Why I Stopped Sim Racing and Became a Sim Tourist

ByNeo Sphinx

A few years ago, I got into GT Sport, and like many people, I spent countless hours practicing and racing.
Qualifying was fun and intense — but once the races started, that excitement turned into stress.

I have to be honest with myself:
I’m a decent driver, but a terrible racer, and the results showed it. Not awful, but not great either.
After a few months of spending my Friday nights and Sunday evenings qualifying and racing, I decided it was time to stop.

That’s when I discovered BeamNG, and my whole sim experience changed.
It was the moment I started building my simulator — not for competition, but to create the most relaxing and immersive driving experience possible.
And that journey led me to where I am today.

⚙️ Racing vs. Driving — The Big Difference

The biggest difference between racing and just driving is the amount of detail and force you want to feel in your wheelbase.

For casual or immersive driving, I recommend a wheelbase around 6–8 Nm.
Below 5 Nm feels too light, while above 10 Nm can be overkill.
What matters most is smooth movement — ideally with a dual-belt or, even better, a direct drive system.

While sim-racers often chase every last ounce of detail, I found myself drawn to hardware designed for drivers, not just racers.
At the time I made this video, there was only one major brand focused on that — MOZA.

So I built my setup around a MOZA R9v2 wheelbase (9 Nm) and one of my favorite peripherals ever made:
the MOZA multi-function stalks.

🕹️ Multi-Function Stalks — Brilliant Sim Driving Controls

There isn’t much to say except — they’re brilliant.
Essentially, it’s a button box that mimics car controls like wipers, lights, and cruise control.
For anyone who enjoys immersive driving, it’s an absolute must-have.

🏎️ Steering Wheel — Finding the Right Fit

My main wheel is the MOZA RS V2, which came bundled with the wheelbase.
At 33 cm, it feels just right in the hands — but its layout is racing-oriented, not ideal for relaxed driving.

My favorite layout so far is still the MOZA TSW (Truck Simulator Wheel), though its 40 cm size can feel large.
My real car’s wheel measures 37 cm, and I think that’s the sweet spot — somewhere between 33 and 37 cm for a perfect all-rounder.

🦶 Pedals — Fanatec V3 for the Win

For pedals, I prefer the Fanatec V3 set.
While not the best for pure racing, they’re fantastic for simulated driving.

Here’s why:

  • The brake pedal has a soft, mushy feel with real travel — perfect for realistic braking.
  • The accelerator feels smooth with ideal resistance.
  • There are even haptic buzzers for vibration feedback — subtle, but immersive.
  • The pedal faces are large and comfortable, great for driving with shoes.
  • And the clutch — with its mechanical bite point — is still one of the best-feeling clutches I’ve ever used.

Sure, modern active pedals from Simucube or MOZA may offer more precision, but for value and feel, the V3s remain unbeatable, especially second-hand.

⚙️ Shifter — Modded Budget Perfection

A shifter is essential for immersive driving.
I use the Thrustmaster TH8S, one of the most affordable options available — and honestly, I love it.

I’ve added a few mods:

  • Replaced the plastic knob with a leather one for a better feel.
  • Installed 3DRAP modifications for extra friction and smoother gear engagement.

It’s a budget-friendly setup that feels just as satisfying as more expensive options.
Sure, the TH8A or the superb SHH Thorn offer more versatility, and MOZA’s AB9 active shifter looks incredible — but at its price, the TH8S simply wins on practicality and enjoyment.

🪑 Rig & Seat — Comfort Over Competition

You don’t need a fancy rig for sim driving.
Even a folding seat rig like the GT Omega Sprint is a great start.

My current setup is a Trak Racer TR120S v2, an aluminum extrusion rig that lets me customize every angle and position.
Why do I love it? Honestly — the color.
I like variation and character, not just plain black metal.

I made a few personal tweaks:

  • Shortened the frame to fit my space.
  • Added wheels for easier movement and a bit of height.
  • Installed a diamond plate footrest for comfort.

For the seat, comfort is key.
I use the Trak Racer SA12, which looks stunning and offers great space, but it’s not perfect for relaxed driving.
Ideally, I’d want a reclining seat with dual recliner locks and adjustable seat rails.
The Next Level Racing ERS3 looks promising, but I haven’t tested it yet.

💥 Haptics — Feel the Road

Haptics add life to the experience.
If you have a foldable or tubular frame, try something like the Next Level Racing HF8 pad.
For stronger rigs, bass shakers are a great alternative.

I use the Trak Racer BSA200, with two pucks — one under my seat and one under my pedal plate.
The result is pure immersion: you feel the engine vibrations, the gear shifts, and the road texture.
It’s not cheap, but if you can stretch your budget, it’s worth every cent.

🕹️ My Favorite Games

My top game is BeamNG.drive — it makes full use of my hardware.
With SimHub for haptics, and OpenTrack + AITrack for head tracking, it delivers a deeply immersive experience.
I love cruising through mountains, coastlines, or exploring cities.

Another gem is Taxi Simulator Barcelona — it’s full of life, pedestrians, and atmosphere, even though the force feedback and haptics aren’t great yet.
And soon, I’ll start diving into Euro Truck Simulator for those long hauls.

💭 Final Thoughts

Switching from sim-racing to sim-driving was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
It turned a stressful hobby into something calming, immersive, and deeply personal.

Sim driving is about more than speed — it’s about the journey, the feel, and the escape.
If that sounds like your kind of vibe, maybe it’s time you tried becoming a Sim Tourist too. 🌄