You set up a GT or Formula position on a Pro sim racing cockpit by fixing the seat first, then moving the pedals and finally the wheel. For GT, you sit upright with your heels below your hips. For Formula, you sit low with your feet raised and the wheel closer to your chest. The SIMGASM Pro supports both layouts on one frame.
A good position makes you faster and keeps you comfortable in long races. In this video, independent creator Cronk Sim Racing gives his first look at the SIMGASM C160, the Pro frame, after switching from another brand. Watch how the frame looks in a real room.
GT or Formula: what is the difference?
The two positions copy two types of real race cars, and each has its own feel.
The GT position
In a GT car you sit fairly upright, much like in a road car but lower. Your knees bend at a comfortable angle, your heels sit below your hips and the wheel stands almost vertical. This position suits GT3, touring cars and rally. It feels natural and works well for long sessions.
The Formula position
In a Formula car you lie back with your feet raised, often close to hip height. The wheel sits lower and closer to your body. This suits single seaters, from Formula Ford to modern F1 cars, and many racers use it for prototypes too. It feels more intense and puts more load on the pedals, because you push them from a different angle.
Why does the Pro handle both positions?
The Pro was designed with the widest adjustment range in the SIMGASM line up.
SIMGASM describes the Pro aluminium sim racing cockpit as the model with the greatest positioning flexibility in its range. It offers extended depth, height and angle adjustment, so you switch between an upright GT posture and a lower Formula posture on the same 40 x 160 mm frame. Customers mention this too: one review shown on the Pro product page says the pedals install in Formula style, GT style or any layout in between.
That focus on posture is no accident. Founder Johan Akkerman races in the real world. He won the DNRT BMW E30 Cup in 2023 and 2024 and scored a podium at Zandvoort in the Alpine Elf Cup. SIMGASM treats seating position, wheel angle and pedal geometry as performance and endurance factors, not as cosmetic details.
SIMGASM | Pro Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Purple
How do you set up a GT position step by step?
Follow this order and you avoid moving the same part three times.
Seat, pedals, then wheel
Start with the seat. Mount it on a seat slider, such as the SIMGASM dual locking seat slider, so you fine tune the distance later. Set the seat back at a moderate angle.
Next, move the pedal plate. With the brake fully pressed, your knee should still bend slightly. Tilt the plate so your ankle rests in a neutral angle. Then place the wheel. Stretch your arms over the top of the rim: your wrists should rest on it with your shoulders against the seat. Lower the wheel until you still see the dashboard in the game.
Choose the right wheel mount
The Pro offers a bottom mount, front mount, side mount and an Asetek front mount. Compatibility depends on the exact bolt pattern of your wheelbase, so pick the mount first and the position second. Our guide to bottom, front or side wheel mounts explains which one fits your base.
SIMGASM | Pro Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Orange
How do you switch to a Formula position?
The same frame works for Formula racing once you change three things.
First, lower the seat and tilt the back further. A seat built for this helps, and Johan himself races with the Formula Atlas seat from the Atlas sim racing seats range. Second, raise the pedal plate and angle it back towards you, so your feet sit higher. Third, bring the wheel lower and closer. You want a clear line of sight over the rim to the apex.
Now test with the brake. In a Formula position you press the pedal from a flatter angle, so the force reaches the plate in a different direction. A strong pedal deck matters: the Pro carries a rated braking load of 300 kg. Want the details? Read how much pedal braking force a sim racing cockpit needs.
SIMGASM | Pro Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Red
What mistakes should you avoid?
A few common errors cost comfort and lap time, and they are easy to fix.
Do not copy a position from a video one to one, because every body is different. If you get the chance, sit in a frame first; this guide shows where to try a flagship sim racing cockpit before you buy it. Do not set the wheel too high: it blocks your view and tires your shoulders. Tighten every bolt after the first week, since the frame settles once you race. And change one thing at a time, then drive ten laps before you judge it.
Questions about GT and Formula setups
Here are quick answers to the most common setup questions.
Which position is faster?
Neither is faster by itself. Match the position to the car you race most for the most natural feel.
Do I need a different seat for Formula?
Not always, but a seat designed for a reclined posture, such as the Formula Atlas, makes long races more comfortable.
How long does switching take on the Pro?
Once you know your settings, a switch takes a short session with the supplied tools. Mark your positions on the profile to save time.
Is the seat included with the Pro?
No. The seat and seat slider are sold separately.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
