The Ultimate Guide to Sim Racing in 2025

Sim racing, or simulation racing, has surged in popularity, bridging the gap between virtual gaming and real-world motorsports. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a motorsport fan, or an aspiring e-racer, this ultimate guide to sim racing will equip you with everything you need to dive into the thrilling world of sim racing in 2025.

What is Sim Racing?

Sim racing replicates the experience of real-world motorsport through highly accurate software simulations. It’s not just a game; it’s a virtual motorsport platform where skill, strategy, and precision matter.

The sophistication of sim racing platforms have developed to include use from real-world racing professionals from Formula One, NASCAR, and INDYCAR. Some notables in the sim racing community include Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Tony Kanaan.

Sim racing can even be a launch point towards real racing careers. NASCAR drivers William Byron and Rajah Caruth used seat time in iRacing to advance in their journey to real cars, as did former Twitch streamer and now professional driver Jimmy Broadbent.

But make no mistake – you don’t need to sim race with just the goal of becoming a pro! Sim racing is for all skill levels and interests. From professionals working to gain an edge on-track to enthusiasts competing in global events and leagues, sim racing offers something for everyone.

Why Sim Racing is Booming

• Accessibility: Racing in real life can be expensive, but sim racing provides an affordable alternative to those who still want to compete on-track. Additionally, sim racing can provide opportunities to individuals with disabilities to race online, where they otherwise wouldn’t be able to compete in real life.
• Realism: Advanced physics engines and realistic car and track models bring authentic driving experiences to the everyday racing enthusiast. Sim racing platforms in 2025 are incredibly accurate, earning the respect of real-world drivers who have praised this software for its attention to detail. Additionally, current sim racing hardware can provide enthusiasts with ultra-realistic gear to further enhance immersion when racing – from detailed force feedback wheels to real racing containment seats.
• Community: Online competitions and social platforms foster a thriving, global network of racers who share knowledge, talk racing, and stream their races.
• Crossovers: Professional drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen often participate in sim racing events, blending real and virtual racing worlds with the drivers you watch on-track each weekend. Many series such as Formula One, NASCAR and INDYCAR have virtual leagues for both professionals and enthusiasts.

From it’s time as a niche hobby to a full-scale industry with professional leagues, sim racing has changed a lot over time! See how the world of sim racing has changed over time in our deep dive here!

Choosing Your Sim Racing Platform

What sim racing platform you choose depends on a variety of factors. This includes what sort of competitions you want to be a part of, how serious you are about racing against other people, and the financial commitment you want to make to sim racing. Several platforms cater to different skill levels and interests. Here are the top choices in 2025:

1. iRacing

iRacing is widely regarded as the premier platform for competitive sim racing. Known for its laser-scanned tracks, realistic car physics, and a robust online multiplayer system, iRacing offers a professional-grade experience for racers of all levels.

With its subscription-based model, it provides access to an extensive library of tracks and cars, regularly updated to maintain cutting-edge realism. Whether you’re looking to compete in casual leagues or professional esports events like the Hoosier 500, iRacing is the ultimate choice for serious sim racers.

• Best For: Serious racers and eSports competitors.
• Unique Features: Laser-scanned tracks, realistic matchmaking, and professional-grade physics.

2. Assetto Corsa

Assetto Corsa is celebrated for its stunning visuals, advanced physics engine, and highly customizable gameplay. Focused on delivering an immersive driving experience, it’s a favorite among racers who value realism and the freedom to tweak their setups. The platform features an extensive modding community, allowing users to add custom tracks, cars, and gameplay enhancements.

Perfect for casual and competitive racers alike, Assetto Corsa bridges the gap between simulation and creativity, making it a must-try platform for sim racing enthusiasts.

• Best For: Beautiful graphics and customizable gameplay.
• Unique Features: Dynamic weather and day-night cycles.

3. rFactor 2

rFactor 2 is renowned for its unparalleled realism and depth, making it a top choice for sim racing purists. Featuring dynamic weather, advanced tire modeling, and highly customizable setups, it offers a truly authentic racing experience. Its robust modding community allows players to expand their content with new cars and tracks, ensuring endless variety.

Whether you’re a professional driver honing your skills or a sim racer seeking ultimate immersion, rFactor 2 delivers an experience that pushes the boundaries of virtual motorsport.

• Best For: Modding and physics-focused racers.
• Unique Features: Endless content through community mods.

4. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 combines stunning visuals, a diverse car roster, and engaging gameplay, making it an ideal entry point for sim racing enthusiasts. With its career mode, daily challenges, and accessible controls, it caters to casual gamers and competitive racers alike.

Featuring authentic driving physics and a range of iconic tracks, Gran Turismo 7 strikes a perfect balance between realism and fun. Whether you’re racing solo or online, it’s a must-have for console players looking to explore the world of virtual motorsport.

• Best For: Console gamers.
• Unique Features: Career mode, daily challenges, and diverse car rosters.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our full guide to the top sim racing platforms with additional comparisons!

Getting Started in Sim Racing

While sim racing can be enjoyed with relatively inexpensive equipment, having the right gear can significantly enhance your experience. Whether you’re starting with a controller or investing in professional-grade hardware, a well-thought-out setup will make a big difference. Let’s dive in to what you will need to hit the track and start setting personal bests!

Essential Equipment

Starting your sim racing journey requires the right gear to maximize your experience and performance. At the core of any setup is a quality racing wheel and pedal set, which provides realistic feedback and precise control. For those seeking more immersion, a dedicated sim racing rig offers stability and comfort, while a high-resolution monitor or VR headset enhances your view inside the car.

Whether you’re racing on a PC or console, choosing the right equipment for your skill level and budget is key to getting the most out of sim racing. While you can start with a basic setup, investing in quality gear can significantly enhance the experience:

• Racing Wheel and Pedals: A force-feedback wheel and pedal set provides the most realistic racing feel. In an esport where feedback is primarily through your hands and feet, these components generally get the most focus in creating a comfortable and accurate experience for the driver.
• Sim Racing Rig: A sturdy stand or cockpit is helpful to securely mount your wheel and pedals. Beginning racers can also mount their steering wheel to a desk.
• Monitor or VR Headset: A high-resolution, responsive screen or immersive VR setup enhances the visuals. It isn’t necessary to have a monitor with a refresh rate of 120hz, but it will create a smoother experience.
• PC or Console: Sim racers need a system that meets the hardware requirements for the platform of your choice. If you are using a PC, it is important to match your hardware capability to the recommended specs outlined by your preferred sim racing platform.

Recommended Setups by Budget

As the sim racing industry grows, the number of options and price points for equipment available to sim racers grows as well. In 2025, there are more brands and equipment alternatives available now than there have ever been – whether you are just getting started or are a long-time veteran in the sim racing world.

Here are some recommended sim racing setups by budget in 2025:

• Beginner: Logitech G920 wheel, Playseat Challenge or desk mount, single monitor.
• Intermediate: Thrustmaster T818, SimLab GT1 Pro cockpit, triple monitors.
• Advanced: Fanatec Podium DD, Next Level Racing GTTrack cockpit, and VR headset.

From affordable sim racing setups to the best equipment the virtual racing industry has to offer, we have the inside track for you in our guide to the best sim racing equipment in 2025!

Improving Your Skill as a Sim Racer

Becoming a sim racer begins with understanding the fundamental techniques that separate casual drivers from competitive racers – and practice! Learning throttle control, the details of braking, and running the optimal racing line are essential skills for not only being fast on-track – but consistent, which is most important as you begin to race in real competitions.

You can’t expect to hit the track and immediately be the fastest driver in detailed sims like iRacing and rFactor, but practice will help you understand the nuance of the tracks and cars you want to race with.

As you progress, you’ll discover the importance of advanced strategies like trail braking, defensive driving, and proper overtaking strategy and maneuvers. Success in sim racing also requires mental focus and the ability to adapt to changing conditions, such as tire wear or dynamic weather.

With practice, you will not only understand how to race – you’ll (just as importantly) understand what not to do on-track! Inexperienced sim racers often make similar mistakes, and the quicker you can get past this learning phase, the better you will become as a driver.

As you dedicate time to honing your craft as a sim racer, intentional practice and learning about specific strategies in your discipline will make you a better, more consistent driver. Consistency equals speed, and improvement in these areas as a racer will set you on the path to virtual podiums and victories.

For more key tips for beginners on iRacing, check out our guide to getting started in sim racing!

Competing in Sim Racing Events

Each of the various sim racing platforms host competitions of varying skill levels. From grassroots leagues for beginners to high-profile competitions like the iRacing’s world championships, the Gran Turismo World Series, and the Formula One Esports Series, there’s an event for everyone.

The Hoosier 500

Signature races like the Hoosier 500 recreate the thrill of iconic real-world events, providing a platform for racers to test their skills against the best in that category with the pomp and circumstance of its authentic counterpart.

The Hoosier 500 features a realistic IndyCar qualifying format and a three-wide start, bringing the drama of the Indianapolis 500 to sim racing. Complete with full daily media coverage, authentic driver awards, and even a worldwide online live broadcast, the Hoosier 500 gives competitors the opportunity to experience the Indianapolis 500 as a sim racer.

Whether you’re just looking to hop in a race after work or school for fun or more high-pressure championship races, a variety of events are available to bring the excitement of motorsport to your driver’s seat.

READ MORE: Check out the can’t-miss iRacing events of 2025.

Quick Tips for Success in Sim Racing

1. Practice Regularly: Hone your driving ability with practice across techniques like throttle control, braking points and form, track memorization, and car control. Specifically, understand what it takes to be a better driver in your discipline—you don’t need to spend money and time on learning NASCAR-style oval racing if your heart is in Formula One and road course competition.
2. Join Communities: Network with fellow racers for tips and team opportunities. Communities such as Reddit and the iRacing forums can be great resources for learning more about the cars and tracks you race with, plus other details on racecraft and even sim racing hardware.
3. Analyze Races: Watch replays to identify mistakes and areas for improvement. This can include analysis of not only your racing performance but the performance of others on track. It is a good idea to watch the fastest racer in your session to learn more about their racing line, braking points, and gear selection.

The Future of Sim Racing

As technology evolves, so does sim racing. With more and more real-world racing organizations adding their own virtual counterparts, the landscape of competition in sim racing is ever-changing.

Look for the new year to bring a variety of improvements and developments that continue the wave of momentum sim racing has built. Key trends shaping the industry in 2025 include:

• Virtual Reality (VR): More immersive than ever, improving technologies in VR are bringing enhanced graphics and responsiveness—alongside the best-in-class experience that was introduced in the early 2010s.
• AI Integration: While AI racing has been around for decades, advancements in AI technology have allowed platforms like iRacing and rFactor 2 to improve the on-track product for humans racing the computer. This has brought smarter AI opponents and more realistic on-track behaviors.
• Esports Expansion: Prize pools continue to grow while esports sponsorship opportunities are soaring. Established electronics brands such as Logitech, AMD, Fanatec, and more already sponsor drivers and teams, and this trend will continue to grow and become more lucrative in 2025.
• Real-World Crossovers: Greater collaboration between motorsports organizations and sim racing platforms is on the horizon. The Covid-19 pandemic brought the real world and the sim world together at large for the first time, and sustained momentum has seen fresh developments—like the NTT INDYCAR SERIES adding its own professional league for the first time in 2024.

Resources for Aspiring Sim Racers

Sim racing can be one of the most fulfilling hobbies and esports!

Get started on your journey by checking out our guide to common sim racing mistakes – and how to avoid them. The follow that up by joining a growing community of racing enthusiasts across the world who talk all things virtual motorsports!

Top Resources for Aspiring Sim Racers

• Forums: Platforms like Discord, Reddit, and the iRacing Community offer active discussions, advice, and setups for sim racers of all levels. Join these to connect with experienced racers and stay updated on the latest in sim racing.
• YouTube Channels: Tutorials and reviews by creators like Driver 61 Sim Racing and Aris Drives provide valuable insights, from driving techniques to hardware recommendations, helping you improve your skills and enjoy the sport more.
• Training Software and Telemetry: Apps like Virtual Racing School (VRS) or MoTeC are excellent for analyzing your performance, providing structured coaching, and optimizing your car setups with detailed telemetry data.

Sim racing in 2025 is more accessible, competitive, and rewarding than ever before. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for the top step of the podium, this guide provides you with the knowledge to succeed.

Dive into the world of sim racing and make your mark—and don’t forget to join us at the Hoosier 500 in December for the ultimate Indianapolis iRacing experience!

Frequently Asked Sim Racing Questions

1. What is sim racing?

Sim racing, or simulation racing, is a virtual motorsport that replicates real-world racing using highly realistic software and hardware. It combines advanced physics, car models, and tracks to provide an immersive and competitive driving experience.

2. What equipment do I need to start sim racing?

At a minimum, you need a PC or console, a racing wheel and pedal set, and a screen or monitor. For enhanced immersion, consider adding a sim racing rig or cockpit, a VR headset, or triple monitors. Entry-level setups like the Logitech G923 are great for beginners.

3. How much does it cost to get into sim racing?

The cost varies widely. Entry-level setups can start at around $500 (wheel, pedals, and console/PC), while advanced setups with high-end hardware can exceed $5,000. Subscription-based platforms like iRacing also have ongoing costs for access to cars and tracks. Learn more about hardware options and price points in our 2025 sim racing equipment guide.

4. Which sim racing platform is best for beginners?

Gran Turismo 7 is an excellent choice for beginners, offering accessible controls, career mode, and fun gameplay on consoles. If you’re looking for a PC platform, iRacing is ideal due to its structured matchmaking and wide range of competition levels.

5. Can sim racing help me become a real-world racing driver?

Yes! Several professional drivers, like NASCAR’s William Byron and YouTuber Jimmy Broadbent, started in sim racing before transitioning to real-world motorsport. Sim racing hones skills like car control, racing lines, and situational awareness, all of which are transferable to real-life racing.

6. Do I need a powerful computer to run sim racing games?

It depends on the platform. Games like iRacing or Assetto Corsa require a capable PC with a dedicated graphics card, but many platforms provide recommended and minimum hardware requirements. For consoles, systems like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X handle sim racing effortlessly.

7. How do I improve my skills as a sim racer?

Practice is key! Focus on mastering throttle control, braking points, and the optimal racing line. Analyze replays, learn advanced techniques like trail braking, and participate in online competitions to gain experience and feedback. Using tools like Virtual Racing School (VRS) can also help.

8. What’s the difference between sim racing and arcade racing games?

Sim racing focuses on realism, replicating real-world physics, car behavior, and track details. Arcade racing games, like Mario Kart or Need for Speed, prioritize fun and accessibility, often with exaggerated physics and less realistic gameplay.

9. Are there sim racing competitions with real prizes?

Yes! Sim racing features professional leagues with substantial prize pools, like the iRacing World Championships, Gran Turismo World Series, and Formula One Esports Series. Signature events like the Hoosier 500 also offer competitive opportunities for racers at all levels.

10. Can I compete in sim racing without expensive equipment?

Absolutely! Many beginners start with budget setups like a Logitech wheel and desk mount or even a controller. While higher-end gear enhances realism and performance, you can still compete and enjoy sim racing with minimal investment.