 fps with reprojection.
I tested different combinations of settings to see which felt most immersive, and I found that prioritizing framerate over quality always made the game feel more realistic. It didn’t matter if every setting was turned up to Ultra and I was getting a locked 80 fps—the lower framerate with Ultra settings felt less realistic than the same car and track at 144 fps with all the settings turned down low.
For an even more realistic sim racing experience, many enthusiasts add motion control to their already impressive sim cockpits. Combining a smooth, high-framerate VR experience with a motion platform creates a sensation of g-forces that tricks the brain into feeling like you're really driving.
The Next Level Racing Motion Platform v3 is my preferred motion platform. It's designed to fit perfectly within the frame of the GT Track cockpit, and even just this 2DOF seat mover combined with a Valve Index running at 144 fps is enough to fully immerse me in the experience. In fact, I feel 100% engaged in the simulation. The high framerate is the most important factor in providing this sense of immersion in VR.
I strongly believe that one of the biggest reasons 144 fps is so immersive—significantly better than 120 fps—is because the motion platform seems to be tied to the framerate. When I first ran the software, it instructed me to make sure my game was configured to output a minimum of 60 fps. In testing, I noticed that the motion at 144 fps felt faster and more detailed compared to 80, 90, or even 120 fps. I would test this theory further with a 240 or 320 Hz monitor, but for now, I am happy with the highest VR framerates possible.
When using a seat mover like the Motion Platform v3, it’s important to position your seat so that your center of gravity is centered over the U-joint on the platform. This allows the platform to move as fast as possible, resulting in the most realistic motion. Determine where your pedals should be when your seat is in this position, and then adjust your pedals accordingly.
Those who want to go a step further can use other motion platforms that offer more degrees of freedom. Next Level Racing offers their own solution for traction loss, which is normally only available in 6DOF systems. Their Traction Plus Platform moves the entire cockpit side-to-side so the driver can experience understeer, oversteer, and being hit from the side by other racers! This level of immersion is typically reserved for elite racing drivers, but thanks to the growing popularity of sim racing, more and more people are experiencing what it’s really like to drive a race car.
To get started with sim racing, all you need is a television or computer monitor. However, if you want the best experience, sitting at the back of your living room with your TV on the opposite side won't cut it. To achieve a proper field of view, it's best to use VR. For those who prefer a 2D experience (although I can't understand why), there are a few options for displaying the sim racing software around you.
The simplest setup requires mounting a monitor or TV directly behind the steering wheel. Depending on the screen size and available mounting options, you could be anywhere from 2 to 6 feet away from your screen. In my rig, I have a 4K computer monitor floating just above my wheelbase. Most cockpits offer a mounting solution that allows you to attach a display directly to the cockpit, or you can buy a display stand designed to fit around the cockpit so the screen is as close as possible.
No matter the size or position of your display, you must measure and use an online calculator to determine the proper field of view (FOV) settings for your games. It's important to get the FOV to match what you would see if you were in a real vehicle. Think of the monitor as a window into the simulated world - the larger and closer the window, the more you can see.
Here’s an FOV calculator: https://dinex86.github.io/FOV-Calculator/
If you want to display more on your screen than a single monitor can show, you will need either a triple monitor setup or an ultrawide monitor. The calculator I linked to supports calculations for both triple screen setups and ultrawide aspect ratios. However, I am unsure whether the FOV should be different for a curved versus a flat monitor.
If I were to purchase a monitor (or three) for sim racing, I would choose the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. This monitor offers a 1000R curvature, HDR 2000 and G-SYNC compatibility, and a 240 Hz refresh rate. Although the 7680 x 2160 resolution is a nice feature, most computers will struggle to achieve 240 fps at that resolution, particularly with HDR enabled.
The more traditional approach to fully immersing oneself in a sim racing experience involves using three monitors: one in front and one on each side to display the mirrors and peripheral vision. This setup has been around long before VR became mainstream, but it has its drawbacks. It can be expensive, since you need three identical displays, and large, taking up considerable space. Furthermore, it requires a powerful computer, especially if the displays are 4K. Finally, the image is marred by bezels between the displays.
When it comes to VR headsets, you have a choice between a high refresh rate or a high resolution. My current headset is a Varjo Aero which has incredible resolution and stunning optics, yet caps out at 90 fps. The Valve Index is capable of achieving 144 fps, and also has a wider 120° field of view which adds significantly to the immersion factor. Whether you prefer a higher resolution or refresh rate is a personal choice, and either can lead to an incredibly immersive sim racing experience.
Pimax makes VR HMDs that are popular with sim racers because they have extra-wide field of view and ultra-high resolution. However, reviews of their hardware and software are lackluster at best, so do your own research if a Pimax headset is on your wish list.
The software requirements for sim racing can vary depending on the hardware being used.
After installing the driver for an external steering wheel/pedal set (such as those mentioned above) and connecting it to your PC via USB cable, you will need to install the relevant software from the manufacturer. Fanatec’s software allows users to adjust force feedback settings to best suit each game, for a custom-tailored experience. As a beginner, it is recommended to start with the default settings for each game, and later experiment to discover what works best.
Once the hardware is detected by your computer and configured to your preferences, you can start your selected racing game.
If you plan to race in VR, you'll need software to interface with your VR HMD, such as Steam VR or Oculus software. I recommend downloading fpsVR so you can keep track of your true fps and frame times while in VR. This is especially important when tweaking your settings to get the best balance of quality and performance. Don't forget to test your settings in actual races with AI and weather, as these added elements can significantly reduce the frame rate. When this happens in VR, you could become motion sick or find driving more difficult, if not impossible.
Make sure your sim rig setup is configured the way you want it. Other guides may provide specific instructions on where to place different components or the best settings for your hardware, but the most important thing is for you to be comfortable and have fun. If I say that 144 fps is the most immersive, but you try out 80 fps on Ultra and prefer it, go with it! We're all in this hobby to build our skills and have fun, not to tell others what to do (unless you're a racing coach – then you better have the skills already!).
To minimize movement while steering, it's important to securely mount your racing wheel to a large, heavy table, especially if you're not using a cockpit. For a sim rig with a powerful direct drive wheelbase, a cockpit is mandatory. If your wheelbase doesn't have mounting brackets included, you'll need to drill holes in your mounting surface or purchase a bracket with a clamp and pre-drilled holes for the wheelbase.
Direct drive wheelbases almost always require a cockpit because the force feedback can be so strong that even a heavy table can move around while playing. To mount the wheelbase, you can usually use screws that come with the cockpit, but you may need an additional adapter, as is the case with the DD2 in Fanatec's own cockpit.
After mounting the wheelbase, plug in the power and USB cable. Choose a USB port that's directly attached to the motherboard and, if possible, unplug any unnecessary USB devices. As you install other peripherals from the same manufacturer, you'll connect them to your wheelbase directly, and the data will pass to the computer or console via the wheelbase USB connection.
If you're combining peripherals from different manufacturers, you may need to connect each accessory using its own USB cable. Consult the manual for your hardware to determine whether it's safe to connect those peripherals to a USB hub, which can simplify your cable routing. It might be possible to connect your accessories to your monitor if it has USB ports, which would save you from using a separate USB hub or running several long cables to your PC tower.
Once your wheel is set up, you can move on to your other control inputs.
The pedals can be connected to your PC or console using a USB cable. Proper pedal setup is crucial for an accurate simulation, but it can also be one of the most challenging aspects for beginners. Follow these steps to get started and you'll be setting lap records on your favorite tracks in no time!
First, place your pedals in a position where they feel comfortable to you. If you're using a cockpit, use nuts and bolts to mount the pedals to it. Consider the possibility of multiple drivers using the sim rig, and mount the pedals in a position where they can be reached by the shortest person when the seat is farthest forward. Make sure to connect any cables that need to be plugged into the bottom of the pedals before mounting them.
Next, plug your pedals into the corresponding port on your wheelbase. If you encounter any issues, consult the manual for your hardware manufacturer's instructions, as the connections can vary depending on the setup. After plugging in and powering on the wheel and pedals, your software may prompt you to calibrate things. Just follow the instructions on the screen.
If you have a handbrake, you may need to connect it to the pedals or the wheelbase. Make sure to figure this out before mounting the pedals to the cockpit, so you don't have to take everything apart to plug in the handbrake.
Finally, ensure that you connect all your accessories before calibrating.
By following the instructions included with your cockpit, you can set up a comfortable and fun gaming experience in no time. However, there is one drawback that is not mentioned in the official documentation that I want to draw your attention to.
If you are considering the Next Level Racing cockpit and motion components, you may be attracted to their compact and user-friendly design, as well as their affordability. However, one issue that was not taken into account in their engineering is the height difference between a standard GT Track cockpit and one with a motion platform. (I assume the same is true for the GT Ultimate, although I cannot confirm since I do not own one.)
A solution that I learned from Sim Racing Garage’s review on YouTube is to purchase some 8020 aluminum extrusion rails and use them to elevate the pedals by the same amount as the motion platform elevates the seat. I have not done this yet, but it is certainly on my to-do list because, right now, my driving position is closer to that of an SUV driver than a GT car driver.
There isn’t much more I can say about setting up a cockpit than what is included in the instruction manual. However, if you want to build your own cockpit from scratch, there are plenty of guides online that will show you how.
In general, it's best to choose the highest resolution and refresh rate that your monitor can display. While resolution is important, a higher refresh rate can do more for immersion and your reaction time. Therefore, prioritize frame rate over resolution and image quality when adjusting your settings for better VR experiences.
In sim racing, we control our vehicles using a combination of the throttle and brake pedals. The throttle pedal is used for acceleration, while the brake pedal is used for slowing down (depending on your driving style).
To practice sim racing, I have been using simulators that feature a realistic force feedback profile, which makes me feel like I am driving a real supercar. Without realistic force feedback, you will not get a true simulator experience. Therefore, it is worth investigating whether your software needs tweaking to feel more realistic. Even games like Grand Theft Auto V can be modded to support VR, sim racing wheels, and realistic physics and force feedback. You can even output telemetry data for motion control, although I have yet to get that working.
There are plenty of online guides available that cover sim racing techniques in great detail. I will write about them more in the future. These guides explain everything from basic controls to high-level skills, such as using weight transfer effectively when cornering.
In this article, I want to share my initial impressions of different simulation software to help you decide where to begin your sim racing career.
The first VR sim racing game I tried was Dirt Rally 2.0, and I was immediately hooked. Despite the game's low traction, I had an uncanny ability to sense the edges of my vehicle, allowing me to jump in without crashing immediately. Dirt 2.0 is a challenging simulator, but it was eye-opening for me as I suddenly realized how realistic simulators could be.
During my first race, I found myself feathering the throttle, only occasionally flooring it to test the waters. My heart would race as I approached each bend, and I often had to slam on the brakes out of fear of crashing into a nearby tree. When I tried to push my luck, it usually ended badly.
Fortunately, I had the advantage of a motion platform already installed, so I felt like I was in a real vehicle right from the start. This likely contributed to my ability to sense how the vehicle was behaving, just as I can in real life.
A week later, I attempted to show my friend the same game, but without using VR. I had played the same track the night before, driving the same vehicle. However, this time, I could barely get past the starting point without crashing. Even though the motion platform was in use, I couldn't feel the same sensations as I had in VR. My lack of a sixth sense made it nearly impossible to control the vehicle and figure out what was happening.
That being said, the key to my success in VR rally races (and I don't have a record time - my definition of success is finishing a race with the vehicle intact) was to take it slow and listen carefully to the co-driver's notes. He always indicated which gear to use before describing the upcoming curve, and I found it easiest to maintain some traction by following his instructions religiously.
However, the story was quite different on a tarmac track.
Right off the bat, I hit the gas and in no time found myself flying into a corner. Not content to simply hurtle toward a corner at excessive speed, I slammed on the brakes hoping to whip the tail around in a dramatic show of smoke and fury.
However, I quickly realized the limitations of physics. My front wheels were locking up and I couldn't turn into the corner while braking. I recalled a nugget of trivia that stated your tires can only do one thing at a time: accelerate, brake, or turn. You have to pick one and if you try to do more, you're in for a world of hurt.
From then on, I began braking in a straight line, which I later learned is common advice for beginners. The often-taught method of braking is to brake fully before a turn, then let off the brakes just before the turn-in point.
While that may be the most common method of braking, it wasn't enough fun for me. I inadvertently started using trail braking, which can make a driver faster but also lead to loss of control.
Trail braking is essentially braking later than normal and staying on the brakes as you enter the turn. However, braking normally causes the front wheels to lock up if you don't have ABS (anti-lock braking). A way to mitigate this is to back off the brake pressure somewhat, but not entirely. Alternatively, you can pump the brakes as you slow down. But neither method allows you to maintain full braking force while entering a turn.
In Project Cars 2, there is a tuning wizard called Race Engineer that asks you questions about what your vehicle is doing in order to make the best adjustments for your driving style. This was invaluable when learning about car tuning, and my own experience led me to understand more about a car's braking system.
Since my front wheels were locking up and I was having trouble turning into corners, the Race Engineer suggested that we increase the brake pressure while moving the brake bias rearward to allow the rear brakes to do more work than the front. This meant that the front wheels would continue turning even when I was 100% on the brakes, allowing my car to turn into corners.
We also stiffened the front suspension to prevent weight transfer to the front wheels under braking. Weight transfer was contributing to the problem of not turning soon enough, which explains why the traditional method is to let off the brakes entirely before starting a turn.
I also learned from practice that tires and brakes need to warm up before they can perform at their best. In a practice session, you can do a lap or two at lower speeds while things warm up. But what can you do in a race with a standing start?
While this method may have some negative repercussions that I'm not aware of, I find that if I do a long burnout at the start, then I'm able to turn better early in the race. I apply this same philosophy to the brakes and slam them hard in the first few turns to heat them up quickly.
As I said, this might not be the best advice in the long run and could have negative impacts later in a long race. But from my practice sessions, it's been working great!
In my opinion, these are the top 10 best beginner sim racing setup tips:
Anyone can be a sim racer, but it takes dedication to fully enjoy the hobby. People start sim racing for a variety of reasons - for competition, to fulfill a lifelong dream, because they love automobiles, or because it’s less expensive than road racing.
Novice sim racers can take inspiration from the many drivers from all walks of life who have come out on top at events around the world. For example, Max Verstappen, who has been winning races since he was five years old. While sim racing isn't always as physically demanding as Formula One or Indy Car, F1 esports series drivers may find themselves in the cockpit for 12 hours or more, making them athletes in their own right.
It's important to consider your goals when it comes to sim racing. If you're looking for fulfillment, then just go have fun! But if your goal is to become a professional driver, keep in mind that this hobby alone may not be enough. Aspiring racers will likely need years of training (and money) before they're ready to take the podium.
To get started with VR, I recommend downloading Assetto Corsa and Project CARS. Both games offer an accessible price point and powerful simulations for beginners who are just learning how to drive fast autos competitively.
For those looking for a more competitive driving experience with realistic AI drivers, the iRacing World Series is a great option.
Above all, if you're curious about the world of sim racing, try out some games to see if they resonate with you. Even when I was playing Forza with a keyboard and mouse, I knew that I would have a blast in a full-on simulation. So far, it has exceeded all my expectations.
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