For over a decade, sim racing has been on my radar, however it actually took maintain throughout December 2019 after I attended a BMW eSports occasion at BMW Welt in Munich. That was the second the racing bug bit me deeply, and ever since, I’ve been craving for my very own sim racing rig.
Why I Lastly Constructed a Sim Racing Rig at Dwelling
The “why” behind this dream relies upon solely on who’s listening. If my spouse is round, my clarification shifts towards parenting: sim racing is a good way to introduce our youngsters to driving and racing, steering them away from countless hours on iPads and smartphones. Admittedly, changing display screen time with one other sort of display screen time is probably not ideally suited, however it was one of the best rationale I might provide you with. In any case, she usually jogs my memory that area is tight, and I actually don’t want one other pastime.
But when we’re being candid, my very own causes are a bit extra private and sensible. First, as an automotive journalist, observe time is valuable and restricted. Throughout a current BMW M occasion at Abu Dhabi’s F1 observe, I barely had time to be taught the circuit. A house sim rig lets me apply tracks extensively beforehand, considerably enhancing my real-world driving efficiency. Moreover, after conversations with skilled sim racers, I’ve discovered simply how practical fashionable simulators have change into, genuinely serving to to enhance real-world driving expertise.
Oh, and did I point out it’s enjoyable? (Simply don’t inform my spouse I stated that.) Having a devoted sim rig in your personal “man cave” is a dream shared by numerous automotive fans, myself included.
Selecting the Proper Sim Rig: Compact With out Compromise
The problem, nevertheless, was balancing efficiency with practicality. After intensive analysis, together with trying into full aluminum 8020 setups, I settled on the Playseat Trophy. Compact but sturdy sufficient to deal with a robust direct drive wheelbase, it was the best compromise to maintain each efficiency excessive and home concord intact. A pal, Nate, selected the Playseat Problem X, a foldable possibility, offering us with a wonderful foundation for comparability sooner or later.
Playseat Trophy is feather‑gentle (~16 kg), compact (138 × 58 × 101 cm), but sturdy sufficient for 12 Nm direct‑drive—and it may be tucked away or moved with ease, confirming your setup’s practicality.
The Fanatec Setup – A BMW-Impressed Sim Racing Expertise
Deciding on the wheelbase and steering wheel was equally essential. I’ve at all times admired Fanatec, particularly since first encountering their tools by way of BMW Motorsport occasions. The Fanatec Podium BMW M4 GT3 wheel caught my eye years in the past when BMW built-in it instantly into their real-world GT3 race vehicles, permitting racers to actually carry their sim wheel to precise races. It felt pure to decide on the identical steering wheel, coupled with the Fanatec Clubsport DD wheelbase. The latter delivers a real and steady 12 Nm of torque, fast response (excessive slew fee), and dependable cooling—all engineered to keep up efficiency over lengthy driving stints.
The Fanatec Podium BMW M4 GT3 wheel gives racecar-grade carbon construct, a number of buttons and encoders, and magnetic paddles—bringing authenticity and professional‑degree management to your man‑cave cockpit.
To spherical off the bundle, I added Fanatec’s CSL Pedals and the CSL Load Cell Equipment. Exact braking is essential in sim racing, and these pedals supply nuanced suggestions, enhancing management and realism. Whereas there could also be extra superior choices obtainable, this setup completely aligns with my present expertise and connects on to BMW’s personal motorsport initiatives. Altogether, this rig is available in just below $3,000—positively a severe funding, however actually not on the highest finish of the sim racing spectrum.
Value Breakdown – What This Sim Racing Rig Actually Prices
- Playseat Trophy: $599.00
- Fanatec Clubsport DD Wheelbase: $999.99
- Fanatec Podium BMW M4 GT3 Steering Wheel: $1,599.99
- Fanatec CSL Pedals: $139.99
- Fanatec CSL Load Cell Equipment: $174.99
Whole Value: Roughly $3,513.96
Getting Set Up – Set up Ideas and Classes Discovered
Assembling the Playseat Trophy was easy, taking about two hours initially, with one other couple of hours fine-tuning my seating place and ergonomics. One fast tip: replace the pedal firmware in your PC earlier than putting in them onto the rig. Belief me; it’ll avoid wasting frustration.
The Trophy proved impressively inflexible and dealt with the wheelbase’s energy with out flexing. Surprisingly, it even gained approval from my spouse, who now appears intrigued by this new pastime herself. As for the youngsters? They’re thrilled and enthusiastic about their first steps into racing.
Putting in the Fanatec gear was easy however thrilling. Mounting the pedals and wheelbase required cautious adjustment, however as soon as dialed in, the expertise was phenomenal. The BMW M4 GT3 steering wheel is not only superbly designed however genuinely appears like holding an actual racecar wheel—unsurprising, given it’s formally permitted for world racing collection.
I barely scratched the floor on all of the configurations and buttons on it, however in case you wanna be taught extra about it, we shot a few wonderful movies up to now the place severe racecar drivers defined its options.
Sport On – My First Steps in Assetto Corsa Competizione
I lately attended a BMW eSports bootcamp previous to the World Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—an occasion gained by Workforce Redline, led by none apart from Max Verstappen. Spending time with professional sim racers, I discovered about setups, gear, and crucially, one of the best sim platforms for newcomers. Whereas iRacing is extremely really helpful, I opted for Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) as a beginner-friendly but practical various. I’ve began with primary GT3 vehicles, however already I’m eyeing further bundles and DLCs, diving deeper into sim racing acronyms and neighborhood sources.
Utilizing a PC-based setup ensures flexibility and permits room for progress. I’ve shortly change into acquainted with platforms and instruments like Steam, Fanalab, Content material Supervisor, Customized Shaders Patch, and varied community-created tuning profiles. The objective is enjoyment and gradual ability growth, not perfectionism.
A Enjoyable, Practical Rig with Room to Develop
In the event you’re trying to persuade your personal important different a couple of dwelling sim racing setup, hopefully, this text helps. It’s compact, makes use of current TV setups, and supplies countless enjoyment and sensible skill-building. For now, I’m embracing my newbie standing however studying shortly.
Keep tuned—I’ll quickly share an in depth video showcasing this setup, together with common updates on my progress and discoveries. Let the racing start!
Disclaimer: Fanatec offered the gear for evaluate functions with the understanding that it is going to be returned after testing. Playseat provided the Trophy seat for evaluate, and it doesn’t must be returned.
