Hunt Apexes with These Expert-Recommended Sim Racing Rigs

So you want to expand your virtual racing experience beyond a measly controller. You’re looking into wheels, pedal setups, and seats, right? Well, let us be the first to say—don’t forget a cockpit. These racing rigs keep all the parts you need in a sturdy, adjustable layout for less hassle and more time for racing.

Be aware that all of the rigs in this list do NOT include racing wheels, pedals, or accessories—and some lack the seat, as well. These rigs are just the bones of the cockpit. In a way this is a good thing, as it allows you to totally customize your setup.

We talked to hardcore racing experts from Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Autoweek about which sim rigs they recommend. To complete the list, we also hunted for the best choices on Amazon based on consumer ratings.

Don’t be daunted by the sheer amount of sim rigs out there; we’ll help you decide. Now it’s time to settle in, get a bowl of snacks, and hit the track.

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If you’re just looking for a convenient way to mount your wheel, pedals, and shifter, this stand is a great way to start. Adjustability is king, with plenty of knobs to suit your favorite racing position. However, it’s only compatible with certain Logitech and Thrustmaster wheels, so double-check the description. The wheel, pedals, and shifter are NOT included.

This is the first sim rig on the list that includes a chair. If you’re tight on playing space, the entire setup folds into a small package, even with your electronics mounted. The seat is made with a breathable fabric to keep you cool during those grueling endurance races, and the cockpit is pre-drilled to work with all major wheel and pedal brands.

This particular sim cockpit is used in Car and Driver‘s Ann Arbor office and has withstood plenty of playing time. The rugged seat is coated in Alcantara like many vehicle interiors today and is also foldable to save some space. The reinforced tubing eliminates wobble, and the cockpit is compatible with all major wheel and pedal brands. It’s sure to get more racing time from us!

This cockpit is a fantastic midrange rig that offers excellent modification possibilities. The shifter mount can be swapped to the left-hand side if you’re into a right-hand driving style, and the pedal plate features tons of adjustments. The GEN3 offers the bread and butter of sim racing cockpit experiences. Nothing fancy, but it does the job with ease. 

The GTSF sim rig from GTR Simulator offers a mount for a single- or triple-monitor setup. If you’re looking to upgrade to a more panoramic experience, this is the one for you. Advertised as a “luxurious” racing cockpit, the frame boasts plenty of brawn, too. With a combination of comfort, rigidity, and adjustability, the GTSF is a fantastic choice.

The folks at Sim Lab know what they’re doing, and their rigs are some of the best in the biz. With a focus on structural strength and overall adjustability, the P1-X is a force to be reckoned with. The seat and feet are sold separately, but the bones are this rig’s selling point. 

The Sparco Evolve GP is a purpose-built formula-style sim cockpit and also allows for customizable padding. In fact, just about everything is adjustable on the Evolve GP to suit your racing needs.

Now we’re getting into the fun stuff. This is the DOF Motion Simulator P3, which uses motors and actuators to simulate pitch, roll, and traction loss in the back. For a true motion simulator, you can’t beat the price. The company is known for its stellar customer service, so if you have any questions, rest assured you’ll be helped quickly. Just a note–the seat, wheel, pedals, and shifter are NOT included. It’s also compatible with VR for a truly immersive driving experience.

Okay, if you’ve got throw-away money, throw it at this. CXC Simulations makes top-of-the-line, professional-grade racing motion rigs that are used for training more than just entertainment. And this is the cheap one—upgrade to the $107,000 PRO version to really ball out. This has everything you could ever dream of in a sim rig, and then some. But hey, the price really isn’t that bad compared to an actual track car and the costs that accompany it. 

From: Road & Track

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