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Next Level Racing GT Racer Review – A nice try but…

ByNeo Sphinx

Next Level Racing already has experience in this category with the F-GT and GT Track, but both belong to a higher-priced segment. The GT Racer enters the competition against strong opponents such as GT Omega and Playseat — and on paper, it stands a real chance to claim a place near the top.

Edit: Next Level Racing brought out a version 2 of this cockpit which addresses some of the issues raised for the reviewed version.

⚙️ Configuration & Adjustability

Unlike many tubular-frame cockpits, the GT Racer offers a surprising amount of adjustability excluding the pedal base holder.

🏁 Wheelbase Mount

  • Tilt-adjustable at multiple angles
  • Height-adjustable up to 5 cm
  • The wheel-mount arch can slide along the frame, allowing you to position the base closer to your pedals

This design compensates for the fact that the pedal deck itself is fixed.

🪑 Seat Adjustments

  • Seat rails allow roughly 10 cm of fore-aft movement
  • Reclining seatback for upright or laid-back driving styles

Overall, configuration flexibility is impressive — especially for a rig in this price category.

🧰 Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, the GT Racer truly shines.
It supports virtually all mainstream wheelbases and pedal sets, from Logitech and Thrustmaster to Fanatec and CAMMUS.
It’s one of the most universally compatible tubular rigs currently available.

🧱 Build Quality

Visually, the slim 2 cm tubes might make you skeptical — but the build quality is better than expected.

🏗️ Wheelbase Platform

Despite the thin tubing, it feels surprisingly rigid. The secret lies in its four attachment points instead of the usual two, providing much better stiffness.
During testing with an 8 Nm Fanatec direct drive, the mount held solid. Officially rated up to 13 Nm, and based on performance, that claim seems fair.

🦶 Pedal Deck

The pedal plate is completely fixed, which eliminates flex caused by adjustable joints.


It handled Fanatec CSL Elite V2 pedals without issue — and could likely handle stronger sets too.

⚠️ Weak Points

  • The front “GT Racer” logo plate is attached with double-sided tape — a questionable choice that should have been bolts.
  • Under heavy braking, the front end can lift slightly, due to limited surface contact between tube sections.
  • Pedal angle cannot be adjusted — fine for most pedals, but problematic for upright models like the CAMMUS LC100.
  • The paint finish scratches easily and shows wear quickly.

🪑 The Seat – Comfort & Materials

Here’s where the GT Racer loses some ground.

  • The seat uses imitation leather combined with faux-Alcantara.
  • It’s comfortable at first, but the materials trap heat — expect to sweat in warmer sessions.
  • Cleaning stains isn’t easy compared to genuine Alcantara.
  • The side bolsters are extremely snug, which may be uncomfortable for broader drivers.

😬 The Biggest Issue: Noise

The seat squeaks constantly.
It’s the loudest seat I’ve tested — genuinely distracting without a headset. With headphones, it’s fine, but without them… unbearable.

🧩 Features & Ecosystem

Next Level Racing includes several thoughtful extras:

  • Shifter mount and ButtKicker mount
  • Plenty of bolts and hardware (enough to start your own store)
  • Stylish printed logos throughout

The Next Level Racing ecosystem is strong — with extensions, motion platforms, and accessories widely available.

⚖️ Dimensions & Weight

  • Weight: 34 kg
  • Length: 149cm Longer than expected — plan for extra space
  • Width: 75cm (with shifter holder) Comparable to other rigs in this class

The size and mass add to its stability, but make it harder to move around once assembled.

💸 Price & Value

Here’s where the GT Racer redeems itself:

💶 Price: €400

That’s around €100 cheaper than rivals such as the GT Omega ART with seat or Playseat Trophy.
For a sturdy rig with a seat, it’s good value for money.

🏁 Final Verdict

If we judged the Next Level Racing GT Racer on configuration, build strength, and price alone — it would easily top the charts in its class.
However, one crucial area holds it back: the seat quality.

✅ Pros

  • Excellent adjustability for a tubular rig
  • Strong and stable wheelbase mount
  • Great pedal stiffness
  • Superb compatibility
  • Complete accessory package
  • Outstanding value

❌ Cons

  • Seat squeaks constantly
  • Narrow seating area
  • Poor heat management (fabric)
  • Non-adjustable pedal angle
  • Weak front-plate attachment (tape)
  • Paint scratches easily

🏆 Verdict

“The Next Level Racing GT Racer gets the fundamentals right — strength, compatibility, and price — but falls short where comfort and refinement matter most.”

For budget-minded sim racers, it’s a solid mid-tier option but in this form, I could not recommend it.

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