Sim Racing 101: How to Stop Spinning and Start Winning
Table of Contents:
The Ultimate Guide to a Beginner Sim Racing Setup
Sim racing delivers all the excitement of real-life motorsport, without the hefty tire costs and expensive repairs. It combines advanced software with professional-grade equipment to provide realistic racing experiences right from the comfort of your own home! Whether you’re gunning for the podium or just trying to keep it clean through turn one, it’s the perfect way to sharpen your skills - no track fees required.
Sim racing has grown rapidly in recent years, largely due to the pandemic, which led many motorsport fans to turn to virtual racing as a way to stay connected. With in-person events limited, sim racing became an accessible and engaging alternative. Alternatively, the rising popularity of Formula One in the United States, fueled by the success of Netflix's Drive to Survive, has sparked even more interest in virtual racing as fans seek to experience the thrill of motorsport from their own homes.
I created this beginner sim racing setup guide to help new sim racers feel more comfortable and confident as they begin their virtual racing journeys. It covers the essential equipment I recommend and provides insight into what each piece does.
Why Sim Racing?
I strongly believe that both motorsports enthusiasts and casual gamers can come together and enjoy programs like iRacing and Assetto Corsa. Those who are new to sim racing can experience the thrill of racing without the high costs and risks associated with real-world motorsports. At the same time, seasoned enthusiasts can refine their skills and compete at a high level.
Beyond just entertainment, sim racing can serve as a valuable training tool; most Formula One and NASCAR drivers use simulators to practice track layouts and improve reaction time. Whether you're looking to have fun, challenge yourself, or even pursue a career in motorsports, sim racing is an accessible and rewarding way to dive into the world of competitive racing.
Photo courtesy of iracing.com
Recommended Gear for Your Sim Racing Journey
As mentioned earlier, I'm aiming to provide the best advice for newcomers to sim racing. While it can be an expensive hobby, getting started doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right choices, you can build a beginner sim racing setup that strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability!
If you're a true budget racer like me, you might have started out with an Xbox controller. However, since joining Apex Sim Racing, I've been lucky enough to upgrade to a proper steering wheel and pedal set. And let me tell you, it's a real game-changer. With a controller, you're relying on thumb sticks and triggers, which can make it difficult to manage throttle control, braking, and smooth steering inputs. But with a wheel, you can fine-tune your inputs just like in a real car.
I think it's also important to consider investing in a decent sim racing seat (if purchasing a full rig) or gaming chair. A good seat or gaming chair is always recommended for such a beginner sim racing setup. This is because it directly impacts comfort, control, and endurance during long racing sessions.
Additionally, having a powerful PC or console is needed for an immersive sim racing experience. A capable system ensures a high frame rate, responsive controls, and realistic physics, all of which are crucial for precise driving. An outdated setup can hurt your performance and diminish the realism that makes sim racing so engaging. I learned this the hard way when I ran iRacing on an i3 processor as a broke college student!
iRacing suggests the following system requirements:
- Windows 10 64-Bit
- 6 Core Processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 6GB Dedicated vRAM Graphics Card
- 100GB HDD Storage
Finding the Best Sim Racing Titles
There are a few different games I would recommend for beginners. The following titles I will discuss each have their own unique features and strengths, catering to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you're looking for realism, accessibility, or a mix of both, these games offer a great starting point for new sim racers.
iRacing: my personal favorite and the go-to choice for most sim racers. This is a subscription-based platform known for its ultra-realistic racing experience. It has an extensive selection of tracks and a dedicated community of competitive drivers (including Max Verstappen!) I’ve already written an article on iRacing for beginners—check it out here!
Assetto Corsa Competizione: also a solid choice. This one is known for its realistic physics, detailed car models, and focus on GT3 racing. It's perfect for those who enjoy racing production vehicles.
RaceRoom Racing Experience: another free-to-play sim racing game with an ever- growing library of cars and tracks.
Project CARS 3: offers a more arcade-like experience, catering to more casual players with a wider variety of racing disciplines.
Photo courtesy of iracing.com
Getting the Basics Down
Once you have your equipment and choose a game, it's time to get behind the wheel and start learning the ropes! For new users, I would recommend starting with practice mode. Practice sessions in iRacing, for example, give rookies the opportunity to experience competitive racing and get a feel for racing alongside other drivers.
Resist the urge to dive straight into Formula or GT beast. Trust me, it’s like learning to swim by jumping into the deep end. Starting with slower cars gives you a solid feel for how virtual machines handle, helping you nail the fundamentals before you crank up the horsepower. Master the basics first, then unleash the speed.
Additionally, rookies should be aware that sim racing might be difficult at first. This is because the learning curve can be steep, especially when it comes to mastering car handling, braking points, and racing lines. Patience and persistence are key so don’t feel discouraged if progress feels slow. With practice, you'll start to see improvement and gain more confidence behind the wheel!
Getting the hang of switching gears is also crucial if you want to take sim racing seriously. Learning how to smoothly shift gears - whether using a paddle shifter or a traditional H-pattern shifter - can make a huge difference in your lap times! It’s all about timing and precision; failing to downshift at the right moment can actually cause you to lose valuable seconds.
Photo courtesy of simagic.com
Lastly, I would highly recommend watching sim racing tutorials. Rookies should analyze professional races and pay close attention to the techniques and strategies used by experienced sim racers. This will provide valuable insights and help you refine your skills to elevate your performance.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say sim racing is the perfect blend of my passion for gaming and motorsports. With the right gear, the right games, and a bit of patience, you’ll quickly find yourself out on the track. It’s a thrilling experience, and I can't recommend it enough. So, grab your gear, hit that virtual track, and let the fun begin!
https://www.apexsimracing.com
Leave a comment