A 40x120 sim racing cockpit is an aluminium frame whose main profile measures 40 mm by 120 mm. That tall profile gives the frame a lot of stiffness, so the wheel and pedals stay still under strong direct drive forces and hard braking. It suits racers who use a wheelbase above roughly 26 Nm, run firm load cell pedals, or plan to add motion, VR and many extra controls later.
In simple words, the number tells you how big the main beam is. The first number is the width and the second number is the height. So a 40x120 beam is three times taller than a 40x40 beam, and that extra height is where most of the strength comes from. Watch the short showcase below, and then we explain what this size means for you in daily use.
What does 40x120 actually mean?
Aluminium sim rigs are built from extruded profiles. These are long beams with slots on every side, so you slide in T nuts and bolt parts anywhere you like. The profile size is always given in millimetres. A 40x120 profile is 40 mm wide and 120 mm tall.
Height matters most. When you brake hard or when the wheelbase kicks back, the frame tries to bend. A taller beam resists that bending much better than a small one. That is why the SIMGASM range grows step by step. Hobby uses 40 x 40 mm, Club uses 40 x 80 mm, Sport uses 40 x 120 mm and Pro uses 40 x 160 mm.
How does a 40x120 frame feel when you drive?
The biggest change is what you do not feel. On a light frame, a strong wheelbase makes the wheel deck shake a little during kerbs and slides. You notice it as a buzz in your hands and a small delay in the force feedback. On a 40x120 frame, that shake is gone. The wheel moves, but the frame stays quiet.
Braking feels different too. Firm load cell pedals ask for a lot of leg force. If the pedal plate moves, your brake point changes from lap to lap. The SIMGASM Sport has a rated braking load of 300 kg at the pedal deck, so your foot pushes the pedal and not the frame. One UK buyer described his Sport as "an absolute tank" that "doesn't flex at all", and noted it weighs about 77 kg before extras.
SIMGASM | Sport Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Red
Who needs a 40x120 sim racing cockpit?
Not every racer needs this size. For a gear driven wheel or a small direct drive base, a 40x80 frame is often enough. So who should look at 40x120? SIMGASM gives a clear torque guide. For wheelbases above 26 Nm and up to and including 40 Nm, it recommends Sport or Pro. Above 40 Nm, it recommends Pro.
Torque is only one part of the story, though. A 40x120 frame also makes sense below 26 Nm in three cases. First, you plan to upgrade your wheelbase later. Second, you use very firm pedals. Third, you want room for a shifter, handbrake, button box and screens from day one. If you are still unsure about torque, our direct drive torque guide explains what the Nm numbers mean on track.
What do you get with the SIMGASM Sport?
The SIMGASM Sport cockpits use a 40 x 120 mm main profile. The overall size is 580 x 1320 x 720 mm (W x L x H). That is compact for such a strong frame, so it fits in many rooms where a bigger rig does not. Check our guide on how much space a sim racing cockpit needs before you order.
In the box you find the profiles, the chassis brackets, the wheel mount you picked, all bolts and tools, white assembly gloves and a printed guide. You also get the Apex side profile arm for a shifter or handbrake, a heel rest and rubber feet. The frame has integrated cable passthroughs and is ready for motion. The seat, slider, wheelbase and pedals are sold separately, so you choose exactly what you want.
SIMGASM | Sport Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Black
Why does the Sport use this exact profile size?
SIMGASM designs its own hardware. Johan Akkerman, the founder and product designer, has raced since 2008. He became Project CARS 2 world team champion in 2019 and later won real championships in the DNRT BMW E30 Cup in 2023 and 2024. That mix taught him that stiffness alone is not enough. Comfort, adjustment and consistency over long sessions matter just as much.
So the Sport sits in a sweet spot. It is strong enough for high torque and firm pedals, but it stays compact and easy to adjust for GT or Formula positions. Johan even picks the Sport as his own favourite cockpit, together with the Formula Atlas seat, VR and motion. The Sport also belongs to the patented SIMGASM cockpit design family, which was developed from January 2026 in Wijk bij Duurstede, the Netherlands.
Is 40x120 overkill for a beginner?
For a first setup with a 5 Nm wheel, yes, it is more frame than you need today. A smaller aluminium sim rig is a fine start. But many racers upgrade faster than they expect. A new wheelbase often arrives within a year, and then a light frame starts to feel soft. Buying the bigger profile once saves you from selling and rebuilding later.
Think about your plan for the next two or three years. If motion, VR or a strong base are on that list, a 40x120 frame is the calm and safe choice.
SIMGASM | Sport Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Silver
Questions about 40x120 sim racing cockpits
Is a 40x120 cockpit stronger than a 40x80 cockpit?
Yes. The taller beam resists bending much better. You feel it most with strong direct drive bases and firm load cell brakes.
How much torque does a 40x120 cockpit handle?
SIMGASM recommends Sport or Pro for wheelbases above 26 Nm and up to and including 40 Nm. Above 40 Nm, choose the Pro with its 40 x 160 mm profile.
Does a 40x120 cockpit take up more space?
Not much. The SIMGASM Sport measures 580 x 1320 x 720 mm, so it stays compact while the profile gets bigger.
Is a seat included with the Sport?
No. Seats are sold separately, so you pick the seat and slider that fit your body and driving style.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
