The developers have announced a new format for the upcoming 2021 FIA Gran Turismo Online Championship on the PlayStation Blog. The details:

The fourth season of the popular Esports competition, will be held completely online only. For this reason, Polyphony Digital has announced a change in the schedule.&nbsp;
<h2>New World Tour event</h2>
For 2021, there will be two new and independent phase of online qualifiers, each with a length of ten races. The first round of online races will span a total of ten weeks. It will begin on Wednesday, April 21st, with the last race in this round taking place on Saturday, June 26th. The second round includes eleven weeks – from Wednesday, July 7th, to Saturday, September 25th. With the "Nations Cup" on Saturday and the "Manufacturer Series" on Wednesday. It is not yet apparent why there is an extra week for the second round, but past experience has shown that this extra week brings a World Tour event or an update to "Gran Turismo Sport".
In addition to the actual online competition, there will be a new accompanying "World Series" for the first time this year. The "World Series" will consist of a total of four events, each of which will be broadcast on the official Gran Turismo channels, as well as a mid-season playoff, the "World Series Showdown," and the World Final at the end of the series. Participants in the five World Series events will earn points that will carry over to the World Final. The schedule for this is currently planned as follows:
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;World Series Round 1 - June 6th</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;World Series Round 2 - July 11</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;World Series Showdown - August 21 and 22</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;World Series Round 3 - October 3</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;World Series Round 4 - November 14</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;World Finals - December 3-5</li>
</ul>
<h2>Complex qualification</h2>
The qualification process is quite complex, but ultimately it comes down to a mix of performance at the 2020 World Finals and the 2021 online rankings. For World Series Round 1 and Round 2, the developers at Polyphony Digital take the best players from the "World Finals 2020". These consist of the 16 players in the "Nations Cup" and the best 12 individual players, limited to one player per manufacturer, and only if they chose the same manufacturer as in 2021. The top three drivers in each round and in each series will receive points for the "2021 World Final", with the first-place finisher receiving three points.
There are other changes for the "World Series Showdown." For the "Nations Cup," the 16 players who competed in the first two rounds of the World Series will be joined by another 16 players from the first round of online qualifying: six drivers from Europe/Middle East/Africa, three each from North America and Asia, and two each from Central and South America and Oceania - limited to a maximum of two from each nation eligible to participate. The "Manufacturer Series" will draw its showdown teams exclusively from the online qualifiers, with the top 12 brands - two of which must be Japanese vehicle manufacturers Toyota and Mazda - qualifying with the usual three-driver teams.

<img src="/api/static/8c2d143300ecd3714577f3bbc035bd4a.png" alt="FIA GT" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

In addition to the distribution of points for the top ten finishers and 10 points each for the winning driver and winning team, the Showdown will decide who advances to the third and fourth rounds of the "World Series". The top 16 Nations Cup drivers in the Showdown and the top 12 individual drivers from the "Manufacturer Series", again limited to one per manufacturer, qualify for these events. This also guarantees a place in the "World Finals" for the Nations Cup riders, but not for the "Manufacturer Series" teams. If you still want to register for this year's "FIA Gran Turismo Championships", <a href="https://www.gran-turismo.com/de/gtsport/fia_championships/2021/" target="_blank">you can read here how to do that</a>.&nbsp;

FIA Gran Turismo Championships: Start dates and info about the new events

When the North American IMSA series kicks off its second Esports season on Thursday, VCO will be there to provide exciting content.

A total of three races are scheduled in the "IMSA iRacing Pro Series". The championship begins on April 8 at the virtual Sebring International Raceway. After that, it's off to Laguna Seca on April 22. The champions in the LMP2 and GTE classes will then be decided after the finale at Road Atlanta on May 6.&nbsp;
<h2>Which drivers are taking part?</h2>
Many stars from the WeatherTech Championship, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and IMSA Prototype Challenge will be competing in the second edition of the "IMSA iRacing Pro Series". Last year, BMW works driver Bruno Spengler won the title. The live broadcasts will start at 00:30 CET. The Radio Show commentary team around John Hindhaugh will once again give the races a typical, unmistakable character. Among other things, VCO will report on the three events on its social media channels and provide drivers, teams as well as media representatives on its VCO Content Database.
"We are very excited to start this joint pilot project together with IMSA," said Florian Haasper, CEO of VCO. "The Pro Series on iRacing was an absolute highlight in 2020 right at the beginning of the Esports Racing boom. I am convinced that the new edition of the championship will also thrill IMSA fans around the world. After many hours in the simulator, the drivers are definitely much better prepared than last year. It will definitely be exciting."
"IMSA was one of the first motorsports organizations in the world to recognize the appeal and importance of sim racing," said IMSA President John Doonan. "For well over a decade, our fans and many of our top drivers have competed in IMSA-organized series on iRacing. It's been fun to watch the remarkable technical evolution of sim racing over that time, as well as its impressively fast-growing popularity. We're already excited to see what the future holds for this exciting branch of our sport."
<h2>IMSA iRacing Pro Series dates.&nbsp;</h2>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 8, 2021: Sebring International Raceway</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 22, 2021: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;May 6, 2021: Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta</li>
</ul>

iRacing

Cooperation between VCO and IMSA: Off to America!

How does the Fanatec Clubsport Shifter SQ V1.5 perform in simracing? Our SRU Team driver Maximilian Skrzipczyk tried out the hardware.

The hardware specialists from Fanatec have an extremely potent shifter in their lineup with the "Clubsport Shifter SQ V1.5" with locked reverse and 7-speed H-shift. Our new cowana Gaming team member Maximilian Skrzipczyk, who is also a driver for the SRU Racing Team, took a close look at the promising unit and shares his impressions with you:
In this report, I describe my personal impressions and experiences I had with the "Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5".
<h2>Valuable and stable</h2>
Immediately after unpacking, I noticed the heavy weight of the shifter. The entire housing is made of metal and leaves an extremely valuable and resilient impression.
During assembly, I was impressed by the Shifter's many options. Thanks to the included sliding elements and screws, the shifter can be mounted on all four sides and at different heights - there are almost no wishes left unfulfilled. The change between H-shift and sequential mode goes thanks to the side sliders in seconds.
<h2>Use in practice</h2>
But now to the most important thing, the practical test: First, I turned to the sequential shifting. What was surprising in advance was that the included sequential attachment is a good deal lighter than the much smaller H-shift attachment.
When riding or shifting, the sequential shifting does a very good job. You get a good feedback and the shifter also offers the necessary resistance when shifting. Depending on personal preferences, this can still be increased or decreased. I tested it in standard mode and was absolutely satisfied with the performance.
Much like the sequential mode, the H-shift could also convince me. Fanatec has thought along perfectly here. To prevent accidental shifting into 7th gear or reverse, the shift lever must first be pressed down before you can shift into one of the two gears – an aid that should not be underestimated.

<img src="/api/static/fd9cbf6bbc2a32f0ffe107b3dc24577b.png" alt="Fanatec" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

Nevertheless, it happened to me again and again when changing gears that I directly engaged the 5th gear instead of the 3rd. With a bit of practice and concentration, I got this under control, but especially during hectic position battles, one or two shifts still happened. In my opinion, Fanatec could have chosen somewhat larger distances between the individual shift channels to counteract this problem. But as written, the whole thing is a matter of practice and with time you get used to it and shift better and better. As with the sequential mode, the H-shift also offers a nice and rich feedback, engaging the gears is a lot of fun.
<h2>Conclusion about the Clubsport Shifter SQ V1.5</h2>
As a conclusion I can say that the "Fanatec ClubSport Shifter SQ V 1.5" has convinced me almost completely. The shifter is well built and offers many mounting options. You get used to the somewhat too small distances between the individual shift channels with time. In both modes, the shifter offers a great feedback and shifting feel with which you can drive and really enjoy the numerous historic racing cars that the individual racing simulations have to offer. The Clubsport Shifter SQ V1.5 from Fanatec <a href="https://fanatec.com/eu-de/schaltungen-und-handbremse/clubsport-shifter-sq-v-1.5" target="_blank">can be ordered directly here</a> at a price of 259,95 €.&nbsp;

Fanatec

Shifted well? Hands-on with the Fanatec Clubsport Shifter SQ V 1.5 

A new update for iRacing should provide more stability in the second season. We have summarized all contents for you.

The developers of iRacing.com provide the new update called 2021.03.26.02 for the popular racing simulation "iRacing". Many minor problems have been fixed with the new patch. What exactly you can expect, you can read in the following:
<h2>SIMULATION</h2>
Race Control
The ability of the pace car driver to wait for and take over leading drivers has been improved.
The pace car is now able to detect when the actual leader is coming out of the pits and pick them up when they leave the pits (or shortly after they leave the pits), instead of just watching for the cars on the track that are still heading back to the line. This adjustment also fixed an issue with pace field placement, so that a leader coming out of the pits is now always inserted behind the pace car in the pace line, regardless of whether the pace car is parked at the end of pit lane.
Fixed an issue where drivers could not move when starting from the pits, especially on tracks with a long part of the pit lane before the start/finish line.
Fixed an issue where race control would incorrectly release cars that missed the start behind a faster car class instead of behind a slower car class.
Dynamic track
Fixed an issue where many off-track surface temperatures were calculated as much cooler than they actually were.&nbsp;
Heat race
Fixed an issue where the grid would not complete correctly if the session was configured to advance the entire field from qualifying directly to the feature.
Test Session
Adjusted the garage weight adjustment step from 5 kg to 1 kg.
Qualifying Behavior Review
Race control is now stricter towards competitors who drive in the wrong direction and competitors who do not keep the optimal pit speed.
New damage model
Fixed an issue where the force applied to the wheels in collisions was not properly limited, causing the wheel to damage and break far too easily.
The developers continue to work on rebalancing the damage states of all vehicles that currently use the new damage model and those that we recently disabled. Progress is being made, and you can expect the new damage model to be re-enabled soon for the following vehicles:
ARCA Menards Chevrolet Impala
NASCAR Chevrolet Monte Carlo - 1987
NASCAR Ford Thunderbird - 1987
Street Stock
<h2>Visual effects</h2>
The night lighting of the smoke and dust clouds was slightly adjusted.
<h2>Animation</h2>
Fixed an issue with a rather "uncomfortable neck condition" that some driver types suffered from when using some open-wheel cars. iRacing footed the bill for these unusual chiropractors. Drivers of the following cars were affected:
Dallara F3
Dallara iR-01
Dallara IR18
[Legacy] Dallara DW12
Legacy] Indycar Dallara - 2009
<h2>Telemetry</h2>
A new telemetry session string value, "CarClassEstLapTime:", has been added for broadcasters.
This string shows the estimated lap time for each car in the session. This value is equivalent to the existing telemetry session string value, "DriverCarEstLapTime:", used by a player car.
Fixed an issue where the telemetry value for Broadcaster, "CarIdxP2P_Status", was not reporting all 64 entries correctly.
<h2>CARS</h2>
BMW M8 GTE
Fixed an issue where the night lighting on the IMSA number boards was not displaying correctly.
Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT1
The following adjustments have been made for the new damage model:
The rear trunk mount positions have been adjusted and should now damage correctly.
The rear fenders should now receive symmetrical damage.
Dallara IR18
For the new damage model, some significant and specific improvements have been made for processing wheel damage on this car. The lateral wheel break limits and the suspension compliance limits have also been adjusted.
Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO
The engine noise in the vehicle has been improved.
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Chevrolet Silverado
The iRacing setups have been updated.
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Ford F150
The iRacing setups have been updated.
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Toyota Tundra
The iRacing setups have been updated.
<h2>TRACKS</h2>
Five Flags Speedway
Track surface parameters have been updated.
Southern National Motorsports Park
The parameters of the track surface have been updated.
A really comprehensive update that should please the players of "iRacing". Now the only thing that is really missing is the dynamic weather, which is still not found in the racing simulation, but is always demanded by fans.

iRacing Season 2 Update: Overview of all contents 

Codemasters provides an extensive update for the fun-racer DIRT5. A new paid DLC can also be downloaded.

"DIRT5" has been available since November 6, 2020, but until now it has been plagued by numerous bugs, which PS5 players in particular have had to endure. But that seems to be finally over now: The new update, which is now available for all versions of the game, raises the fun racer to version 4.00. In addition, the developers offer you an extensive download package with the sonorous name "Uproar".
<h2>Contents of the Uproar DLC package</h2>
What's in the new paid download package for "DIRT5"? If you're willing to pay around 12 Euros, then you can expect a lot in the "Uproar-DLC": Four new vehicles for "DIRT5" are included. The Duke Cope (pictured above) is a new car for the rally GT class and is reminiscent of a hot rod, the Zenden Cup is perfect for use on the rally cross tracks, for the Unlimited Class you get the Jackson Adventurer and the Jackson Eulogy, whose design is more reminiscent of a hearse.
You can use the new vehicles on 25 new events, which offer difficult weather and track conditions. In addition, the "Uproar DLC" includes some new sponsors and - especially interesting for trophy hunters - new trophies and achievements depending on the platform. If you have already purchased the "Amplified Edition" or the "Year One Upgrade" for "DIRT5", the "Uproar DLC" package is of course free of charge.
<h2>Improvements for everyone</h2>
Even if the DLC doesn't interest you, the new 4.00 update brings more free innovations and improvements to the game: more options in Playground mode, new paint schemes and - believe it or not - finally the possibility to create private lobbies for undisturbed online sessions with your squad. A first test round on the Playstation 5 also shows that Codemasters now really seems to have been able to fix all other technical problems of "DIRT5". Took long enough, after all. You can watch the announcement <a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1376821800055812102" target="_blank">video for all the new features here</a>.&nbsp;

DIRT5

DIRT5: Update 4.00 and new DLC available now

The highly successful car soccer game Rocket League is entering its third season. On board: new cars from the F1 and NASCAR classes. 

The darling of all fun e-sports-fans, "Rocket League", announces the date of a new update. As early as May, you'll be able to engage in sweaty arena battles behind the wheel of cars from the Formula One and NASCAR series.&nbsp;
<h2>Simple and therefore ingenious</h2>
The motto of Rocket League is: "Easy to learn, tough to master". The game principle is therefore very simple: Up to four players per team fight in rocket cars to get the ball into the opponent's goal. Victory here rarely has anything to do with luck. It's not without reason that this extraordinary game from the developers at Pysonix has an incredibly large fan base and a firm place in eSports.
<h2>New download packages</h2>
Now, the third season is already upon us for "Rocket League" after the game was recently converted into a free-to-play format. The third season officially starts on April 7, owners of this season's Rocket Pass can enjoy a lot of novelties and more freebies. And in addition to the real cars that the Premium DLC pack already contains, more race cars from real racing will now be added: NASCAR and Formula One cars will be available in separate download packs. Unfortunately, these are not specific vehicles of a team from the racing series, generic models have to be used here. Too bad!
Psyonix will also deliver a new self-designed vehicle, which is supposed to compete with the new cars. The martial-sounding "Tyranno", which will be included in the Season 3 Rocket Pass. All upcoming content will be available simultaneously on all platforms, of course.
Additionally, the "DFH Stadium" will receive a new update: Another arena with a similar scope is to be added. The new stadium will be available for private matches and freeplay, and will appear in the Casual and Competitive playlists when the third season launches in April.
The update will be made available on April 6th shortly before the third season begins just one day later on April 7th. The F1 and NASCAR content will be available in the first half of May. <a href="https://youtu.be/zjPBq1KR3aA" target="_blank">You can watch the announcement video here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rocket League

Rocket League: May brings Formula One and Nascar

The renowned racing game developers at Codemasters are fielding their own team for the Junior World Rally Championship 2021.

The racing game makers at Codemasters continue to blur the line between real and virtual racing: For the year 2021, the Englishmen are setting up their own rally team that will participate in the "Junior World Rally Championship 2021".
<h2>Level playing field</h2>
The official name of the new team is "Codemasters DIRT Rally Team", and year-round participation in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) 2021 is planned. In this series, all drivers will compete with the same vehicle - the front-wheel drive Ford Fiesta Rally 4, prepared and supplied by the official Ford factory team M-Sport Poland.
The 2021 JWRC season will run as a support series to the World Rally Championship itself and will be contested at five European rounds of the actual "World Rally Championship 2021". It kicks off with the "Rally Croatia", i.e. the third round of the WRC, at the end of April and continues via events in Portugal, Estonia, Belgium and Spain into the month of October. Three races will be held on asphalt and two on gravel - so the challenges will be the same as for their colleagues in the premier class.
The driver of the "Codemasters DIRT Rally Team" will be Jon Armstrong. Armstrong not only works for Codemasters, but is also a professional rally driver who has competed in JWRC and WRC2 - the level below WRC. His best finish was a ninth place in WRC2 at Rally Catalunya 2017, driving a Ford Fiesta R5 - so he brings plenty of experience to the team. Armstrong has as his co-driver Phil Hall.
Ross Gowing, Game Director for DIRT Rally at Codemasters, comments:
"We're delighted to launch the Codemasters DiRT Rally team and we have high hopes for Jon and Phil in the upcoming Junior WRC season. Having worked alongside Jon, I know the skills, passion and dedication he brings. He will have the entire studio and DiRT Rally community behind him."
It will be exciting to see how Codemasters does in the first races of the season, we will of course keep you updated in this regard. You can watch the announcement video of the new "Codemasters DIRT Rally Team" <a href="https://youtu.be/4ji0bzeY_YA" target="_blank">here</a> .&nbsp;

Codemasters

Codemasters: Now on the road with its own rally team

The best sim racers and teams will have the chance to showcase their skills in a trio of new GT World Challenge Esports championships.

Europe, Asia and America will each be represented by a continental series. These will consist of sprint and endurance races, with a total of 31 events scheduled to take place between May and October. This is the latest in a growing number of Esports competitions organized by "SRO Motorsports Group" in partnership with hardware manufacturer "Fanatec", developers "Kunos Simulazioni" and "AK Informatica".
<h2>ACC as platform</h2>
The new program complements the "Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series," a five-event series for professional racers that counts towards real-world team standings. Like all SRO Esports activities, the "GT World Challenge Esports Championships" will use Kunos Simulazioni's "Assetto Corsa Competizione" simulation, which is extremely popular with sim racers and sets the standard in realism with its authentic physics, stunning graphics and near-photorealistic weather conditions.
Participation in Sprint Series events on each continent will be decided by hot lap qualifying. Up to 44 individual drivers can participate in the races, which last 60 minutes and include a mandatory stop in a fixed pit window. The top five finishers not only receive points for their respective championships, but also an automatic guarantee of participation in the next sprint race. The European series consists of a total of 10 events, while five races are held in each of the Americas and Asia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/bf7d7a000dd8e3654d2417aa951fbde3.png" alt="ACC" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

While the "Sprint Series " are aimed at individual drivers, the "Endurance Series "s events are reserved for the leading esports teams. Participation will be determined by a single hot lap qualifying session for each continent, which will determine the starting grid for the entire season with up to 44 cars. Teams will consist of either three or four drivers, with driver changes mandatory during the endurance competitions.
<h2>GT World Challenge Europe dates</h2>
Five Endurance Series events will be held in Europe. Starting with a three-hour race at Monza (May 22nd) and a six-hour competition at Circuit Paul Ricard on June 5th. The highlight will be the first virtual race of the Total 24 Hours of Spa, which will be held on August 7th and 8th. The season will come to a close with a six-hour race at the Nürburgring (September 11th) and a three-hour finale at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya (October 16th).&nbsp;
Asia and the Americas will each host a trio of Endurance Series rounds in 2021. Both will start on July 17th with six-hour races at Laguna Seca (Asia) and Bathurst (Americas). On September 18th, the Asian championship will contest a 10-hour race at Suzuka, while the American series will host a 12-hour race at Bathurst a week later (September 25th). Both will conclude with separate three-hour races at Monza on October 30th.
An entry fee will be charged for participation in each hot lap qualifying session, which will be used to create a substantial prize pot of as yet unknown amount that successful teams and drivers can earn over the course of the season. Continental titles will be awarded for each Sprint and Endurance series, while plans for a global final featuring the best drivers from all regions are also slowly but surely taking shape.
This new project further expands the range of SRO-esports activities planned for 2021. Together with the "British GT Esports Championship" and the "Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series" locally, the total number of livestreams will increase to 41, which means a total of 130 hours of lush racing action. You want to register for the "GT World Challenge Europe" alone or in a team? <a href="https://sro-esports.com/" target="_blank">Then just follow this link</a>!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Assetto Corsa Competizione

GT World Challenge Europe: Details about event and participation

The kick-off of the VCO Grand Slam, which brings together some of the most popular and best-attended races on iRacing in an exciting event series.

<a href="https://simracing-unlimited.com/en/news/24h-series-esports-team-biela-achieves-hattrick" target="_blank">It was only a week ago that the real IMSA teams competed</a> in the 12-hour race at the "Sebring International Raceway". Now, on Saturday, more than 2,000 Esports teams from around the world were on the grid for the "iRacing 12h Sebring."
The battle for overall victory would be contested in the Dallara P217 (pictured above), an LMP2 prototype. This class was dominated by the top two cars of Team Redline. Pietari Poikela and Dominik Hofmann ultimately prevailed by 46.952 seconds from their teammates Patrick Wolf and Marc Elkemann. Third place went to YAS HEAT Microsoft.
<h2>Fascinating duels</h2>
The greatest suspense prevailed right to the end in the GTE class. BMW "Team Redline" and "BS+TURNER" fought a fascinating duel in the virtual BMW M8 GTE over the entire 12 hours. Maximilian Benecke, Enzo Bonito and Jonas Wallmeier passed Laurin Heinrich and Ryan Barneveld with fresher tires 30 minutes before the end of the race and clinched the second Redline triumph of the day on the Sebring circuit. Third place went to Williams Esports.

<img src="/api/static/62c609e7309f33ccaed0a36219c162c0.png" alt="VCO" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

In the GT3 category, there was no way around the BMW M4 GT3 from "BS+COMPETITION". Mikkel Gade and Felix Quirmbach drove to a virtually unchallenged victory in their class with a lead of 1:09.529 minutes at all times. The "Biela Racing Team EURONICS" and "R8G Esports" finished in second and third positions.
In addition to the race in Sebring, the VCO will also present the iRacing 24h Nürburgring on April 24/25. The same applies to the "iRacing Petit Le Mans" on October 3 and the 10-hour Suzuka race on November 7.
<h2>Further dates of the VCO Grand Slam</h2>
Here is an overview of the upcoming dates of the VCO Grand Slam. At the end of April it continues:
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 24/25, 2021: iRacing 24h Nürburgring powered by VCO.</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;October 3, 2021: iRacing Petit Le Mans powered by VCO</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;November 7, 2021: iRacing 10h Suzuka powered by VCO</li>
</ul>

VCO Grand Slam: Team Redline and BS+Competition dominate

The ADAC GT Masters eSports Championship powered by EnBW mobility+ will start the new season in 2021 – with more action and a larger starting grid.

32 sim racers will compete in 16 races at seven events in front of a growing fan community for a prize pot of 100,000 euros in cash and non-cash prizes. Sim racers who want to grab one of the 28 fixed starting spots for the German GT Championship eSport series can qualify from March 25, 2021. The first race will take place on June 1.&nbsp;
"The ADAC GT Masters eSports Championship powered by EnBW mobility+ has developed strongly over the past two years, and in 2020 alone we attracted more than 16,000 participants. We have made the series even more attractive for 2021, sim racers can look forward to even stronger fields, a larger prize money pot and even more exciting races. With the new ADAC GT4 eSports Series, we are creating a substructure and thus making the series interesting for up-and-comers from the ADAC Digital Cup and the ADAC SimRacing Cup," says ADAC Motorsport Director Thomas Voss.
<h2>Revised format</h2>
In seven live events with a total of 16 races, the sim racers will be hunting for points. The race format was fundamentally revised over the winter. The race day begins with a 10-minute qualifying session in which the participants work out their starting positions for the subsequent 20-minute sprint race. The highlight is the 40-minute main race. The starting grid is determined by the result of the sprint race, with the top ten going into the race in the reverse grid.
In two shoot-outs on 01.04 and 08.04, the best sim racers in Europe can qualify for one of the 28 permanent starting positions. Four guest starters complete the field at each race.

<img src="/api/static/563713362576a1671357f10f3bf62b04.png" alt="ADAC GT Masters" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Runs parallel to the racing calendar</h2>
The 2021 season has another innovation to offer: The ADAC GT4 eSports Series will start as part of the supporting program of the ADAC GT Masters eSports Championship. Participants will have to qualify via their own leaderboard before each race. The three fastest GT4 drivers of the season will receive a wildcard for the 2022 ADAC GT Masters eSports Championship. The races will be streamed in the live shows leading up to the ADAC GT Masters eSports races.
This season, due to corona, no rounds will be held directly at the race track as part of the ADAC GT Masters. But the eSports Championship will complete its rounds parallel to the German GT Championship race calendar on the same tracks. The virtual finale at the Hockenheimring will be held as a double-header.
But this does not mean that visitors to the ADAC GT Masters will have to do without the eSports Championship powered by EnBW mobility+. On site at the Nürburgring, Lausitzring, Sachenring and Hockenheimring race tracks, it's the fans' turn to step on the gas. In the RaceRoom race simulators, they can become ADAC GT Masters sim racers themselves, subject of course to the infection control measures in force at the time.
<h2>Calendar ADAC GT Masters eSports Championship 2021</h2>
<ul>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;01.06.2021 Oschersleben</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;08.06.2021 Red Bull Ring</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;07/06/2021 Zandvoort</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;03.08.2021 Nürburgring</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31.08.2021 Lausitzring</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28.09.2021 Sachsenring</li>
<li>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19.10.2021 Hockenheimring (two runs)</li>
</ul>

ADAC GT Masters

ADAC GT Masters eSports Championship 2021: Fight for 100,000 euros in prize money!

Lauf 1: 09.09.20 - Hockenheim National

Lauf 2: 23.09.20 - Loch Drummond Long Layout

Lauf 3: 07.10.20 - Anglesey Circuit International GP

Lauf 4: 23.10.20 - Atlanta Motorsport Park

Lauf 5: 04.11.20 - Portland Full Course

Lauf 6: 18.11.20 - Lime Rock Park West Bend Chicane

Lauf 7: 02.12.20 - Zwartkops Raceway

Lauf 8: 16.12.20 - Ahvenisto Race Circuit Park

Lauf 1 15.09.20 - NOLA C-Course

Lauf 2 29.09.20 - Watkins Glen Boot - No Chicane

Lauf 3 13.10.2020 - Road Atlanta

Lauf 4 27.10.2020 - Mosport

Lauf 5 10.11.2020 - Portland Full Circuit

Lauf 6 24.11.2020 - Lime Rock Park - Uphill Chicane

Lauf 7 08.12.2020 - Mid Ohio - No Chicane

Lauf 8 22.12.2020 - Bathurst Mount Panorama

Lauf 1 28.02.2020 - Sebring International Raceway

Lauf 2 27.03.2020 - Interlagos

Lauf 3 08.05.2020 - Le Mans

Lauf 4 19.06.2020 - Watkins Glen

Lauf 5 11.09.2020 - Mosport

Lauf 6 23.10.2020 - Suzuka

Lauf 7 04.12.2020 - TBA

Lauf 1 06.09.2020 - Red Bull Ring

Lauf 2 20.08.2020 - Istanbul Park

Lauf 3 04.10.2020 - Lausitzring

Lauf 4 18.10.2020 - Norisring

Lauf 5 01.11.2020 - Zandvoort

Lauf 6 15.11.2020 - Hockenheimring

Lauf 7 29.11.2020 - Misano

Lauf 8 13.12.2020 - Interlagos

Lauf 1: 14.08.20 - Red Bull Ring

Lauf 2: 30.08.20 - Spa-Francorchamps

Lauf 3: 13.09.20 - Silverstone 

Lauf 4: 27.09.20 - Baku

Lauf 5: 11.10.20 - Istanbul

Lauf 6: 25.10.20 - Zandvoort

Lauf 7: 08.11.20 - Budapest

Lauf 8: 22.11.20 - Fuji

Lauf 9: 06.12.20 - Suzuka

Lauf 10: 20.12.20 - Sao Paulo

Lauf 1: 21.11.20 - Sebering 12h Layout

Lauf 1: 09.09.20 - Nürburgring GP

Lauf 2: 23.09.20 - Shanghai GP

Lauf 3: 07.10.20 - Dubai Autodrome GP

Lauf 4: 21.10.20 - Spa-Francorchamps GP

Lauf 5: 04.11.20 - Road America GP

Lauf 6: 18.11.20 - Suzuka GP

Lauf 7: 02.12.20 - Paul Ricard 1C-V2

Lauf 8: 16.12.20 - Zandvoort GP

Lauf 1: 26.01.20 - Nürburgring

Lauf 2: 23.02.20 - Silverstone

Lauf 3: 22.03.20 - Bathurst

Lauf 4: 19.04.20 - Imola

Lauf 5: 17.05.20 - Zolder

Lauf 6: 14.06.20 - Spa

Lauf 7: 06.09.20 - Dubai

Lauf 8: 04.10.20 - Suzuka

Lauf 9: 01.11.20 - Monza

Lauf 10: 29.11.20 - Road America

Lauf 1: 03.02.20 - Nürburgring

Lauf 2: 02.03.20 - Silverstone

Lauf 3: 30.03.20 - Bathurst

Lauf 4: 27.04.20 - Imola

Lauf 5: 25.05.20 - Zolder

Lauf 6: 22.06.20 - Spa

Lauf 7: 14.09.20 - Dubai

Lauf 8: 12.10.20 - Suzuka

Lauf 9: 09.11.20 - Monza

Lauf 10: 07.12.20 - Road America

Lauf 1: 16.03.20 - Zolder

Lauf 2: 13.04.20 - Spa-Francochamps

Lauf 3: 11.05.20 - Brands Hatch

Lauf 4: 31.08.20 - Laguna Seca

Lauf 5: 28.09.20 - Mount Panorama

Lauf 6: 26.10.20 - Zandvoort

Lauf 7: 23.11.20 - Suzuka

Lauf 8: 21.12.20 - Nürburgring

Lauf 1: 11.02.20 - Imola

Lauf 2: 10.03.20 - Road Atlanta

Lauf 3: 07.04.20 - Zandvoort

Lauf 4: 05.05.20 - Watkins Glen

Lauf 5: 02.06.20 - Spa

Lauf 6: 22.09.20 - Laguna Seca

Lauf 7: 20.10.20 - Mugello

Lauf 8: 17.11.20 - Suzuka

Lauf 9: 15.12.20 - Brands Hatch

Lauf 1: 10.09.20 - Road America

Lauf 2: 24.09.20 - Mosport

Lauf 3: 08.10.20 - Watkins Glen

Lauf 4: 22.10.20 - Mugello

Lauf 5: 05.11.20 - Hungaroring

Lauf 6: 19.11.20 - Estoril

Lauf 7: 03.12.20 - Dubai

Lauf 8: 17.12.20 - Imola

Lauf 1: 25.09.20 - Deutschland

Lauf 2: 09.10.20 - Britische Inseln

Lauf 3: 23.10.20 - Südeuropa

Lauf 4: 06.11.20 - Westeuropa

Lauf 5: 20.11.20 - Nord-/Südamerika

Actually, Romain Grosjean was out of HAAS. But a fortunate circumstance now even makes him team manager of the racing team - somehow.

Romain Grosjean takes over management of HAAS-Esports team

In the footsteps of Michael Schumacher – How to improve your lap time in virtual and real motorsports with fitness.

Virtual and real races: Better lap times through the right fitness program

The ADAC SimRacing Expo 2021 offers you fascinating insights into the world of real and virtual motorsports. We have the details:

ADAC SimRacing Expo 2021: Experience the exciting world of motorsports!

The hardware specialists from Fanatec announce new steering wheels for the Playstation 5, which are to go on sale at lower prices.

Fanatec announces affordable steering wheel sets for Playstation 5

Ex-Formula 1 world champion and Mercedes-AMG F1 team boss Niki Lauda was the first driver to realize in the 1970s that he could become faster than his main rival James Hunt with fitness and a healthy diet. But it was Michael Schumacher's idea to travel to Formula One races with a mobile gym that showed all racing drivers that fitness could play an important role in success. His former F1 race engineer Pat Symonds of Benetton once revealed how intensively Michael Schumacher worked on his fitness even as a young racing driver because he was firmly convinced that it would enable him to achieve faster lap times. That was all that mattered to him.&nbsp;
<h2>The world champion's tough training schedule</h2>
He trained his neck muscles for four hours a day alone so that they would not go limp at the end of an F1 Grand Prix despite the enormous centrifugal forces in the corners, which in turn could have led to time-consuming driving errors.&nbsp;
He took his fitness training so seriously that he even had blood drawn during test drives at pit stops to analyze it for its oxygen content under the stresses of a race. The goal was to determine these important performance parameters and thus get the best possible preparation for the stress of a race.&nbsp;
"So unlike another exceptional driver, like Ayrton Senna, Schumacher was able to perform as well in the second half of the race as he did in the first," explained Symonds, who worked with both F1 world champions as a race engineer, in an interview. The training program of Bundesliga soccer players was nothing compared to that of the record world champion in Formula 1.&nbsp;
According to the "Bild" newspaper, professional soccer players spend only eight hours a week on the training pitch, while Schumacher alone trains his fitness for up to six hours a day. Dr. Johannes Peil, who scientifically accompanied his fitness program as a sports physician, once explained that Schumacher rode his bicycle for two to three hours a day, always climbing 1,000 to 2,000 meters of altitude. In addition, there would be extensive strength training, which trains the numerous muscle groups that are used during a race. Conclusion: Schumacher trained as much as seven Bundesliga players put together in one week alone to achieve success, and his successes in motorsport prove him right that fitness is a basic prerequisite for fast personal lap times.
<h2>Do the rules also apply to virtual racing?</h2>
Since I already knew before the GT Academy national finals that I wouldn't have the time to gain driving experience on the real race track, I had to step on the gas all the more in the other disciplines. If I couldn't get the best preparation on the race track, I still wanted to be one of the fittest among the guys so that I could achieve fast lap times this way.&nbsp;
So in the multi-stage fitness test (Bleep Test) at the German GT Academy finals we ran back and forth between two points exactly 20 meters apart. The interval was indicated by a sound signal and gradually shortened. At that time, I counted in my head the time I needed to get from A to B in each step, so I didn't exhaust myself too early, but was able to reach the highest performance level thanks to my fitness training.&nbsp;
My plan to advance one round at the GT Academy via my fitness worked out and also at the RaceCamp in Silverstone victory in a sporty pentathlon - consisting of running, buggy and hovercraft driving as well as cycling and a lap in a racing vehicle - saved me from the first elimination round.&nbsp;
<h2>What demands await in real and virtual racing?</h2>
Record laps are being broken non-stop, and racing cars are getting faster and more durable every year. Motorsport is a technology domain. The lion's share of the money goes into vehicle development and racing. With the advancement of technology, however, the question arises as to how the drivers can cope with the ever-increasing stresses and demands?
Anyone who has ever spent a little longer on an indoor kart track or a racing simulator with proper force feedback and a professional sim-racing brake knows the sore muscles in the arms, hands, upper body, legs and buttocks the next day.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/8837eaae48fe1194fdad6b32b3a9a424.png" alt="Kevin Rohrscheidt" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

But the mental and physical demands before, during and after the virtual and real races should not be underestimated either. In competitive motorsports, higher speeds as well as G-forces also mean more physical demands on a race driver. Most drivers in professional series are between 18 and 30 years old, but in the sport as a whole the age range is much wider.&nbsp;
To ensure that racers - regardless of age and class - are not left to their own devices when it comes to fitness and physical and mental performance, there are sports scientists like Lukas. 
The Cologne student at the German Sports University in his hometown has devoted himself to many sports, research projects and issues related to sports. From thermoregulation of different sports clothes, the influence of oxygen supply in the muscles as well as determining factors of running performance. But his passion has always been motorsports as well. This year he is looking after the drivers of the BMW M2 CS Racing Cup in the DTM.&nbsp;
Until recently, motorsports hardly played a role in sports science, and Lukas made it his mission to decisively change this. In addition to pioneering eye-tracking studies in motorsport between rookies and professional racers, Lukas worked closely with Max Hesse in 2018 as well as 2019, acting as his personal trainer and mental coach.&nbsp;
Thanks to training camps, sports sessions and warm-up programs during TCR Germany race weekends, the duo successfully clinched the overall championship, with Max now making it into the BMW Junior program. Lukas is currently working in Formula 3 and his holistic approach appeals to young drivers who, like me, are convinced that physical and mental fitness can make all the difference.&nbsp;
So what does it come down to when drivers have to withstand the G-forces, vibrations of the car and the physical demands of steering? And which of these are relevant for a SimRacer? 
Lukas briefly summarized the requirements from existing research in his master's thesis:
<ul>
<li>Rapid force development to extend the hip and knee for braking.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Generating and maintaining force and tension through the trunk and neck to resist sustained G-forces.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shoulder, arm as well as grip strength for steering and control of the vehicle.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Spatial awareness and reactions combined with the ability to multi-task and simultaneously control a car at speeds up to 300 mph.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The ability to maintain elevated heart rates for extended periods of time.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The ability to maintain cognitive performance and decision making.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<img src="/api/static/a1d133f89048eed93c20e1109d138952.png" alt="Kevin Rohrscheidt" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

So you see - the requirements for racing drivers are versatile and multi-layered. In SimRacing, you also have comparable motion sequences and, apart from the sustained G-forces, the requirements are basically similar, even if they are less pronounced. So where can you set the athletic focus at home and thus also benefit in SimRacing? Find out in our next Fit for Racing article in the KEEPONRACING column on SimRacing-Unlimited.com/en.&nbsp;
You can reach Lukas Bastian for a personal fitness program and your questions <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lukas.bastian/" target="_blank">best on Instagram</a> or via email at <a href="mailto:info@lukas-bastian.de" target="_blank">info@lukas-bastian.de</a>.&nbsp;

Fit for Racing

The legendary "Circuit Paul Ricard" is the subject of the new track guide from Codemasters. A video shows how you can best master the track.

The 5.84-kilometer Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet in southern France was already one of the safest race tracks in the world when it was completed in the 1970s. The run-off zones, which were completely new at the time, ensure that driving mistakes don't have to end in a fiasco. Of course, the challenging track can also be found in the current Formula 1 racing game "F1 2020" from Codemasters. The manufacturers provide video tips on how to get the most out of the racetrack.
<h2>How to drive on the road to victory</h2>
A new tutorial video shows how you can best get to grips with the Circuit Paul Ricard, where you should ideally start to overtake and which gears should be used when you race through the corners to reach almost 300 km/h on the straights.
<img src="/api/static/6cfb4762e62bea312cd95634387ba590.png" alt="F1 2020/Codemasters" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>
Not least because of the mixture of different types of curves, which require a high, medium or slower driving style, the Circuit Paul Ricard is also popular as a test track for new vehicle models - this is also ensured by the usually ideal weather conditions, which enable testing at the limits.&nbsp;
In addition to the high-speed straight, the race drivers particularly love the centrifugal forces of up to 5G that prevail when they enter the fast Beausset curve after the straight. In addition, the track offers many opportunities for overtaking, which of course also benefits the excitement and spectator numbers.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPqCjBx1Nw0&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">You can watch the video here</a>, after which you should easily be able to burn better times into the asphalt on the course.

F1 2020

F1 2020 Track-Guide: Circuit Paul Ricard

We were at the opening event of Jochen Schweizer Arena, the future "Home of E-Sport".

You are a motorsport fan and want to get a taste of the world of SimRacing? Your best friend has challenged you to a direct race duel? We take an exciting look into different SimRacing lounges and show you where you can try a virtual ride in a high-end racing simulator in your area. In this article we introduce you to the Jochen Schweizer Arena and the Virtual Experiences section.

Bodyflying, indoor surfing, outdoor activities and helicopter flights - the Jochen Schweizer Arena offers spectacular and exciting experiences in every season. We visited the impressive location in Taufkirchen and took a closer look at the new "Virtual Experiences" area on 300 square meters with the racing simulators at the opening event.

Jochen Schweizer Arena Teaser EN

SimRacing Lounges: Jochen Schweizer Arena - racing simulators

In SimRacing the equipment plays an important role, so you can have as much fun as possible and get your best possible performance.

You want to follow in the virtual footsteps of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris? Your interest in SimRacing has been aroused recently? Just like a real racer, equipment plays an important role in SimRacing, so you can have as much fun as possible and get your best possible performance. In this article we will take a quick and compact look at the heart of the SimRacing rig – the wheel base – and take a look under the hood.

The possibilities to transmit haptic feedback in the racing simulator are limited. Since there are no G-forces acting like in a real racing car, we have to make do with information from pedals, wheel base, steering wheel and in special cases via a motion system. This makes it all the more important that this feedback reaches us as SimRacers in as much detail as possible so that we can feel grip, road surfaces, bumps and collisions.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/6a49b722a261d4a75fc07721d5edd2cd.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Wheel Base Pic 1" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Perfect start</h2>

The Wheel Base plays a decisive role as steering unit and heart of the SimRacing Rig. The wheel base is the product behind the steering wheel in which electric motors or a belt drive and complex electronic systems are installed. Force Feedback (FFB) is the application of forces to the steering wheel to simulate the reaction of real vehicle components.&nbsp;

What I find exciting is that most manufacturers work with a 20-year-old force feedback technology in which forces and vibrations are generated from a selection of profiles and a limited library of haptic effects. This technology had to take into account the processing power at that time, which means that force feedback technology today has far more potential to reproduce the physics from racing games than we can imagine.&nbsp;

Nevertheless, SimRacers nowadays have a lot of possibilities in the wheel base segment. Basically, the more expensive the product, the higher the quality of the built-in technology. From simple electric motors and gear drives, belt drives and servo motors to the so-called Direct Drive models, you are spoilt for choice. You also have to pay attention to which steering wheels and which systems the respective wheel base is compatible with. The possible steering angles also differ depending on the wheel base.

<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Irc8Kr" target="_blank">Thrustmaster T150 PRO ForceFeedback</a> * (Bundle; RRP 249,99 €)&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3jXWPXA" target="_blank">Logitech G923</a> * (Bundle; 388,95 €)</li>
</ul>

For SimRacing newcomers, Logitech G offers the Logitech G923 - paired with steering wheel and pedals. It promises to be the first steering wheel unit to take advantage of the new generation of force feedback software technology with TRUEFORCE – provided the racing game supports it. Logitech G relies on two motors and one gear drive. This drive allows the steering wheel to be offered at a comparatively low price, but it is also not exactly quiet and not as precise as more expensive models. Thrustmaster also plays in this price segment and offers the Thrustmaster T150 PRO ForceFeedback.



<ul>
<li>Fanatec CSL Elite Wheel Base V1.1 (RRP 349,95 €)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/33TClJJ" target="_blank">Thrustmaster T300 RS</a> * (Bundle; RRP 399,99 €)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5 (RRP 549,95 €)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3nK84Fd" target="_blank">Thrustmaster TS-XW Racer Sparco P310 Competition Mod</a> * (Bundle; RRP 649,99 €)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<img src="/api/static/3134004dff0d15f31e4140f198c83b5d.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Wheel Base Pic 2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Full power with belt drive</h2>

Belt-driven steering units offer more smooth running and performance than their gear-driven counterparts. Inside the Thrustmaster T300 RS, for example, a powerful brushless servo motor rotates together with a double belt mechanism.&nbsp;

Fanatec was one of the first companies to use a belt drive and currently has two products in this segment in its portfolio: the CSL Elite Wheel Base and the ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5. The inner workings of the CSL Elite Wheel Base deliver six Newton meters to the steering axle and can therefore guarantee an even power development as well as a precise and fast response without dead centers for all steering wheels of the CSL and ClubSport series. Large ball bearings also ensure low friction. The power of the servo motor does, however, provide audible ventilation, but this is to be expected in view of the long service life of the motor.&nbsp;

At the upper end of this segment is the Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5. The belt drive with large ball bearings provides strong and fast force feedback effects. Due to the modular system Fanatec offers you the choice between different steering wheels that fit on the wheel bases.&nbsp;

In addition, for a vibration-free setup it is essential that the Wheel Base is firmly bolted to the frame of a racing seat. Alternatively, you can use a table clamp to mount the Wheel Base on a desk.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/11fd1ffde3e06cd38ed8a7fb2b663283.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Wheel Base Pic 3" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>High-end in every respect</h2>

The ultimate in the wheel base segment are the so-called direct-drive wheel bases. They offer the most authentic and precise driving experience on a racing simulator and are used by most professional racers and e-sports racing experts. The handlebars are directly connected to a large electric motor, allowing extremely fast power and data transfer. You can now feel every bump.&nbsp;

The possible torque is much higher than with belt driven wheel bases and requires responsible use. Especially in case of collisions with your virtual car or an impact you have to be careful – just like with a real steering wheel.&nbsp;

<ul>
<li>VRS DirectForce Pro Wheel Base (RRP 899,99 €)</li>
<li>AccuForce Pro V2 (RRP $999.00)</li>
<li>Fanatec Podium Wheel Base DD1 (RRP 1.199,95 €)</li>
<li>SIMUCUBE 2 Sport (RRP 1.270,00 €)</li>
<li>SIMUCUBE 2 Pro (RRP 1.470,00 €)</li>
<li>Fanatec Podium Wheel Base DD1 (RRP 1.499,95 €)</li>
<li>SIMUCUBE 2 Ultimate (RRP 3.170,00 €)</li>
</ul>

<img src="/api/static/1c1caa2e0576a242f9f4eaf066060535.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Wheel Base Pic 4" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

With its podium series, Fanatec measures itself in the high-end category against brands such as Simucube, AccuForce and the newcomer VRS, which were previously only known for SimRacing coaching. However, with the Fanatec Podium DD 1 and DD2, the manufacturer from Landshut has the only models that are seamlessly compatible with all PS4 and PS4 Pro systems. The engine reaches peak torques of 20 Newton meters for the DD1 model and 25 Newton meters for the DD2 version, comparable to the torque of most real racing cars with power steering.

The Finnish manufacturer Granite Devices with its Simucube brand is considered an expert in this segment. Within the SIMUCUBE 2 product range, you can choose between three options: Sport, Pro and Ultimate. The torque here ranges from 17 to a proud 32 Newton meters. Manufacturers such as AccuForce and Virtual Racing School also have their own steering units with direct drive, but are not as widespread as Fanatec and Simucube.&nbsp;

So, if you are a SimRacing enthusiast who wants to get the most realistic racing experience possible and train for real test and race applications like I do, investing in a wheel base with direct drive makes perfect sense. If the high price is still a deterrent, there is nothing wrong with a belt driven wheel base. For newcomers I recommend a Logitech G923 or Thrustmaster model for the SimRacing entry.
---&nbsp;
The links marked with '*' are so-called affiliate links, which are linked to the Amazon partner program. If a purchase is made via such a link, we will be paid a commission. This helps us to offer our content free of charge. Of course there are no additional costs for you!

SimRacing Hardware Wheel Base Teaser

SimRacing hardware quickly explained: Wheel Base

You want to follow in the virtual footsteps of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris? Your interest in SimRacing has been aroused recently? Just like a real racer, equipment plays an important role in SimRacing, so you can have as much fun as possible and get your best possible performance. In this article we will take a quick and compact look at pedals in SimRacing and what is important about them. 

Since I train with my SimRacing setup mainly for real racing, a realistic driving experience is very important to me. Above all, you can get a more constant performance with the right pedals. Why this is so is explained by the technology in the pedal sets.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/f34040f8d24edf21b0282eb5409d1c07.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Pedals Pic 1" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>What the racing heart desires</h2>

In the early days of racing games, wheel base, steering wheel and pedal unit were typically offered as a bundled set. With a rapidly growing market and further development of technologies, numerous new products and segments were created. Nowadays, there is almost everything the racing heart desires: from inexpensive bundle packages with pedals and steering wheel units to professional hydraulic pedal designs that are in no way inferior to a real racing car pedal set.

Currently, three types of pedals have established on the market – potentiometer-based pedals, pedals with Hall-effect sensor and pedal units with a so-called load cell unit. Translated this means that basically the difference between cheap and expensive pedals lies not only in the quality of worksmanship, but especially in the feel and response of the brake pedal.&nbsp;

The brake pedal in a real car creates an increasing resistance against your foot when pressed. The more you brake, the more force you have to apply. In a real racing car, this can be well over 100 kilograms of brake pressure. Low-priced pedals, on the other hand, feel more even and only stiffen at the end of the stroke. This means that you have to remember the pedal travel on these pedals, whereas on more expensive pedals you hit the right brake pressure more intuitively and repeatedly with the so-called muscle memory.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/eef4181cb4154b2a9f1ff879bab35806.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Pedals Pic 2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>All beginnings are easy</h2>

A potentiometer is essentially a position sensor. Using a mechanical resistance such as a spring or damper, the position of the pedal is measured and interpreted by the racing game as braking force.&nbsp;

The progressive pedal suspension of the Logitech G923 as well as the Thrustmaster T300 RS even tries to imitate the behavior of a pressure sensitive brake system.

<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3k6LEeU" target="_blank">Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals</a> * (RRP 99,95 €)&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/33QQUhk" target="_blank">Thrustmaster T150 PRO ForceFeedback</a> * (RRP 249,99 €)&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3nJF5Bm" target="_blank">Logitech G923</a> * (RRP 388,95 €)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2H4j7s8" target="_blank">Thrustmaster T300 RS</a> * (RRP 399,99 €)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Hall-effect sensors achieve a result comparable to that of a potentiometer, but measure the distance between a magnet and the sensor itself, which is then converted into an electrical signal and detected by the play as braking force. While still measuring the physical position of the pedal and not the brake pressure, it is less prone to error because we do not have to rely on mechanically moving parts.&nbsp;

<h2>More bite through new technologies</h2>

In higher quality, but also more expensive pedals, durable load cells are integrated into the pedal arm and measure the force exerted on the brake. In contrast to pedals with potentiometers, you can build up a realistic and strong brake pedal pressure and at the same time brake precisely and sensitively with muscle tension just like in a real racing car.&nbsp;

They are insensitive to dust and dirt and wear very little, so they promise high accuracy and durability. In addition, various individual adjustments can be made to the pedals.&nbsp;

•	Thrustmaster T-CLM (RRP 199,99 €)
•	Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals LC (RRP 229,95 €)
•	<a href="https://amzn.to/3iRhCul" target="_blank">Fanatec ClubSport Pedals V3</a> * (RRP 359,95 €)&nbsp;
•	Heusinveld Engineering Sim Pedals Sprint (2 pedal set) (RRP 599,00 €)
•	Heusinveld Engineering Sim Pedals Ultimate (2 pedal set) (RRP 1.079,00 €)
•	SIMTAG Hydraulic Pedal (Silver) (RRP 2.286,90 €)

In general, these pedals are also much better manufactured and sometimes rely on stable aluminum and metal constructions to cope with the high braking forces. One or two pedal sets are also available as inverted versions.

Widely used are the price-performance <a href="https://amzn.to/3iRhCul" target="_blank">Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals</a> *, which are equipped with a 90 kilogram load cell on the brake pedal and contactless Hall sensors on the accelerator and clutch pedal. The Fanatec CSL Elite pedals can be retrofitted with a load cell, while the Thrustmaster T-CLM pedals offer a 100 kilogram load cell and are comparatively new on the market.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/70469b621d673f88157c98e7329cebbd.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Pedals Pic 3" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Footwork like the pros</h2>

If you are willing to make an even higher investment for SimRacing pedals, manufacturers such as Heusinveld Engineering or SIMTAG offer suitable pedal sets for the most realistic feeling in the SimRacing footwell.&nbsp;

These high-end pedals offer additional adjustment possibilities and are used in the most professional racing simulators. With a 120 kilogram load cell in Heusinkveld Engineering Sim Pedals Sprint and a 200 kilogram load cell in Heusinkveld Engineering Sim Pedals, they enable ultimate pedal forces that are otherwise found in formula and LMP cars. The gas and clutch pedals are equipped with hydraulic dampers. Of course, this also has its price.&nbsp;

However, a stable SimRacing Rig that does not bend backwards when the brake pedal is pressed harder is a prerequisite for use. From the Logitech G29 to the Fanatec CSL Elite LC pedals and Fanatec ClubSport pedals V3 up to the Heusinkveld Engineering Sim Pedals Ultimate, I have used several pedal units on my own SimRacing Rig at home over the last years.&nbsp;

With this experience I can confirm that better pedals can make you not necessarily faster, but certainly more consistent. Especially with pedals, a bigger investment in load cell pedals is worthwhile, because the driving experience feels much more realistic. For the Fanatec ClubSport pedals V3 I recommend the additional Brake Performance Kit. On the Heusinkveld Engineering Sim Pedals Ultimate, which I currently use, I left out the clutch pedal and did not miss it until now.
---
The links marked with '*' are so-called affiliate links, which are linked to the Amazon partner program. If a purchase is made via such a link, we will be paid a commission. This helps us to offer our content free of charge. Of course there are no additional costs for you!

SimRacing Hardware Pedals Teaser

SimRacing hardware quickly explained: pedals

You want to follow in the virtual footsteps of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris? Your interest in SimRacing has been aroused recently? Just like a real racer, equipment plays an important role in SimRacing, so you can have as much fun as possible and get your best possible performance. In this article we will take a quick and compact look at the link between the driver and the SimRacing Rig – the steering wheel.

The steering wheel is the interface between driver and vehicle or SimRacer and SimRacing Rig. It is the only connection to your sports equipment besides the pedals and the seat. In SimRacing, the better it feels, the more authentic your driving experience. But nowadays SimRacing steering wheels are in no way inferior to their real-life counterparts. Ergonomics, materials, dimensions, knobs and features can be completely identical and thus it would theoretically be possible to use the SimRacing steering wheel in a real race car – provided the electronics play along.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/bcbe120bba13387626c017016172a308.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Steering Wheel Pic 1" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Pure racing feeling</h2>

Soft Alcantara, perforated leather, anodized aluminum or forged carbon - there are no limits to the ideas and SimRacing professionals usually have more than just a steering wheel at home. Different racing disciplines have different requirements for racing steering wheels. Formula or GT cars, rally or drifting – now there is a steering wheel on the market for every racing enthusiast. We present you a selection of the current available steering wheels.&nbsp;

Analogous to our SimRacing hardware-quick-explained-contribution to pedals and wheel bases, you as SimRacing beginners in the low-priced segment are bound to the respective bundle package. However, the steering wheels are also very well made in this segment. The Logitech G923 shines with brushed metal and leather seams like in a real car as well as center markings on the steering wheel rim. The integrated dials are adjustable and colored LEDs show the speed range in supported racing games. Recently even a programmable double clutch allows an even cleaner and faster race start.&nbsp;

In partnership with Sparco, Thrustmaster even offers a one-to-one replica of the Sparco P310 competition racing wheel, developed based on practical experience from the racing departments of leading car manufacturers. With a true-to-the-original diameter of 31.5 cm and a suede-covered steering rim as well as metal shift paddles, you will be able to drive very close to reality, even at a reasonable price. For Ferrari fans, there is even a replica of the 599XX EVO steering wheel in 8:10 scale and the same Alcantara material used for the real Ferrari steering wheels – directly imported from Italy.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/d08cb12fe47403d3ab25b349051d188d.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Steering Wheel Pic 2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Modular systems and limitless possibilities</h2>

Fanatec awakens your passion for collecting with steering wheel rims with a modular system and free choice in Formula, GT, Drift, Classic or Oval style. The Fanatec ClubSport Universal Hub as well as the Fanatec Podium Hub even allow you to mount original steering wheels from renowned manufacturers such as MOMO, SPARCO or OMP in addition to the Fanatec in-house steering wheel rims from the Fanatec product portfolio. A simple six-screw design allows you to switch between the steering wheels as you like and even position the five controls individually – depending on the chosen steering wheel.

The weight of the steering wheel plays an important role. The lighter the steering wheel, the more direct the force feedback of the wheel base. A light steering wheel allows even faster and more precise reactions if the rear end of the car breaks away or if the car is understeering.&nbsp;

The SimRacing hardware forge from Landshut also offers a wide range of steering wheels at a reasonable price. The CSL steering wheel P1 for Xbox One and PC is currently the most favorable steering wheel of the ClubSport series and presents itself with brushed, anodized aluminum as well as Alcantara cover solidly manufactured and beyond that it is very light with just 970 grams. The RevStripe with the three-digit LED display is also unusual in this price class. An illuminated stripe indicates the next gear change and the display can be used for tuning settings or to display telemetry data. Rally fans can look forward to a WRC edition of the CSL steering wheel P1.

<img src="/api/static/22c588ce566c56b937f8c8b8de63b3f2.png" alt="SimRacing Hardware Steering Wheel Pic 3" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Professional racers feel at home</h2>

In the ClubSport series, changing the steering wheels is even faster with the quick-release fastener system. The highlight of the series is the compact ClubSport Formula V2 steering wheel with a diameter of 27 cm and multicolored LED strips, OLED display and numerous knobs and rotary switches. It gets even more realistic with the upgrade to the Podium Advanced Paddle Module, which is equipped with a dual clutch system and magnetic shift lever with carbon fiber plates. GT3 and Porsche fans have the opportunity to prepare for endurance races with the Podium Button Module Endurance. With the true-to-original replica of the Porsche 911 GT3 R steering wheel, including a larger LED display and the matching buttons and rotary switches from the real racing car, you are well prepared for a long SimRacing night.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

With steering wheels there are hardly any limits to the price. The Italian manufacturer Cube Controls only offers Formula and GT steering wheels, but these offer a really good value. Designed for SimRacing pros and professional racers and all those who want to become one, the steering wheels have a 4.3 inch LCD screen, depending on the model, which you can configure individually, and illuminated buttons, which is absolutely recommended. The front panels in real carbon are a matter of course. Also the gearshifts are in no way inferior to those in a real racing car and the steering wheels are compatible with Wheel Bases from Thrustmaster, Logitech, AccuForce, Fanatec and Simucube. F1 pros like Lando Norris and GT aces like Kelvin van der Linde use the steering wheels from Precision Sim Engineering, which offer Formula and GT variants as well as a model for Le Mans prototypes. Individual steering wheels are also implemented by Precision Sim Engineering, but can only be delivered again from 2021.

SimRacing Hardware Steering Wheel Teaser

SimRacing hardware quickly explained: steering wheels 

In the KEEPONRACING column Kevin gives unique insights into real motorsport.

From fan to driver - what motorsport fan and SimRacing enthusiast doesn't dream of it? But who believes that this dream can actually become a reality for himself? Especially since, unlike many other young racing drivers, I didn't grow up in karting but had my first racing experience with Gran Turismo and my participation in the GT Academy competition. In the second part of my column you can read more about my new racing car and my new racing team this year.

So, I was delighted to be part of the successful RN Vision STS team and to have the opportunity to drive a Porsche Cayman GT4 CS in the hotly contested NES 8 class, another year in the DMV NES 500 Endurance Championship. In doing so, I have to improve my skills as a racing driver enormously again, when I have to fight for places and points, among others with professional drivers and factory drivers like Benny Leuchter in top racing cars from the well-known ADAC TCR Germany Touring Car Championship. It is clear that our team with the Porsche Cayman GT4 CS has the role of underdog in this class, but it is precisely this challenge for us that makes the championship and the races all the more exciting.


<img src="/api/static/38009f1fa35c87b7366d9f807f794b40.png" alt="KEEPONRACING Story 2 Pic 1" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

This development towards the GT4 category means a lot to me, because since my entry into motorsports two years ago, I have been able to improve year by year, so that I am now very happy to be part of the successful team RN Vision STS around my team boss Veit-Valentin Vincentz this year and to share my further development steps and experiences with you on my KEEPONRACING blog.&nbsp;

<h2>David vs. Goliath</h2>

Especially important for me as a young motor sportsman is the fact that RN Vision STS - besides trophy hunting - also focuses on the further development of my driving skills. So every training session and race is accompanied by comprehensive data and video analysis, as I already know it from simracing. In the video on my YouTube channel, my team boss Veit and I also talk about the difference between simracing and real racing. In addition, I will introduce you to my new racing car in a unique predator design and take you for a spin on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit. Furthermore.&nbsp;

Before the test drives on the Nürburgring and Zandvoort started, I still lacked a bit of confidence in the car, especially in curves where the car became restless. With increasing confidence, my pace has also improved steadily. The tires usually have even more grip than the car gave me at the first moment, I just got a feel for it and that's a point I was able to improve on at the start of the season at the Lausitzring.

With our second place in the rain race at the Sachsenring, I proved that I have gained confidence in our mid-engine sports car even in wet conditions and it surprised myself how much fun I had in the race in such difficult conditions.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/e360831db1020bcb2db9994645aefb56.png" alt="KEEPONRACING Story 2 Pic 2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

You can follow my story of simracing in real motorsports this year again on my Instagram-(@keeponracing) and Facebook channel (KEEPONRACING.DE) as well as on <a href="https://keeponracing.de/" target="_blank">KEEPONRACING.DE</a> and my column on simracing-unlimited.com

Keeponracing Story 2 Teaser

KEEPONRACING: Level Up! New car, new team

From fan to driver! In the KEEPONRACING column Kevin gives unique insights into real motorsport.

Welcome to my KEEPONRACING story!

From fan to driver - which motorsport fan and simracing enthusiast doesn't dream of it? But who believes that this dream can actually become a reality for himself of all people? Especially since, unlike many other young racing drivers, I didn't grow up in karting but made my first racing experiences with Gran Turismo and my participation in the GT Academy competition. 

With the GT Academy competition, the car manufacturer Nissan and the video game brand PlayStation wanted to find out whether a fast PlayStation gamer can also cut a good figure in a real cockpit. Over 100,000 players in Germany took part in the competition. They all fought for a place in the German final and with it the further selection process in the race camp in Silverstone. The winner was offered a contract as a professional Nissan factory racer. Here I made my first experience in a race car on a real race track.&nbsp;

<img src="/api/static/6c6e42c032564fd54c81a5fc3ecc4d3e.png" alt="KEEPONRACING Story 1 Pic 1" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

This experience was so overwhelming that after my seventh place in the race camp I wanted to do everything I could to become a race driver. So, in 2013, the idea for my mission #KEEPONRACING was born from the well-known radio message of the race engineers "Keep on Pushing", i.e. to always give everything in the race. Here, too, I have to give everything I have to go from being a motorsport fan to becoming a motorsport racer.

<h2>Life is too short not to try</h2>

Since I know from my own experience how difficult it is to realize such a dream, I had the idea to write down my story to motivate and inspire other motorsport fans and simracing enthusiasts in my #KEEPONRACING blog.&nbsp;

Because, as they say, without sweat there is no prize. So, I had to overcome many challenges with a lot of perseverance, dedication and passion in order to complete my third racing season as a late entrant, against all expectations in the racing scene.&nbsp;

On my way I learned one thing I want to share with you - there are always different ways into motorsports and you can take up this mission at any age. But you have to keep at it and motivate yourself again and again and literally "Keep on Pushing" yourself to push and push.&nbsp;


<img src="/api/static/01b088cbfe16bc3c1a8f4e3b0826828a.png" alt="KEEPONRACING Story 1 Pic 2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Surprise debut season</h2>

So I started my first full racing season at the age of 26, after having participated in several virtual-to-real racing competitions and junior scouting. With the BMW M240i Racing in snow and rain at the Hockenheimring, with a Mini Cooper JCW at the Sachsenring, the KTM X-Bow GT4 at the Slovakiaring or at my first race ever directly through Raidillon de l'Eau Rouge in Spa-Francorchamps - with each race I learned a new aspect on my way to becoming a racer.&nbsp;

After my surprising third place in the DMV BMW 318ti Cup championship in my first year as a racer in 2018, I finally knew for myself that it was possible to enter motorsport via Simracing. But, after that, every motor sportsman inevitably has to ask the question: what is still in it for me with my talent and my financial possibilities thanks to my sponsors?&nbsp;
<h2>Passion for endurance races</h2>

That's why I made a conscious decision to participate in the DMV National Endurance Series 500 for an endurance championship. The races, which last several hours, take place on attractive race tracks, were always exciting and demanded everything from the team, drivers and vehicles. Here I was able to build on the success of my first year and win the championship in my class on a BMW M240i Racing with my two team mates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So after the season I asked myself again the question: how and where do I want to do racing in the future and on which professional level can I drive with my talent and possibilities?

This is a question that every motor sportsman has to answer honestly and self-critically and so I was glad to have the opportunity to gain further experience in the "entry level" of professional motor sports - the GT4 class - during a test with HP Racing International in Portimão and to discuss the next steps in motor sports with the successful team manager and instructor Hari Proczyk.&nbsp;


<img src="/api/static/d8e6189b2d2fe57aefcd958033c872da.png" alt="KEEPONRACING Story 1 Pic 3" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

You can follow my story of simracing in real motorsports this year again on my Instagram-(@keeponracing) and Facebook channel (KEEPONRACING.DE) as well as on <a href="https://keeponracing.de/" target="_blank">KEEPONRACING.DE</a> and my column on simracing-unlimited.com

KEEPONRACING Story 1 Teaser

KEEPONRACING: From fan to driver - how it all began!

In our article we take a look under the hood and dive into the meaning of SimRacing from our point of view.

Virtual Motorsports, E-Racing, SimRacing or E-Sports Racing? There are many buzzwords and terms that are mentioned around our passion. In our article we take a look under the hood and dive into the meaning of SimRacing from our point of view. For this purpose we will introduce you to the term E-Sports Racing. 

Many motorsport fans long for the chance to race a GT3 or GT4 racing car over iconic race tracks like the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and get as close as possible to the dream of a racing driver. Diving into the golden era of motor sports in the cockpit of a Group C monster or formula car from the seventies is now also possible in an authentic way in Simracing, also written Sim-Racing or SimRacing.


<img src="/api/static/60cbbcec661f42e50d47f3e6bd854bed.png" alt="SimRacing E-Sports Racing Pic 1" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Ideal training option for racing drivers</h2>

SimRacing is the abbreviation for "Simulated Racing". SimRacing is considered an umbrella term and refers to racing simulations that have implemented racing vehicles and race tracks, and especially the driving behavior, with a very high demand for realism. In contrast to other racing games along the spectrum, the driving dynamic limit range of the vehicles in racing simulations is rather narrow and therefore requires a lot of training laps and patience. This includes numerous other variables such as vehicle tuning, fuel and tire consumption, and changing track conditions. The more realistic, the better.

By simulating vehicle behavior more precisely, the racing simulation can pass on more data and information to SimRacing hardware such as force feedback steering wheels and wheel bases as well as pedal units. This makes SimRacing a tool for racing drivers to prepare for real test and race applications and to coordinate new vehicle setups together with the teams. Conversely, for motor sports and racing game fans, this means that they can train and practice the same motion sequences, driving techniques and working methods as a real professional racing driver with a significantly lower budget investment for SimRacing hardware and software compared to real racing.

Weight transfer, tire management and vehicle control at the limits play an equally decisive role both virtually and in reality, and many basic principles can be transferred from SimRacing to real motor sports and vice versa. Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have been active in SimRacing since their youth and have been able to train their skills there. SimRacing is also based on a mixture of driving skills, professional preparation and technical know-how. The biggest difference is the physical aspect of motorsport, especially the G-forces that act on the body in the real vehicle. In addition, there are also real consequences in the event of a claim.&nbsp;


<img src="/api/static/0bd8578a6541704aaa43c157799fe7ed.png" alt="SimRacing E-Sports Racing Pic 2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Approved as a motorsport discipline</h2>

SimRacing has also recently become an official motorsport discipline. "In no other sport reality and digital simulation are as close to each other as in motor sports", is the opinion of Dr. Gerd Ennser, member of the DMSB's executive committee and responsible for the DMSB's SimRacing activities. "From our point of view, SimRacing can be the entry into motor sports, as it is relatively inexpensive and can be practiced by practically anyone - by the way, also by people with physical disabilities. Concentration, reaction speed and basic technical understanding are perfectly trained in SimRacing. This is also shown by the pilots who have been able to win through in the SimRacing area in junior scouting competitions and have already gained a foothold in real sport. Now we want to make this possible for even more drivers".

Even active racing drivers who hang up their racing shoes can continue to pursue their passion in SimRacing. But it is not only on the driver's side that SimRacing offers possibilities comparable to those in real motor sports. As moderator or commentator, photographer or organizer of virtual race series and races, designer of digital racing paints, team manager or engineer, there are numerous tasks and fields of activity within the SimRacing community with which one can spend even more time than actual driving.


<img src="/api/static/7337b03abd5f54552d69c89d08f7701c.png" alt="SimRacing E-Sports Racing Pic 3" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Reach boom of e-sports racing</h2>

The keywords "e-sports" and "e-sports racing" have recently become increasingly present in the SimRacing community. They refer to the competitive area of SimRacing, but can also include less simulation-oriented racing games. The first World Championship in Grand Prix Legends was held as early as 1998. At that time, 20 drivers competed with steering wheels, joysticks and a modem for a small prize pool in virtual Grand Prix cars.&nbsp;

Then in 2008, Sony PlayStation and Nissan Motorsport launched GT Academy on the popular Gran Turismo series, which took winning racing game enthusiasts on a journey into real racing. rFactor 2 was used, among other things, for the Visa Vegas eRace of Formula E, in which professional racers competed against SimRacing pros for a million dollars in prize money.

Both the Formula 1 with its F1 Virtual Grand Prix series and the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans brought in record numbers of spectators this year. While Formula 1 generated 30 million hits on TV and digital platforms, the first official edition of the Le Mans Virtual 24 Hours, which took place from June 13 to 14, attracted 14.2 million viewers.


<img src="/api/static/c685845b24490bfcd1021f90e4452ad3.png" alt="SimRacing E-Sports Racing Pic 4" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h2>Manufacturers and racing series have recognized the potential</h2>

Almost every racing series now deals with SimRacing and E-Sports Racing. Porsche and BMW, in particular, each have their own virtual racing series with attractive prize money at the start with the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup and the BMW 120 SIM Cup as well as the BMW M2 CS Racing Cup. With the Porsche SimRacing Summit and BMW SIM LIVE, there are even their own SimRacing events at the manufacturers' premises. McLaren and Ferrari are also active in promoting SimRacing drivers with their own programs. The WRC has its own Rallye E-Sports World Championship, the GT World Challenge hosts the SRO E-Sports GT Series, and American racing series such as NASCAR and Indycar also have their own virtual counterparts.&nbsp;

SimRacing and E-Sports Racing therefore offer numerous opportunities not only from a driving or personal point of view, but companies and brands have already recognized the potential and reach in a young and technology-oriented community.

SimRacing E-Sports Racing Title

What is SimRacing and what does E-Sports Racing mean?

In our article we will discuss what makes a racing simulation a simulation and how versatile the range of racing games really is.

Racing simulation, Sim-Cade, Arcade-Racer or just racing game? Many terms are mentioned in connection with racing games, but many definitions are more confusing than that they make it easier for interested people and beginners to understand. In our article we will discuss what makes a racing simulation a simulation and how versatile the racing game spectrum really is. 

Everyone knows them - with titles like Need for Speed, Burnout, Mario Kart, Colin McRae Rally or Wipeout, childhood memories are immediately awakened. Many of you grew up with these racing games and spent countless hours tuning, tricking and working on ever new time or point records. They are all considered racing games, and racing games in turn are considered the computer and video game genre. By definition, racing games are about driving a given route in a vehicle (or something like that) in the shortest possible time. Thus the whole spectrum - from Mario Kart to iRacing, Need for Speed to Assetto Corsa - falls into the racing game genre.


<img src="/api/static/1649beae280a4a50a597a65292e4c73f.png" alt="Finishline rFactor2" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>


<h2>The racing games spectrum</h2>

On one side of the spectrum, racing games are designed to be beginner-friendly and focus on maximum gaming fun with a steep learning curve. Start the engine and let's go! Without slowing down through the curves? No problem! Extreme speeds and unrealistic driving behavior are often the order of the day, and weapons or other objects can also throw unwanted opponents off track. Colloquially, this form of racing games is also known as arcade or fun racer. This type of racing games for consoles, Microsoft Windows and smartphones also find a home at simracing-unlimited.com.&nbsp;

Along the spectrum you'll find many more exciting racing games - from Forza Horizon and Live for Speed to the popular console flagship racing games Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo, to the official F1 and rally titles and the Project CARS series. Often this very broad part of the racing games spectrum is simply titled Sim-Cade (or SimCade) - a mixture of simulation and arcade racer.&nbsp;

These racing games partly fulfill aspects of unambiguous racing simulations, such as faithfully reproduced vehicles and race tracks, tire wear and simulated vehicle weight and chassis models, but they make compromises in certain areas in order to keep the learning curve as flat as possible and the game fun high. Playability with the gamepad - often next to the steering wheel with pedal unit - is also an important factor.

<h2>Hot discussed</h2>

Driving aids, such as a brake and steering aid, make it easier for beginners or players without much simulation experience to master the first meters in a new racing game. Tires also do not overheat as quickly, and a trip to a virtual gravel bed or a grass carpet does not end so dramatically, which makes it easier for a new and younger target group to enter the world of more realistic racing games. That in turn is a great thing for the whole community.&nbsp;

The exact classification of the individual racing games is hotly discussed in the player community and can rarely be made clear, so we refrain from a clear classification of the individual racing game titles in this area. But one thing is clear, basic requirement for racing simulation is that the real world is the model for the digital world. All other aspects feel different for different players, different and individually different and therefore a clear classification can never be made.


<img src="/api/static/b4a651063ed244303fb2db7bbcf255cc.png" alt="Assetto Corsa screenshot" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>


<h2>What distinguishes a racing simulation</h2>

Not much less hotly debated is the question, which racing game actually deserves the predicate racing simulation. Of course there are different opinions, but one common denominator is and remains the claim of the racing game to be as close to reality as possible.

This means that the focus of the development team, and thus the available resources, is much more on a realistic implementation of the complex vehicle physics, instead of a presentation or an attractive career mode. Vehicle models are implemented accurately on the basis of CAD data - in some cases provided directly by the manufacturer - and a large part of the race tracks are virtually implemented with centimeter precision using the laser scanning method, including individual bumps. ABS and traction control systems are also implemented more precisely and the tire grip changes over a driving unit, so that more sensitivity is required behind the virtual cockpit. Brake points set too late and hard steering maneuvers have an effect on tire and brake wear. In addition, the track surface changes with increasing rubber abrasion and the outside temperature affects tire grip and vehicle performance.

<h2>Racing simulations as a tool for real racing drivers</h2>

By realistically simulating the wheels, tire surfaces as well as chassis and other chassis components, racing simulations also serve as a tool for real racing drivers to prepare themselves for test and racing missions. This also includes working with telemetry data from the respective racing simulation. In addition, setup changes can be adjusted based on numerous parameters, such as vehicle height and rear wing angle, and have a direct effect on lap times and driving feel.&nbsp;

However, for racing game beginners all this also means a flatter and longer learning curve as well as a lot of patience when mastering the individual vehicles and tracks. A domestic racing simulator with a steering wheel and pedal unit as well as a stable seat construction is ideal, so that the muscle movements can be memorized as well as possible. In addition, there is a lot of patience and fun in the challenge of becoming faster step by step and driving as error-free as possible.


<img src="/api/static/ae4a1d28b0f855c1f2a04fdba342697d.png" alt="iRacing model" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>


<h2>The right racing game for everyone</h2>

Current racing simulations include iRacing, Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione, RaceRoom Racing Experience, as well as the Automobilista and rFactor series. Due to complex physics and computational models, racing simulations generally unfold their greatest potential on powerful Microsoft Windows systems and continue to develop with new technologies over the years. Thus, it is possible that a racing game at a later stage of its development is at a different point on the racing game scale, for example even further towards racing simulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Whatever your preferences for racing games, we are grateful for the varied selection along the entire spectrum. Different racing games have their very own strengths and therefore the exact classification of racing game titles is not general, but rather a personal assessment. Meanwhile there is a suitable title for almost every racing game fan - racing game newcomer or experienced simracer - and it is certain that everyone will benefit from a growing racing game community. The most important thing anyway is that you have fun with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Race simulations and racing games explained

Race simulations and racing games quickly explained

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KEEPONRACING: Level Up! New car, new team

KEEPONRACING: From fan to driver - how it all began!

What is SimRacing and what does E-Sports Racing mean?

Race simulations and racing games quickly explained