New to sim racing? This guide will help you get up to speed quickly and start enjoying the thrill of virtual motorsports.

What is Sim Racing?

Sim racing uses modern software and hardware to simulate motor racing. Simulators focus on realistic physics, using accurate car models and detailed laser scans of real-world race tracks.

While no simulation is perfectly realistic, modern simulators come very close to the real thing, down to minute details.

Unlike arcade racing, you need to slow down for the corners! How much depends on the car, the corner, and the conditions. Judging the entry speed for each corner is a major part of the art of racing.

Real-world driving techniques, like “counter-steering” and “trail-braking” work just as well in the sim.

Getting Started at The Braking Zone

Your First Visit

1. Book a session - Reserve your simulator time online or call us
2. Arrive early - Give yourself 10-15 minutes before your session
3. Get oriented - Our staff will help you get comfortable with the equipment
4. Start slow - Begin with easier cars and tracks to build confidence

Essential Controls

Our simulators feature:

• Steering wheel: Direct-drive force feedback helps you feel what’s happening with the front tires.
• Pedals: Throttle and brake have haptic devices for accurate feel.
• Paddle shifters: Manual shifting without the need for clutch control!
  • Focus on selecting the desired gear, rather than arcane heal-toe techniques
  • Left-foot braking is possible under all conditions.
  • For reverse: keep downshifting past neutral while completely stopped.
• 3DOF motion simulation: Two of our simulators have full motion simulation to recreate chassis vibration and movement.

Tips for Beginners

1. Eyes Up

Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not directly in front of the car. Look as far down the track as visibility allows.

2. Be Smooth

Ease in and out of all control inputs, whether it’s throttle, brake, or steering.

You may be tempted to crank on the wheel, pound on the brakes, or smash the throttle — but don’t do this! Driving fast is about finesse.

3. Stay Relaxed

Hold the wheel at 9 and 3, for better leverage. Avoid “death grip”, and try not to tense up.

Rather than aiming to hold the wheel at precise angle, aim to maintain the desired tension on the wheel, and allow minute, high-frequency motion of the wheel.

Check in with yourself periodically, releasing any tension you may be holding.

4. Learn the Track

The easiest track to drive is the one you drive the most. Stick with the same track over subsequent visits, and track your lap times.

Your first goal on a new track should be to learn the layout. Drive at a modest pace until you’ve got it down.

• How many turns are there?
• What visual cues help you to identify each turn?
• Which gear do you want to use for each corner?

The racing line is ideal path around the track. In general:

• Enter the turn from the extreme outside of the turn.
  • For a left hand turn, enter from the right.
  • For a right hand turn, enter from the left.
• Aim for the apex.
  • This is a point, on the extreme inside, about mid-way through the turn.
  • A “late” apex (past the midpoint) is often preferred.
  • In some turns, an “early” apex will be faster, but be careful.
• Allow the car to track out to the exit (outside edge of the track).
  • Smoothly increase power from the apex as you begin to unwind the wheel
  • Aim to have the wheel straight by the time you reach the exit curb.

A “racing line” overlay is available as a driver aid. Speak to our staff if you want this enabled. Talk to a Steward to turn the ideal Racing Line on and off.

5. Start with Slower, Balanced Cars

Begin with cars like the Mazda MX-5 or BMW M2 before jumping into high-powered GT3 or Formula cars.

We offer a variety of race-ready sportscars and true race-only vehicles.

6. Practice Consistently

Regular practice is key to optimal learning.

Regardless of what you’re trying to learn, shorter practice sessions over many days results in greater improvement than longer sessions compressed into one or two days.

We offer monthly memberships with up to a 50% discount on pre-purchased or walk-in times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdriving - Trying to push the tires harder than their limits for prolonged periods.
• Late braking - Braking earlier and lighter is faster than blowing the braking.
• Aggressive steering or braking - The chassis and tires take time to respond. Heavier cars are slower to respond.
• Ignoring track limits - Cutting the corner is cheating.
• Taking Too Much Curb
  • Some curbs are flat, and can be driven on.
  • Some curbs — like the red curbs at Laguna — are not flat, and will launch the car. Aim to kiss the steeper curbs, rather than center-punch them.

Safety

We ask that guests not stand close to the motion simulators while they’re in motion. In one of our full-motion simulators we ask that you not hold children, animals, or anything else in your lap.

While these are not real cars, simulated damage is enabled by default — ask your steward if you would like damage turned off completely.

Some people experience motion sickness in simulated environments. You may want to consider dramamine or ginger root if you’re prone to motion sickness. As always, talk to your doctor before taking any new medications.

Even though you can’t truly “crash” in a simulator, the steering wheel could hurt your hands during a simulated collision in some situations. If you are about to crash, feel overwhelmed, or just can’t control the wheel, remove your hands from the wheel and apply the brakes.

Ready to Race?

Book your first session at The Braking Zone and experience the excitement of sim racing. Our Stewards are always here to help you improve and enjoy your time on track.