RSeat rigs often get searched together with “shifter mount” and “handbrake mount” because once you leave pure GT racing, your control layout matters a lot. Rally, drift, and even some endurance workflows benefit from a consistent shifter/handbrake position.

This guide focuses on placement principles that work on any rig, then shows how a modular aluminium rig makes it easier to get the layout “just right.”

Quick answer

• For GT cars: place the shifter close, slightly below wheel height, and keep the handbrake secondary.
• For rally and drift: prioritize handbrake access and keep it in a repeatable reach zone.
• If you want to experiment with layouts without drilling or compromises, a profile rig with modular mounts like SIMGASM shifter & handbrake mount makes life easier.

A spec-style placement cheat sheet

GT layout (H-pattern or sequential)

• Height: your hand should land on the shifter without your shoulder lifting.
• Distance: close enough that you don’t lean forward (leaning changes steering and braking inputs).
• Angle: keep the shifter vertical or slightly angled toward you.

Rally layout (sequential + handbrake)

In rally, you want the handbrake in a place that you can hit without thinking. Two rules help:

• Handbrake first: place the handbrake where your hand naturally falls when you release the wheel.
• Shifter second: position the shifter so it doesn’t block the handbrake motion.

Drift layout (handbrake priority)

Drifting often means aggressive handbrake use and quick transitions. You want:

• handbrake close and high enough for quick grabs
• no wrist collisions with the wheel or cockpit uprights
• stable mounting (flex makes timing inconsistent)

Right side vs left side placement

Most people mount shifter and handbrake on the right, but there are valid reasons to go left:

• Left-hand drive muscle memory: some drivers prefer matching their real-world driving habits.
• Space constraints: depending on your room layout, one side may be easier for entry/exit.
• Streaming setups: microphones and camera arms sometimes conflict with one side.

A modular aluminium rig makes switching sides simple because you’re not locked into welded mounting points.

Why aluminium profile rigs make control placement easier

Steel rigs can support shifters and handbrakes well, but you’re usually limited to a few mounting positions. Profile rigs allow:

• fine-tuning height and reach in small increments
• mounting the control exactly where your hand falls
• adding a second control (e.g., rally shifter + handbrake) without redesigning the rig

Recommended SIMGASM control mounting parts

• Shifter & handbrake mount as the core solution
• Side profile mounting arm for extra accessories like button boxes or a tablet
• PC tray to keep cables short and reduce “reach” problems caused by PC placement

A quick reach test you can do today

1. Sit in your driving position with hands on the wheel.
2. Let your right hand drop naturally to your side.
3. Where your hand lands is your “neutral reach zone.”
4. Mount the shifter/handbrake so it sits inside that zone with minimal shoulder movement.

Continue reading

• Sim racing seat guide: bucket vs recline and how to fit it correctly
• Steering angle guide: wheel rotation, soft lock and car types
• Load cell pedal setup guide: brake calibration, force and feel
• Sim racing cable routing guide: service loops, strain relief and clean upgrades

More RSeat guides

• Direct drive mounting on RSeat rigs: front, side and bottom mounts explained
• RSeat rig maintenance checklist: squeaks, re-torque and coating care
• Buying a used RSeat cockpit: a checklist and when to buy new instead
• RSeat S1 vs aluminium profile rigs: adjustability, comfort and long-term upgrades
• RSeat RS1 vs aluminium profile rigs: wheel deck stiffness and mounting options