Photo: Recaro Automotive
Sim racing is a viable experience for any motoring enthusiast who can't enjoy the real thing for one reason or another. You may still need to get a license or not have it anymore. You could be sick at home or in some remote corner of the world.
In all these circumstances, it's better to enjoy sim racing than just gawk at YouTube videos all day. But it might be less fun once you've experienced real motorsports. I still have friends who drive fast cars and regularly attend track days while still playing Assetto Corsa at home. I've been going through a strange phase in 2024 where I couldn't get excited about racing games.
I'm sure this happened because I've done several track days, weekend rides, and drives. I've only used my Logitech G29 setup for less than 100 hours in 365 days, which is not something I would have expected. Using a steering wheel, pedals, and a VR kit is a huge game changer if you've ever had a keyboard to work with. But something was always missing. Using a regular desk chair hasn't been helpful, but I haven't gotten a Sim rig in my apartment yet.
Even so, I've experienced these several times before. Using hydraulic actuators under the seat makes everything more life-like, that's for sure. But we can't all afford the costs involved, and then there's the space it takes up. One of the reasons I love driving my FC RX-7 is that it feels like I'm sitting so close to the rear axle.
With my entry-level race seat inside, I can always feel what's happening with the car. I can sense the bumps and the slides, with plenty of feedback you won't get with a regular virtual racing experience. Most of us have seen Ready Player One, and I loved that movie when it came out. And we've all wondered when haptic technology would become part of our day-to-day lives.
I initially expected that I would get to experience it by 2040 at the latest. But several companies on the market are working hard to bring that tech to the table even sooner. I have yet to give it much thought, but I did not expect Recaro Automotive to be one of those companies. But I should have seen it coming. I've worked closely with the people in the HQ in Germany for several pro-drifting programs. And I know firsthand how good their products are. Just think about Jeremy Foley's crash at Pikes Peak back in 2012. I have seen several people getting Recaro seats for their Sim rigs lately.
I underestimated the manufacturer by not realizing they would actively get involved in the scene. CES 2024 is happening as we speak in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recaro Automotive has showcased the latest news for Sim racing enthusiasts worldwide. Recaro FeelTech+ ™ powered by Sensit! is the way forward for the industry if you ask me, and it might just solve one of the biggest nuisances we've had to face so far.
I could be hurtling down the Nordschleife at 200 mph (321 kph), but if I can't feel the dreaded compression at the bottom of the Fox Hole, it will never be good enough for me. The new Pro SIM Star 24H Le Mans Edition could take care of that, thanks to its FeelTech+ Pad kit. The Metahaptics technology will be available on other Recaro seats, and it looks very promising! Feedback through road texture, tire slip, engine speed- you've got it!
Of course, this will all come at a specific price, but it will still be infinitely more affordable than the $20K+ simulators on the market. I don't want to get ahead with excitement here, but this tech could be a real game changer. And I will do my best to give it a run for its money in 2024. That way, I can tell if it's as good as I hope it will be. I know I've said this recently, but I might get more virtual seat time in 2024 and will report back with what I've discovered.
I'm sure this happened because I've done several track days, weekend rides, and drives. I've only used my Logitech G29 setup for less than 100 hours in 365 days, which is not something I would have expected. Using a steering wheel, pedals, and a VR kit is a huge game changer if you've ever had a keyboard to work with. But something was always missing. Using a regular desk chair hasn't been helpful, but I haven't gotten a Sim rig in my apartment yet.
Even so, I've experienced these several times before. Using hydraulic actuators under the seat makes everything more life-like, that's for sure. But we can't all afford the costs involved, and then there's the space it takes up. One of the reasons I love driving my FC RX-7 is that it feels like I'm sitting so close to the rear axle.
With my entry-level race seat inside, I can always feel what's happening with the car. I can sense the bumps and the slides, with plenty of feedback you won't get with a regular virtual racing experience. Most of us have seen Ready Player One, and I loved that movie when it came out. And we've all wondered when haptic technology would become part of our day-to-day lives.
I initially expected that I would get to experience it by 2040 at the latest. But several companies on the market are working hard to bring that tech to the table even sooner. I have yet to give it much thought, but I did not expect Recaro Automotive to be one of those companies. But I should have seen it coming. I've worked closely with the people in the HQ in Germany for several pro-drifting programs. And I know firsthand how good their products are. Just think about Jeremy Foley's crash at Pikes Peak back in 2012. I have seen several people getting Recaro seats for their Sim rigs lately.
I underestimated the manufacturer by not realizing they would actively get involved in the scene. CES 2024 is happening as we speak in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recaro Automotive has showcased the latest news for Sim racing enthusiasts worldwide. Recaro FeelTech+ ™ powered by Sensit! is the way forward for the industry if you ask me, and it might just solve one of the biggest nuisances we've had to face so far.
I could be hurtling down the Nordschleife at 200 mph (321 kph), but if I can't feel the dreaded compression at the bottom of the Fox Hole, it will never be good enough for me. The new Pro SIM Star 24H Le Mans Edition could take care of that, thanks to its FeelTech+ Pad kit. The Metahaptics technology will be available on other Recaro seats, and it looks very promising! Feedback through road texture, tire slip, engine speed- you've got it!
Of course, this will all come at a specific price, but it will still be infinitely more affordable than the $20K+ simulators on the market. I don't want to get ahead with excitement here, but this tech could be a real game changer. And I will do my best to give it a run for its money in 2024. That way, I can tell if it's as good as I hope it will be. I know I've said this recently, but I might get more virtual seat time in 2024 and will report back with what I've discovered.
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