Race to win with the Trak Racer TR160 racing simulator Get ready to rev your virtual engine with the Trak Racer TR160 raci...
View full detailsRacing Simulators
Gamer Gear Direct is your ultimate destination for racing simulators that cater to every kind of sim racing enthusiast.
If you’re in the market for a racing simulator to slash those lap times on iRacing, or you’re keen to get your hands on a racing simulator rig and race your favourite GT3 car in Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Or maybe you're looking for a DIY racing simulator to fly our New Zealand rally tracks in Dirt Rally 2.0.
If you’re nodding your head to any of the above, then you’re in the right place!
At Gamer Gear Direct, we understand the needs of sim racing enthusiasts, whether you’re a novice eager to start your racing journey or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your current racing simulator rig. We’ve got you covered.
Our collection includes carefully selected racing simulators that are perfect for any Xbox, PlayStation, or PC sim racer.
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Our racing simulator range brings the action of the track right into your home
Experience the adrenaline-pumping speed of the virtual track with a racing simulator cockpit that’s built to offer you the most realistic simulation experience.
From entry level models that are ideal if you’re on a tight budget to high-spec racing simulator bundles that include everything you need to start racing, Gamer Gear Direct makes it easy to choose the perfect racing simulator for your space and preferences.
Find the right racing simulator rig for your needs below
Trak Racer
- Entry level to high-end rigs
- Compatible with all wheels & pedals
- Five year warranty on all products
Playseat
- Entry level to high-end rigs
- Compatible with all wheels & pedals
- Two year warranty on all products
Cooler Master
- High-end racing simulators
- Compatible with most wheels & pedals
- Two year warranty on all products
F1 Simulators
- Perfect for formula/LMP fans
- Compatible with all wheels & pedals
- Authentic racing position
PlayStation Simulators
- Compatible with PS4/PS5
- Race your favourite PlayStation titles
- Only quality gear used
Xbox Simulators
- Compatible with Xbox
- Race your favourite Xbox titles
- Only quality gear used
Motion Simulators
- Hyper-realistic and immersive
- Feel everything that happens on the track
- Five year warranty on all products
Simulator Packages
- Great if you want a turn-key simulator
- Variety of sim packages available
- We can build your dream rig!
Racing simulators have gained massive popularity in recent years among gaming enthusiasts, particularly those interested in motorsports.
Simulators are a way to experience the thrill of high-speed racing from the comfort of your own home.
They are designed to provide a realistic driving experience, simulating the feel of a real race car on a track.
If you’re new to racing simulation, the idea of a purchasing a racing simulator cockpit may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be.
With the right guidance, anyone can get started in the world of sim racing.
Below, you'll find an introduction to racing simulators, exploring what they are, how they work, and what to look for in order to choose the right simulator for you.
Table of contents
What is a racing simulator?
In this section, we will break down the various components that make up a racing simulator, providing an in-depth explanation of each part.
From the racing cockpit to the wheel, pedals, shifter, and handbrake, we'll explore how each component works and what to look for when choosing a racing simulator.
Understanding the different parts of racing simulators is essential for anyone new to sim racing, so let's dive right in.
Racing cockpit
The racing simulator cockpit is the backbone of any racing simulator.
It is the first and most crucial part of the simulator that you should consider.
The cockpit provides you with a stable and realistic platform to sit in while simulating a real driving experience.
Sim cockpits come in various sizes and shapes and can be customised to fit your specific preferences.
A good racing simulator cockpit will provide a comfortable driving and seating position, allowing you to maintain good posture and focus on the track without being distracted by discomfort or fatigue.
It should also be adjustable, so you can move the seat, pedals, and wheel positions to fit your needs and preferred driving position.
Some popular racing simulator cockpit brands in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and elsewhere in Australia include Trak Racer, RSeat, Sparco and Playseat.
Wheel & wheelbase
A racing wheel is responsible for providing you with the necessary feedback and control needed to simulate a real driving experience.
It should be precise, responsive, and provide an accurate representation of the car's movements on the track
Pedals
Sim racing pedals are arguably the most critical piece of racing simulators if you want to become faster and more consistent.
In fact, in a recent Reddit survey asking what is the most important piece of sim gear for pace, 67% of respondents voted for pedals.
Sim pedals help you to accelerate, brake, and control the car's speed.
The pedals should be adjustable and provide a realistic feel (preferably via load cell or hydraulic technology), giving you an accurate representation of the car's movements on the track.
There are various types of racing pedals available, from basic pedals to high-end models with adjustable hydraulic brake set-ups.
Brands such as Asetek, VNM Simulation, MOZA and Simucube are popular among racing simulator enthusiasts.
Shifter and handbrake
The shifter and handbrake are optional components that can be added to racing simulators to provide a more realistic driving experience.
The shifter allows you to shift gears manually, while the handbrake can be used for drifts and other manoeuvres.
Handbrakes are a ‘must have’ if you like rally or drifting simulation titles.
Monitors and monitor stand
The monitors and monitor stand give you a clear and immersive view of the racing environment.
The number and size of the monitors can vary, but most simulators use at least one large monitor or a triple-screen setup to create a realistic field of view (FOV).
PC or console
Finally, you'll need a PC or console to power your racing simulators.
Most simulators use a PC for the best graphics and performance, but consoles like the Xbox or PlayStation can also be used with compatible racing games.
When choosing a PC or console, you should consider your budget and games you want to play.
The PC or console should be compatible with your chosen racing cockpit and other components.
We recommend PC as the most popular racing titles are usually designed for PC.
You’ll have access to a much wider choice of simulation titles with a PC setup.
Racing simulator cockpit types
A racing simulator cockpit is the central component of a complete racing setup.
It is the platform that holds the wheel, pedals, shifter and handbrake, and other accessories in place, providing you with a realistic racing experience.
Different companies offer different types of cockpits, each with its own set of features, price range, and build quality.
In this section, we will break down the most common types of cockpits available in the market today.
Racing wheel stands
A racing wheel stand is an affordable option if you want to enjoy racing simulation without spending a lot of money.
This type of simulator is usually made from steel or aluminium and is designed to hold the wheel, pedals and shifter in place.
Despite being an entry-level option, a wheel stand can still provide a realistic and immersive racing experience.
However, you may experience some stability issues during intense racing sessions due to its basic design.
Tubular racing simulator
The tubular cockpit is a significant upgrade from the wheel stand cockpit, providing you with enhanced stability and adjustability.
This cockpit is made from tubular steel and is designed to offer a more realistic and immersive racing experience.
A tubular cockpit is usually adjustable, so you can move the seat, wheel, and pedal positions to your liking.
This type of cockpit is great if you are chasing a more advanced setup without necessarily spending a fortune.
Aluminium profile racing simulator
Aluminium profile simulator cockpits are the most popular and mostly considered the top-of-the-line option when it comes to a racing simulator setup.
Most professional drivers and competitive esports racers use profile racing cockpits.
This sim cockpit is made from extruded aluminium, providing superior strength, stability, and adjustability.
The cockpit's high-quality materials and precision engineering provide users with a realistic and immersive racing experience that is hard to beat.
The aluminium profile cockpit is highly customisable, with the ability to adjust and upgrade almost every aspect of the cockpit to meet your needs.
5 factors to consider when purchasing your home racing simulator
When it comes to purchasing a racing simulator, there are several factors to consider before making a final decision.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine what to look for in a simulator.
Here are the seven main factors you should consider when buying a racing simulator:
1. Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in determining which racing simulators you can afford.
While it's tempting to go for the most expensive option, keep in mind that there are plenty of mid-range and entry-level simulators that offer a great experience at a more affordable price.
Make sure you consider the total cost of all the components you need, including the simulator cockpit, wheel, pedals, shifter, and any additional accessories.
2. Console or PC?
The decision to go with a console or PC for racing simulators will depend on your personal preference and what hardware and games you already own.
A PC hands you access to dozens of the most popular simulation titles.
But consoles tend to offer a simpler and more streamlined experience.
Additionally, a lot of higher end simulation gear is only compatible with PC.
So, make sure to check the compatibility of your chosen simulator with your preferred platform.
3. Direct drive wheel bases
A direct drive wheel base is a high-end option that offers the most realistic force feedback, but it comes at a cost.
Direct drive wheels use a powerful motor to provide precise and accurate feedback, making them ideal for serious sim racers.
However, they can be quite expensive and may not be necessary for casual or beginner racers.
4. What pedals should I buy?
Pedals are an essential part of a racing simulator, as they allow you to control the braking and acceleration of your virtual race car.
Look for pedals with a high-quality build and materials, as well as adjustable settings for brake and throttle sensitivity.
There are many options available, ranging from basic plastic pedals to high-end metal sets with load cell and hydraulic technology for a more authentic experience.
5. Compatibility
When purchasing a racing simulator, it's important to ensure that all your gear is compatible with your racing rig.
Will your wheelbase bolt directly to your racing cockpit?
Or do you need to purchase a separate wheel mount.
Likewise, you’ll need to ensure your pedals, shifter and handbrake will fit the mounts of your chosen cockpit.
The most popular racing simulator rigs
In this next section, we’ll cover what we believe are the best racing simulator cockpits on the market today.
There’s no particular order here. The aim is to give you an a firm grip on what are the top selling simulator cockpits and an idea around the a cockpit that could suit your tastes and budget.
Trak Racer TR80 racing simulator
The TR80 racing simulator is a top-of-the-line cockpit designed for professional and competitive users.
This simulator is built with high-quality materials such as extruded aluminium and provides superior strength and stability, ensuring a realistic and immersive racing experience.
The cockpit is highly customisable, with adjustable seat, wheel, and pedal positions, making it suitable for users of different sizes and preferences.
The Trak Racer TR80 racing simulator is also compatible with most popular racing wheel brands and comes with pre-drilled holes to facilitate installation.
One of the unique features of the TR80 is its modular design.
The cockpit can be easily dismantled and reassembled, allowing for easy transportation and storage.
Additionally, the TR80 racing simulator offers the option to upgrade to motion, making it one of the most versatile driving simulators on the market.
Playseat Challenge racing chair
Need something affordable?
The Playseat Challenge might be the right choice for you.
It is a foldable racing seat designed to fit most sim racing wheels (excluding direct drive models) and pedal sets, making it compatible with a wide range of racing games.
The seat is made of high-quality materials that provide excellent comfort and durability.
The cockpit also features a patented folding system that makes it easy to store when not in use.
The compact size and lightweight design of the Playseat Challenge make it ideal for small apartments or rooms with limited space.
One of the main benefits of the Playseat Challenge is its affordability. This racing seat offers great value for its price point, making it an excellent entry-level option for beginners who are looking to experience racing simulators without breaking the bank.
The Playseat Challenge is also very easy to assemble.
Playseat Formula Instinct racing simulator
The Playseat Formula Instinct racing simulator is a dedicated F1 cockpit designed to provide a realistic formula racing experience.
The cockpit is made of high-quality materials and features an adjustable seat, pedal plate, and wheel plate, allowing users to customize their setup to their liking.
The Instinct cockpit is also compatible with a range of wheels and pedals, making it a versatile choice for users who want to upgrade their racing setup over time.
The Playseat Instinct is designed to provide exceptional stability during intense racing sessions, ensuring that users can focus on their driving without any distractions.
Trak Racer TR8 Pro racing simulator
The Trak Racer TR8 Pro cockpit is a rock-solid and premium tubular chassis sim rig.
The cockpit is made from high-quality materials, including powder-coated steel, which makes it super-durable.
The TR8 Pro cockpit is compatible with most racing wheels, pedals, and shifters on the market, allowing you to customise a setup to your liking.
The seat is adjustable and can be tilted forward or backward, and the pedal plate can be adjusted to accommodate different heights, pedal angle and pedal sets.
The TR8 Pro from Trak Racer can be purchased with a cockpit mountd monitor stand for a single monitor setup, however, you can also use this rig with a triple monitor stand if you prefer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a racing simulator cockpit?
A racing simulator cockpit is a setup that includes a racing seat, pedals, a steering wheel and shifter, and a cockpit frame or chassis. It is designed to provide a realistic and immersive racing experience for users.
What is included with a racing simulator?
The contents of a racing simulator may vary depending on the type of cockpit or bundle purchased. However, in general, a racing simulator is a standalone cockpit with pedal, wheel and shifter mounts. Some high-end bundles may include additional accessories such as wheelbase, pedals and other accessories.
What racing simulator should I choose?
The ideal racing simulator for you will depend on your budget, race car driving skills, and preferences. If you're a beginner, a wheel stand or tubular cockpit may be suitable. If you're an intermediate or advanced user, an aluminium profile cockpit may provide a more immersive experience.
Can I use any wheel, pedals or shifter with a racing simulator cockpit?
Most simulator cockpits are compatible with a wide range of wheels, pedals and shifters from different manufacturers. However, it's important to check the compatibility of your components with the cockpit you're interested in before making a purchase.
What else do I need to buy to complete my sim rig?
In addition to the cockpit, wheel, pedals, and shifter, there are a few other accessories that may be needed to complete a sim rig. These include a gaming PC or console, monitors or VR headset, and possibly additional controllers such as a button box or handbrake.
Can I use a racing simulator cockpit with a console?
Yes, most racing simulator cockpits are compatible with both consoles and PCs. However, it's important to check the compatibility of different driving simulators before making a decision.
Can I upgrade my racing simulator cockpit?
Yes, most racing simulator cockpits are designed to be upgradable. You can upgrade different components of driving simulators such as the wheel, pedals, shifter and cockpit frame to improve the performance and realism of your setup.
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