I race on iRacing and get asked all the time what to buy. This is my actual rig, plus the gear I'd recommend at every step, from your first wheel through to direct drive, load cell pedals and the sims worth racing. Start wherever your budget is and w...
Sections
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What I race on
Your first wheel
Stepping up to direct drive
Pedals
Rigs for smaller spaces
Extras
What I race on
The exact gear in my sim room. Where I own an older model, I've linked the current version.
My rig. Mine's the RS6, which Trak Racer now sells as the TR5. Rock solid and hasn't moved an inch since I built it.
TR5 Racing Simulator Cockpit
I race on its predecessor, the TS-PC Racer. The T818 is the current version, now direct drive, and takes the same Thrustmaster rims.
Thrustmaster T818 Black Edition 10Nm FFB Base
My everyday rim. Formula style with suede-feel grips, and it fits Thrustmaster bases on PS5, Xbox and PC.
Thrustmaster Open Wheel Add-On - PS5, XBOX, PC
For when I want to go sideways. A proper round rally wheel that swaps on in seconds.
ThrustMaster TM Rally Wheel Sparco R383
H-pattern and sequential in one. Metal internals and a very satisfying clunk.
Thrustmaster TH8A H-Pattern & Sequential Shifter
My pedals. A load cell brake means you brake on pressure, not travel. Huge for consistency.
Fanatec CSL Elite Pedals V2 – PC, PS5, PS4
I race on a Gawfolk 34" ultrawide. One wide screen, great peripheral vision, no triple-monitor faff.
Gawfolk 34" Curved Ultrawide 165Hz WQHD
Racing socks. Yes, really. Better grip and feel on the pedals than bare feet or sneakers.
HyperSpeed
Your first wheel
Pick the one for your platform. All three come with pedals, so you're racing the day it arrives.
The Xbox/PC pick and the default first wheel for years. Pedals in the box, racing the same day.
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel & Pedals Xbox/PC
The PlayStation pick. Magnetic paddles and a little screen on the wheel with your race info.
Thrustmaster T248P Force Feedback Wheel PS5/PS4/PC
The PC pick. Direct drive at a starter price, with base, wheel, pedals and desk clamp in one box.
MOZA R5 Bundle Kit 5.5Nm Direct Drive Wheel & Pedals
Stepping up to direct drive
The biggest jump in feel you can make. Direct drive means more detail and no gear rattle.
Logitech's direct drive base for PS5 and PC. A big jump in feel from any gear-driven wheel.
Logitech G RS50 Direct Drive Racing Wheel PS5/PC
9 Nm of direct drive with a proper GT-style wheel. The sweet spot for serious PC racers.
MOZA R9 V3 and KS Bundle
The PlayStation direct drive go-to. Wheel, base and pedals in one officially licensed box.
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro Wheel & Pedals
Pedals
Honestly the best upgrade for lap time. A load cell brake reads pressure, not travel, so you brake the same way every lap.
The upgrade that makes you faster. A load cell brake works on every platform.
Thrustmaster T-LCM Load Cell Pedals
All-metal with a load cell brake. The natural pairing if you've gone with a MOZA base.
MOZA CRP2 Load Cell Throttle & Brake Pedals
Rigs for smaller spaces
No spare room? These fold away or tuck into a corner, and still keep your wheel from wobbling.
Gets your wheel off the desk without eating a room. Folds away, and upgrades later.
Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0 for Thrustmaster & Fanatec
A foldable cockpit that switches between GT and formula seating. Great for apartments.
Next Level Racing F-GT Lite Foldable Simulator
Comfy for long stints and handles direct drive without flexing. Small footprint too.
PLAYSEAT Trophy Sim Racing Cockpit - Red
Extras
Not essential, but very nice to have once the basics are sorted.
VR is a game changer for judging braking points. Note: PC only for most sims.
Meta Quest 3 512GB VR Headset
Stops sweaty hands and protects your wheel's leather or suede grips.
Sim Racing Gloves
The sims
The gear is only half of it. iRacing for serious online racing, ACC for GT3 on console, F1 25 to race the real grid.
My sim of choice. Proper licences, safety ratings and genuinely close racing.
iRacing
The best GT3 racing you can get on console. Brilliant sound and physics.
Assetto Corsa Competizione PS5 Standard
The official F1 game, and the easiest way into racing the actual grid.
