Different categories of Sim Racers

Sim racing is a vast and multifaceted hobby. Each person approaches it in their unique way, dedicating as much time as their schedule allows. For some, it’s a way to unwind after a long day, immersing themselves in the virtual driving of dream cars, savoring each moment as a form of escape from daily life. Others see it as a stepping stone to a professional career, striving for perfection using top-tier sim racing software. Then there’s a third category: enthusiasts seeking total simulation, aiming to replicate real-world vehicle dynamics as accurately as possible.

Let’s dive deeper into these different styles of sim racing and explore the best peripherals suited to each approach:

The primary goal for sim racers in this category is ease of use and simplicity. With limited time to dedicate to the hobby, they prefer a sim setup that’s ready to use and simple to configure. Casual gamers often mount their wheelbase and steering wheel directly to a desk for convenience.

Recommended Setup:

For this group, the ideal setup can be found in the Ready2Race section of the Fanatec website. These bundles provide plug-and-play solutions that are easy to manage while still delivering a quality driving experience.

For professional sim racers, the goal is to achieve peak performance. They focus on shaving off fractions of a second, fine-tuning their car setups, and maintaining maximum confidence and consistency at the limit. This group often invests significant time into sim racing and demands top-tier equipment capable of delivering precise feedback and reliability.

Key Equipment Features:

Wheelbase: Professional sim racers rarely run their wheelbase at maximum power, as this can lead to force feedback clipping (a phenomenon where the feedback saturates and loses detail). We discussed this topic in this article about Steering Load . Instead, they optimize their settings to maximize detail and avoid clipping, ensuring a precise driving experience. The ClubSport DD+ offers newest Hardware and Software solution for improved force feedback.

Pedals: The accelerator should respond quickly, while the brake pedal, often equipped with a load cell, is critical for optimizing braking technique . The load cell ensures consistent and precise braking input, which is crucial for performance.

Steering Wheels: The choice of steering wheel depends on the type of cars being simulated:

For GT cars, a diameter of 300–320mm is ideal, offering maximum precision during cornering. The CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 is a perfect example.

For formula cars, a smaller diameter of around 280mm is preferred, such as the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula 2.5 ,allowing for instant and precise reactions.

Dnthusiasts prioritize replicating the sensations of driving a real race car. Their setups often include motion platforms to simulate the axial movements of a vehicle, bringing the virtual driving experience closer to reality.

Recommended Setup:

Wheelbase: Advanced models that integrate the latest hardware and software technologies for consistent performance and high-fidelity force feedback (for example the ClubSport DD+ ).

Steering Wheel: Often part of the Podium series, these wheels are typically replicas of those found in real race cars. For GT car fans, wheels designed to mimic actual race car geometry and feel are essential. The perfect example is the Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3 or Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3.

Pedals: High-end pedals that replicate the feel and geometry of a real GT race car are a must for enthusiasts. The ClubSport Pedals V3 Inverted allows for a pure and authentic driving experience.

Some real racing drivers belong to this group, in order to train their driving skills. We analyzed this topic in the article Sim Racing: just game or real life training?

Each category of sim racer brings its own approach and passion to the world of virtual racing. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a quick escape, a professional striving for perfection, or an enthusiast chasing the purest simulation, there’s a setup tailored to your needs.

Which category do you see yourself in?

If you wish to find your perfect sim setup or you need product consultation, Fanatec experts’ team is glad to help you! Just fill in this product consultation form.