The game machines in the arcades started it all—with a race seat and steering wheel in front of a big screen monitor, the average “Joe” could really get a taste for what it was like be in a real racecar! Then, the video games from Play Station and Nintendo brought us the taste of driving and racing at home using steering wheels and even pedals that stuck to the floor. PC software, with early efforts at racing programs, triggered the availability of crude seat frames that sat on the floor and had room for a TV or monitor and wheels and pedals to make the sensation seem even more real. Flash forward to today, and now these systems have become so advanced that current Formula One drivers like World Champion Lewis Hamilton use them for their own pre-race training. In the historic racing world, many drivers are now using these systems not only to improve their driving, but also to learn and experience a new track before they go there.
Simulators have evolved from being “toys” and “games” to real training and learning tools that can replicate driving a racecar to an incredibly acute level. This evolution to PC-operated from the video game-based versions has resulted in much more sophisticated quality in the cars, tracks, and overall operation of the systems. And, when the PC software is married to a racecar environment in the form of a proper race seat, steering wheel with shift, and pedal assembly that provides feedback and the whole tactile experience, the transformation is nearly complete. All of this is made even more realistic with the relatively recent addition of simulator movement which finally brings the “seat of the pants” sensation out of the sound and vibration world to the physical movement of your body so you can actually experience the sensation of the “g’s” exerted in the real car itself.
The choices available for the consumer today cover a broad spectrum in terms of cost, complexity, and sophistication. The choices break down into three broad categories: static; static chassis with seat movement; and full motion. All three categories have numerous system choices with various advantages and disadvantages, while the field is expanding and changing almost daily. The various choices all share a common objective, which is to replicate the racing environment as accurately as possible within the physical constraints and limitations that exist. Regardless, the ability to use these “sims” as true learning tools cannot be argued, as even the least sophisticated of them can help with hand-eye coordination and build skill for the real thing. They are all capable of providing a variety of vehicle types, and the choices of tracks means that you can use them to learn circuits all over the world.
Static sims are the most plentiful and generally the least expensive. They generally rely on using sound and vibration, in conjunction with the visual element to make the complete picture come to life. All of them use a chassis with a race seat and some combination of controls to give the driver the sense of being in a car. The display choices are a toss-up between LCD and plasma panel monitors or projector versions. Core to this element is the issue of external light. Just as in the case of your television, sunlight and, indeed, daylight can limit the viability of the effect and may dramatically hamper the experience.
These machines can be bulky and cumbersome and the space requirements need to be considered, as well. An 82-inch projector-screen version near a window with back light may simply be a dust collector if you can’t find the space to park it. And, many of them are long wheelbase versions that won’t fit through doors and into rooms, if everything is not well thought out.
All of the machines use computer systems, and all will also accept connections for video games to be used with them. Most share the industry standard Logitech G25 wheel, shift quadrant, and pedal assembly and those that don’t have evolved to more sophisticated racecar force feedback assemblies of various flavors. Software choices are comprehensive and nearly all incorporate the ability to connect via the Internet to online sites such as iracing.com and the wonderful online racing opportunities available there.
Static sims with seat movement are the next level of sophistication in the attempt to replicate the reality of racing a car. Most use the same chassis and driving setup of the static machines but add some mechanism to move the seat to replicate “g” forces. In essence, the screen or screens, dashboard, steering wheel, shifter, and pedals all stay in place while the seat moves in two or three axes. The pitch axis involves tilting the seat forward or back to replicate braking and acceleration forces on the body. With the wheel and pedals fixed, this movement is akin to being launched into the seat belts on braking (yes, belts are required in all movement systems), which is very realistic. But since only your upper body is moving forward with the pitch movement, there is a bit of disconnect since your legs and feet remain in place. Similarly, on acceleration, your upper body is pitched back, putting you further away from the wheel and shifter while your legs and lower body remain in place. This sensation can feel a bit odd, but is still workable as a solution to achieving a movement sensation.
Roll-axis movement is effected by tilting the seat side to side and, again, the upper body movement is the major effect and realistically replicates what happens in the car as you are pushed to the outside and away from the wheel in turns.
Some machines will also employ a heave-axis movement or a vertical up and down to replicate the car going over bumps and elevation changes on the racetrack. This added movement can really be noticed in the reality of iracing.com where the digital mapping of a track shows off pavement and elevation changes.
None of the previously mentioned machines can replicate the yaw axis that requires the physical sideways movement of the body to replicate—this is the hallmark of the full-motion simulator. These sims are very sophisticated and employ most of the features found in the other types, with the added benefit of being able to generate a realistic yaw-axis movement. The types and styles of construction of these sims vary across the board with all manner of frames and chassis that can rotate and revolve in a full four-axis configuration. Some sit on pedestals and pivot, others rotate with arms and legs, while still others are suspended and move in a frame to various degrees. Yaw movement can vary from a few degrees to a maximum, in one case, of nearly 90 degrees. The combination of this axis of movement with the others is the secret to true replication of all the various forces that are felt on the body in a real racecar environment—except, of course, for the intense heat, noise, and stress that simply can’t exist outside of the real thing.
Some of the full-movement machines incorporate screens onto the moving platform and, as such, need to be smaller to accommodate the movement, while others leave the screens fixed and the chassis of the unit moves in front of the screen. Some have such violent movement capability that the level of movement needs to be “toned down” to avoid motion sickness and injury, and others need to be bolted to the floor to stabilize the system. Complexity is the secret to these more advanced systems, and yet some are priced below many static machines and take up even less space.
Like seemingly all technology these days, there is an amazing array of choices, but the bottom line is that all of them are great fun to drive and have elevated the simulator from arcade game to valuable training tool.
John Delane is a very active historic racing competitor in both the Formula Junior and Historic Formula One categories. Delane is a five-time winner of the FIA Historic Formula One Championship.
Blue Tiger LLC
The Blue Tiger simulator offers a pedestal-based chassis that provides the movement of the driver, operating controls and screen(s) on a singe central pivot. Five axes of movement are provided, with 20 degrees of pitch and roll, 10 degrees of heave, 8 degrees of surge and sway or yaw. When the triple LCD screen option is selected, the effect is amazing, with every physical and tactile element covered.
The system includes a Corbeau race seat and four-point safety harness and a lightweight pedal assembly with potentiometer to replicate real braking and control references. The steering console and wheel are fully adjustable for height and reach, and are custom-fitted with heavy force feedback systems and paddle shifters attached. A gated six-speed or sequential shifter that can be positioned on the left or right side is also included.
The entire unit sits on four outrigger legs for stability or can be bolted to the floor, and with the screens folded can be carried though any standard door opening. The computer stands alone at the end of a connection cable, and can be fitted with every current software option including iRacing.com.
The system is fully outfitted and delivered for $14,000.
Blue Tiger LLC
650 South 79th Street
Chandler, AZ 85226-4700
480-961-1427
CXC Simulations
The CXC simulator is fitted with four-point racing seat belts and it needs them! The system features a fixed chassis, dashboard and controls as well as the choice of a single or three-panel high definition wraparound set-up. Add to this a very sophisticated seat motion system with 40 degrees of movement on two axes that is adjustable for levels of performance. Force feedback steering, racecar quality pedals and a proper race seat provide an array of feedback that is exceptional. Paddle shifter is standard, as is a gated six-speed or sequential shift module and handbrake. The set-up will fit most any user, and the 500-watt audio system is incredibly realistic.
The extensive option list includes a multi-screen (three panel video) high definition system, various steering wheel choices to run the gamut from stock cars to F-1, bodywork and various shifter choices that can be added to ensure a fit for any racing application.
The computer is prepackaged with every major software choice, and when connected to iracing.com delivers the ability to race on a variety of tracks and with numerous car types, in real-time against competition from around the world. Delivery includes on-site installation with extensive training and on-going support. Prices start at $32,000 and go up based on the various options.
CXC Simulations
3301 Ocean Park Blvd. Suite 209
Santa Monica, CA 90405 USA
310-933-5921
Force Dynamic
The Force Dynamics 401 features full four-axis movement and an amazing 90 degrees of deflection for yaw movement and 30 degrees of roll and pitch with 20 degrees of heave. This combination of movement absolutely replicates the actual “G” forces that you experience in the racecar. Add to the motion the 51-inch wraparound projection screen and a Hitachi projector ensures an immersion that is very realistic. Force feedback steering and pedal assembly and racing seat combine with paddle shifters to ensure that the tactile components are there. A Logitech sound system with five speakers is integrated to ensure that all aspects are in place to make the experience feel very, very real.
Options include gated or sequential shifters, handbrake and triple LCD wraparound panel monitors in place of the projector.
The computer is also optional, but can be included with any and all of the available software including iracing.com. Prices start at $55,000 including delivery and set up.
Force Dynamics
4995 Voorheis Road
Trumansburg, NY 14886
607-546-5023
HotSeat Chassis Inc.
Hot Seat Racer GTX
Hot Seat Chassis provide a combination of choices in race car simulation for either video game support or for PC-level performance. The variety of choices in system make up is based only on the choice between purely a video game tool to a PC-based system that rivals more expensive fixed-position systems. PC systems can be outfitted with Logitech G25 force feedback steering with paddle shift, 6-speed/sequential shift quadrant, and three peddle setup. A Dolby 5.1 digital surround sound system with sub woofer under the seat ensures the full complement of tactile performance can be fully utilized, especially when a 42-inch LCD screen is added to the full spectrum of PC-based software options.
Prices start at under $1,000 for the chassis and seat, and can range up to $4,524 for a well-optioned PC system with software.
HotSeat Chassis Inc.
111 Napco Drive
Terryville, CT 06786
877-426-3879
Motorsport Simulators LLC
Striker and Python Motorsport Simulators
The Striker simulator is one of the ultimate open-wheel simulators with a suspended, Pro Formula Mazda motion-tub and a formed foam seat to fit your body! When you combine this with a force-feedback Momo steering wheel, fully adjustable racecar-spec pedal assembly, both paddle and sequential shifters, and a programmable shift light, you get a complete tactile package. Add to that the wraparound 58-inch, triple plasma screens, and a 1,000-watt Harmon Kardon audio system, and the package assures the full spectrum of reality is achieved.
The Python model offers a more GT-car setup using a traditional race seat and chassis with all of the rest of the features found on the Striker. Both sims offer software with hundreds of cars and tracks, and a Motec data-acquisition and telemetry system.
Prices are available from the manufacturer.
Motorsport Simulators LLC
304 Acker Street, Suite 104
Sanger, TX 76266
940-637-2366
Virtual Concept Sims
VC Sims RS1 Xtreme M3
Total immersion is the goal of the VC RS1 with its 180-degree wraparound projection-screen format, seat movement and shaker system coupled with a powerful surround-sound system. The unit is a two-piece structure with the chassis housing the race-quality seat and pedal set-up, force feedback steering, and gated shifter, and the immense screen directly in front of the dashboard and steering so that the driver’s legs actually go under the screen, putting them right in the frame. Behind the driving console is the tower with the projector, speakers and computer to operate the system.
The M3 version features a seat-movement system by D-Box that uses electrical-mechanical activation and provides heave, pitch and roll with 15 degrees of movement. The computer comes equipped with all of the major software choices and is compatible with iracing.com.
Prices start at $22,500 and go up to $29,995 for the M3 version.
Virtual Concept Sims
10624 S. Eastern Ave.
Suite #565
Henderson, NV 89052
918-406-6312
Virtual-E Corporation
Virtual GT
The Virtual GT chassis is a knockout with its racecar-inspired setup complete with engine compartment and exhaust system. It really looks the part, and custom colors are available to match your own racecar. The system features a race seat with the Logitech G25 wheel, and a sequential paddle shifter or a gated six-speed are both available with the three-pedal footbox. The layout is ideally suited to most vintage applications, and when fitted with a 50-inch plasma display, the combined result is amazing.
The surround sound system, coupled with the seat shaker and vibration and the force feedback in the steering all ensure that the experience is very realistic. Normal software includes all of the R Factor and Legends programs and the computer is ready to hook up to iracing.com with the addition of an internet connection. Projection screen choices are optional up to 84 inches in size, and personal delivery and setup can be arranged.
Prices start at $17,990 and range up to $22,000 depending on delivery and options.
Virtual-E Corporation
192 22nd St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
888-366-9205
VRX Industries Ltd.
VRX Mach 3 and Mach 4
VRX Mach 3 and Mach 4 simulators blend the combination of visual, sound, and tactile elements to complete the full-on racing experience. Both models feature polished chrome chassis with optional bodywork and Logitech G25 force feedback steering with paddle shifters and the gated six-speed/sequential console and three-pedal setup. A high quality Sparco race seat and a 1500-watt sound and vibration system complement both units. The Mach 3 includes a single 42-inch LCD monitor while the Mach 4 includes triple 37-inch wraparound monitors. IR head tracker units that follow your movements on the screen are available on the PC sims. Software choices run the gamut from R Factor to iracing.com.
Prices start at $14,000 for the Mach 3 and $17,000 for the Mach 4.
VRX Industries Ltd.
2031 Malaview Avenue
Unit 208
Sidney, B.C.Canada V8L 2X7
250-888-6196
SimCraft Corporation
SimCraft Apex SC320/830
The SimCraft Apex series of simulators features movement with a combination of sound and visual reality that is incredibly realistic. The SC320 offers two-axis movements with 20 degrees of pitch and roll, while the SC830 adds a third axis with 40 degrees of roll and yaw and 25 degrees of pitch movement. Both models feature force-feedback steering wheels and Recaro race seats, and both include the Logitech shift quadrant with the choice of six-speed or sequential and paddles on the wheel. The 830 offers the racecar pedal setup with force adjustment to ensure that the effect is complete.
The SC320 includes a single high-definition 42-inch LCD monitor, while the SC830 offers a wraparound three-panel LCD that is mounted to the front of the chassis. The full effect is completed by the use of the Logitech G21 surround sound system.
Computer options include countless software and game choices including iracing.com integrated to the motion system. Prices start at $17,500 for the SC320 and go up to $44,500 for the SC830.
Motorsport Simulators LLC
304 Acker Street, Suite 104
Sanger, Tx 76266
877-746-2723
iRacing: On-Line Racing Service
iRacing.com is a new subscription-based, on-line racing service that is the perfect tool for racing simulator hardware. The service is charged on a monthly or multi-month basis starting at $20 per month, and it offers the opportunity to race a variety of cars and tracks with real-time, head-to-head competition from all over the world.
The tracks are a mixture of real and artificial. Where real ones are used, the digital mapping of the real thing is accurate to an unbelievable detail. Surface changes, curb heights and textures (ribbed vs. gators), camber and elevation are all there. And, while the tracks are limited in number and do include a couple of ovals, the detail in a 1080-p monitor is simply stunning.
Cars are limited at first until you buy more—such as Grand-Am Prototypes and NASCAR stock cars—but once you have earned your way into racing the bigger, faster cars, the racing gets more intense and realistic.
Nearly all of the simulators have built-in connectivity and the motion ones are adapted to accept the iRacing software to actuate the motion elements of those sims. The combination of motion and the detail in the iRacing system provide unbelievably realistic results.
