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What is Sim Racing? A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Sim Racing
What actually is Sim Racing? We’ll break it down for you.
If you’ve ever dreamed of driving an F1 car, experiencing the thrill of passing opponents at 200 MPH at Daytona, drifting through the mountain passes of Japan, or rally driving in the plains of Africa, all from the comfort of your home, Sim Racing is right for you. Sim racing, short for simulator racing, offers a highly realistic experience, with games that replicate the physics and handling of real-world vehicles. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, racing advocate, video game fan, or aspiring motorsport competitor, sim racing offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the world of sim racing, starting with why to start sim racing, the equipment you’ll need to get started, and the games that offer the best experiences. Ready to learn more about sim racing? Let’s dive in!
What is Sim Racing
Sim Racing is short for Simulator Racing - a digital version of motorsport focused on realism, competition, and immersion.
And it can get pretty real.
Real cars.
Real tracks.
Real physics.
Real Setups.
Real competition.
From Formula 1, Nascar, and IMSA drivers to full-time esport pros to the casual racing enthusiasts, all are Sim Racing from their homes.
And if you ever wanted to drive that one dream car, Sim Racing’s got it.
Why get into Sim Racing?
Have you ever watched a race on TV, then want to race that car on that track with other racers? Ever watched a carchase in a movie and wanted to feel the thrill yourself? Well now you can! Sim racing offers unique benefits that appeal to different types of people:
- Car Enthusiasts
- If you love cars, sim racing lets you experience all vehicles, from Exotics to JDMs to your mom’s minivan. Want to drive a Ferrari on Monza? Or test out a GT3 car in the Nürburgring? Sim racing gives you access to cars and tracks from around the world.
- Some games, like Assetto Corsa, even allow you to mod cars and tracks, giving you endless customization options. Ever wanted to drive Initial D’s Mount Akina? Well in Assetto Corsa, you can!
- Motorsport Fans
- Follow Formula 1 or endurance racing? Sim racing lets you experience the same circuits and challenges as professional drivers.
- Many professional racers, including Max Verstappen and William Byron, use simulators to practice between real-world events.
- Competitive Gamers
- Enjoy competitive gaming? Sim racing offers online leagues, tournaments, and esports events where you can test your skills against the best.
- Some games, like iRacing, have structured racing licenses and leaderboards, creating a path to professional competition.
Sim Racing vs Arcade Racing: What’s the difference?
While arcade racing games focus on fast, easy fun, sim racing games aim to replicate real-world physics and offer a more immersive experience. Think of sim racing as the motorsport equivalent of flight simulators—detailed, technical, and incredibly rewarding for those who love precision.
Examples of Arcade Racing Games
• Need for Speed – High-speed chases, cinematic action
• Mario Kart – Light-hearted, fun with friends
• Forza Horizon – Open-world exploration with fast cars
Examples of Sim Racing Games
• iRacing – The ultimate competitive online racing platform
• Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) – GT racing with unparalleled realism
• Gran Turismo 7 – A hybrid of sim and arcade, great for beginners
• F1 Series – The go-to game for Formula 1 fans
Both arcade racing and sim racing are great. More and more arcade racers are switching over to sim racing to get the immersion we all desire.
Sim Racing: A World of Possibilities
Sim racing offers more than just gaming—it’s a gateway to a whole new world where cars, competition, and community come together. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a motorsport fan, or a car enthusiast, there’s a place for you on the virtual track.
At ReadySetSim (RSS), we’re here to help you every step of the way. Use our Sim Rig Builder to build your perfect racing setup, explore more in-depth guides on our blog, and stay connected with the sim racing community.
Final Thoughts
Sim racing is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of motorsport—without ever leaving your home. Whether you’re here for the cars, the competition, or the fun, sim racing offers something for everyone.
BECOME A PARTNER
At Ready Set Sim, we believe in forging strong partnerships to drive innovation and enhance the sim racing experience. By joining forces with us, you’ll gain access to a passionate community of sim racers, along with unique marketing opportunities to showcase your platform.
Whether you're an equipment manufacturer, sim racer, or sim influencer, partnering with RSS means working alongside industry experts who are dedicated to delivering unparalleled value to sim racers worldwide. Let's accelerate success together!
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