Sim racing is one of the most thrilling and immersive hobbies you can dive into from the comfort of your own home. Whether you dream of competing in online leagues or just want a realistic driving experience after work, sim racing has something to offer. But for newcomers, getting started can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to begin your sim racing journey: from choosing your first platform and understanding the gear, to picking the right software, setting up your environment, and building your skills over time.
What is Sim Racing?
Sim racing (short for “simulated racing”) is a form of motorsport that uses realistic driving simulators to replicate the physics, handling, and competition of real-world racing. Unlike arcade racers, sim racing titles aim to simulate real vehicles and tracks with high fidelity.
Popular platforms like iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor 2, and Automobilista 2 offer incredibly detailed driving experiences that attract hobbyists and professional drivers alike.
Whether you’re training to improve your real-life skills or just love racing virtually, sim racing offers a satisfying, technical, and community-rich experience.
Sim Racing vs Arcade Racing
It’s important to distinguish sim racing from arcade-style racing games like Forza Horizon or Need for Speed.
| Feature | Sim Racing | Arcade Racing |
|---|---|---|
| Physics Accuracy | High | Low/Medium |
| Steering Input | Precise | Forgiving |
| Hardware | Wheel + Pedals | Gamepad/Controller |
| Skill Curve | Steep | Moderate |
| Focus | Realism | Entertainment |
While arcade racers prioritize fun, fast-paced gameplay and visual effects, sim racing replicates real-world racing conditions with remarkable accuracy. In sim racing, weight transfer, tire wear, suspension dynamics, and even track temperature can all affect your performance. Driving feels more like piloting a real car — you must brake earlier, modulate throttle input, and choose the optimal racing line to succeed.
Arcade racers are great for casual gamers and offer immediate thrills. Sim racing, on the other hand, demands practice, patience, and a willingness to learn. For those serious about motorsport or looking to simulate the thrill of driving professionally, sim racing provides a far more rewarding and long-lasting experience.
Choosing the Right Platform
Your first big decision is choosing which sim racing platform to start with. Here are some popular options:
iRacing
iRacing is considered the gold standard for competitive online sim racing. Originally developed as a spiritual successor to NASCAR Racing 2003 Season (NR2003) by Papyrus, iRacing has evolved into the most structured and advanced sim racing service available. The development team includes sim racing pioneers, and the project gained major backing from NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has been both a vocal advocate and contributor to its evolution.
iRacing is a subscription-based platform that offers laser-scanned tracks, professionally curated series, and the most consistent and respected online multiplayer infrastructure in the genre. Every race is ranked, with a comprehensive licensing system that promotes clean, skill-based racing. Many professional racing drivers, including Formula 1 stars and NASCAR pros, use iRacing for practice and off-season competition.
If you’re looking for structure, realism, and the thrill of real-time competition, iRacing is unmatched. From MX-5 Cup to GT3 endurance racing to NASCAR oval leagues, the depth of official and hosted content is unparalleled.
Assetto Corsa / Assetto Corsa Competizione
- AC: Mod-friendly, great for drifting, time attack, and casual racing
- ACC: Focused on GT3/GT4 racing with official SRO license
- One-time purchase, no subscription fees
- Active modding and online communities
rFactor 2
- Highly detailed physics and tire model
- More niche user base, but highly regarded by sim purists
- Great for endurance and open-wheel racing
Automobilista 2
- Powered by the Madness Engine (Project CARS 2)
- Wide selection of South American tracks and cars
- Good graphics, solid performance, especially in VR
RaceRoom
- Free-to-play entry point, with paid DLC content
- Excellent sound design and immersive cockpit experience
Start with a platform that matches your goals. If you’re competitive and want serious racing, iRacing is your best choice. If you enjoy offline experiences or modding, Assetto Corsa is a top pick.
[Link later to: “iRacing vs Assetto Corsa vs rFactor 2: Which Sim is Right for You?”]
Beginner Sim Racing Gear
You don’t need a thousand-dollar rig to start racing. Here’s a breakdown of the gear you’ll need:
1. Wheel Base + Rim
- Logitech G29/G920/G923: Budget-friendly and reliable, solid entry-level force feedback
- Thrustmaster T300RS: Mid-range belt-driven wheel with good performance and modular ecosystem
- Moza R3 Bundle: A fantastic starter direct-drive setup with high build quality, strong force feedback, and future upgrade paths. It includes wheel base, rim, and pedals, and is a highly recommended plug-and-play solution for newcomers.
- Fanatec CSL DD: Premium entry-level direct drive experience with customizable rims and strong community support
2. Pedals
- Basic: Logitech two-pedal set (included with G29/G920)
- Mid-range: Thrustmaster T-LCM (load cell for better brake feel)
- Premium: Heusinkveld Sprint, SimGrade, or similar for precision braking
3. Mounting Options
- Desk clamp (sufficient for casual setups)
- Wheel stand (e.g., Next Level Racing Lite or GT Omega Stand)
- Full sim rig cockpit with seat and adjustable mounts (e.g., SimLab, Trak Racer)
4. Monitor or VR
- Start with a single 1080p monitor (144Hz preferred)
- Upgrade to 34″ ultrawide or triple monitor setup for wider field of view
- VR (like Meta Quest 2 or HP Reverb G2) offers deep immersion but needs a powerful GPU and acclimation
[Link later to: “Sim Racing Setup on a Budget: Best Gear for Under $500”]
Software Setup & Game Installation
- Steam is the go-to platform for most sims.
- Create accounts on relevant services (e.g., iRacing.com).
- Download required software like SimHub, CrewChief, and content managers.
- Set up force feedback and sensitivity settings to match real-world car behavior.
[Link later to: “SimHub Setup Guide: How to Build a Custom Dashboard”]
Choosing Cars & Tracks
Most beginners should avoid high-horsepower vehicles and start with:
- Mazda MX-5 Cup (iRacing)
- Formula Ford (rFactor 2)
- Tatuus or GT4 cars (Assetto Corsa Competizione)
Stick to a small handful of tracks and master them:
- Lime Rock Park
- Brands Hatch Indy
- Tsukuba Circuit
Familiarity builds consistency and confidence.
Learning to Race: Tips for Beginners
- Focus on consistency over speed
- Brake earlier than you think you need to
- Look ahead, not directly at the car in front
- Practice throttle control
- Avoid chasing lap times too early
Use telemetry and replays to study your driving.
[Link later to: “5 Driving Tips to Instantly Improve Your Lap Times in iRacing”]
Community & Multiplayer
Joining a community accelerates your learning:
- Participate in beginner races on iRacing or Assetto Corsa servers
- Join Discord groups and Facebook communities
- Ask questions, share setups, and get feedback
[Link later to: “Top 5 Facebook Groups Every Sim Racer Should Join”]
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying expensive gear too early
- Constantly switching cars/tracks
- Ignoring practice and racecraft
- Overdriving corners and locking brakes
Sim racing is a skill — it develops over time.
Future Upgrades & Learning
As you grow in sim racing, you might explore:
- Load cell or hydraulic pedals
- Motion rigs
- Triple monitor or VR upgrades
- Custom button boxes
Also consider investing in:
- Online coaching
- YouTube tutorials
- Setup guides for specific cars
[Link later to: “Best Sim Racing Wheels in 2025”] [Link later to: “Fanatec CSL DD Review After 6 Months”] [Link later to: “Best Sim Racing Mods for Assetto Corsa”]
Conclusion: Start Your Sim Racing Journey Today
Sim racing offers a deeply satisfying mix of realism, skill, and community. By starting with the right tools and expectations, you’ll quickly find yourself hooked. Focus on consistency, join a community, and invest gradually as your experience grows.
Whether you’re chasing lap times or just looking for a great hobby, welcome to the grid. You’re officially a sim racer.
Next steps:
- Check out our Budget Gear Guide
- Compare Sim Racing Platforms
- Join our Sim Racing Facebook Community
- Sign up for our Email List for Free Tips + Setup Sheets
Need help choosing your first setup? Have a question about what sim to start with? Drop a comment below or contact us directly — we’re here to help!