Raw pace is only half of sim racing. Racecraft how you position the car around other drivers is what turns pace into results.
This guide is written for beginners who are tired of finishing races thinking: “I was faster, but I couldn’t get through.”
The 3 racecraft principles that solve most situations
- Exit speed wins: the overtake usually happens because of the corner before the straight, not the braking zone itself.
- Be predictable: sudden moves cause crashes. Predictability builds trust (and fewer incidents).
- Choose your battles: you don’t need to pass every lap. You need to pass without losing time or your car.
Overtaking: the clean method
1) Create overlap early
Late lunges are where crashes come from. If you want to pass into a braking zone, you need overlap early enough that the other driver can see it.
2) Prioritise the exit
Often the best overtake is a “setup pass”:
- Show the nose into one corner to force a defensive line.
- Get a better exit.
- Pass safely on the next straight or next braking zone.
3) Use the “switchback”
If the defending car compromises their exit, you can cut back on the exit and get a better run without contact.
Defending: one move, then commit
- Defend by taking a slightly different line early, not by swerving late.
- Don’t park the car on the apex if it ruins your exit. A slow exit makes you vulnerable for the whole next section.
- If the other driver is clearly alongside, leave space. Contact costs more than yielding one position.
Driving in traffic: stay calm, stay clean
Traffic adds pressure. Your goal is to keep your own rhythm:
- Brake where you always brake, but be ready for earlier braking from the car ahead.
- Use “lift and coast” behind slower cars to avoid overheating tyres and brakes.
- Focus on exits. Most passes are completed by a good run, not a brave dive.
Hardware that helps racecraft
Racecraft is about awareness. Better visibility and a stable cockpit help you judge gaps and stay precise under pressure.
Visibility upgrades
- Integrated triple monitor stand or Freestanding triple monitor stand for triples.
Rig stability for consistent braking
- Hobby (SIMGASM Hobby simulator): a low-cost entry rig that still punches above its price class, great for your first real cockpit.
- Club (SIMGASM Club simulator): 80×40 profile strength and adjustability, ideal for almost any wheelbase and pedal set you’ll find on the market.
- Sport (SIMGASM Sport simulator): longer and wider, stronger and more adjustable wheel mount, plus integrated cable pass-throughs so you can route cables cleanly without clips.
- Pro (SIMGASM Pro simulator): our flagship 160×40 profile rig for extreme forces, motion-ready builds, and maximum adjustability with a flex-free feel.
