10 Sim Racing Products You Should Check Out from the 2026 SimRacing Expo

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I had the chance to go to the 2026 SimRacing Expo in Charlotte over Memorial Day Weekend, representing TopMob. It was a really fun experience! I got to try out a ton of amazing sim racing setups and see some of the newest technology coming to the world of sim racing.

I saw so many incredible products over the weekend from talented teams, it’s hard to pick just a few! Here are ten that really stood out to me and I think you should check out. This isn’t everything I saw, but it’s a great starting point.

We’ll be covering everything from the 2026 SimRacing Expo, including potentially game-changing racing setups, great options for beginners, and anything else interesting related to sim racing.

10. GameSir and Trak Racer’s TR640 Force Feedback Controller

Sim Racing in the Palm of Your Hand

A common topic of conversation at the show, both with developers and other enthusiasts, was making sim racing more accessible. It’s true that high-end sim racing setups can be very expensive—often costing thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars. I was particularly impressed with the TR640 Force Feedback Controller, a collaborative effort between Trak Racer and GameSir, as a potential solution to this.

At under $200, this is a very affordable way to start experiencing sim racing without investing in an expensive, complete setup. It features a central dial that functions like a direct drive steering wheel, and the realistic force feedback is truly impressive while you’re using it.

The controller’s shape and feel are very similar to a PlayStation 5’s DualSense, except it features a steering wheel module in the middle. Lights on top of the controller cleverly show what gear you’re in while you’re playing. It’s something you really need to experience firsthand, and I was very impressed with how promising it seems as it gets closer to its expected release in late 2026.

9. CSRS’ Kart Line

The Coolest Kid on the Block

I was really impressed by CSRS at the expo – they’re a local Charlotte startup focused on making sim racing accessible for families. Honestly, I didn’t see anyone else there who understood how to get kids into the hobby without breaking the bank quite as well as they do. They seem to have nailed the perfect balance of affordability and quality for everyday families.

CSRS-Kart offers sim racing rigs for drivers of all ages, from children just starting out to teenagers and adults. The rigs are designed to grow with the driver, and they’re surprisingly affordable – starting around $100, with the larger models costing up to $250.

I instantly connected with this team when I met them – they’re just fantastic people! What they’re trying to do – get more kids and families into sim racing – is something I totally support. Honestly, wouldn’t it be amazing if your kid was a sim racing fanatic, with a whole setup in the living room and regular Mario Kart tournaments? You’d definitely be the most popular house on the street!

8. Thrustmaster’s GT Wheel Add-On

Having a Gran Ol’ Time

Many of our readers prefer playing games on consoles, so I was especially interested in testing the Thrustmaster GT Wheel Add-On. As a big fan of Gran Turismo 7 – I often play with the PSVR2 – it made perfect sense to try a wheel specifically designed for that game.

I really love this product! I tested it at a show, mounting it to a Thrustmaster wheelbase, and it’s become one of my top recommendations for anyone who wants to use a racing wheel without the expense or space needed for a complete racing rig. When used with a wheelbase, the GT Wheel delivers fantastic force feedback and an overall great racing experience.

This steering wheel is particularly great for Gran Turismo players, as its buttons match the PlayStation’s familiar controls. Honestly, I prefer it to some of Thrustmaster’s more costly, comparable models. If you’re a fan of Gran Turismo, this is an excellent choice.

7. Trak Racer’s Aston Martin Aramco AMR26 Racing Simulator

Getting on the Grid

I’m a big Formula 1 fan, and even though Aston Martin isn’t my top team, their official Trak Racer AMR26 cockpit looks amazing. If you want a racing simulator setup that really stands out, this is one of the most stylish options available.

If you’re a serious Formula 1 sim racer, this is one of the best cockpits I’ve tested for feeling like you’re actually driving an F1 car – the seat and pedal placement really help. It’s important to know this is just the cockpit frame itself, with no included electronics. However, if you’re a fan of the Aston Martin look, it’s a great choice.

Trak Racer highlights that the pedal plate is now stronger, preventing it from bending even when you aggressively brake before a tight turn, like at the Monaco track.

6. Sensit’s Haptic Feedback Sim Racing Seats

Feel It

If you’ve never experienced it, a full-motion racing simulator is incredibly immersive. However, these setups are costly and can be physically exhausting. That’s why I believe Sensit’s haptic feedback racing seats are a great option for those wanting a more realistic feel without the expense or fatigue.

You can buy a Sensit chair that includes built-in haptics, or, if you already have a compatible chair, you can save money by purchasing just the Sensit haptic insert. Sensit even offers compatibility information for inserts used with chairs from other brands.

The Sensit chair and its vibrations are incredibly realistic. You can actually feel what’s happening in the game – every little bump, curb, and even when you drive off the road. What I found most impressive was feeling the gear changes; you really sense the car’s weight shifting with each upshift and downshift. It provides fantastic immersion, but in a simpler and probably more affordable way than a full motion simulator.

5. Pimax’s Dream Air VR Headset

VR Comfort Meets High Performance

I’ve been into VR for years, and I’ve tried a bunch of headsets – I’ve owned both PlayStation VR headsets and a Meta Quest. I really enjoyed all of them, but I was still blown away by the Pimax Dream Air. Honestly, Pimax wasn’t even on my radar before this event, but they’ve definitely got my attention now!

The Pimax Dream Air is a high-end VR headset that costs more than most others, around $2,000. I tested it with several racing games and setups, and it’s easily the best VR headset I’ve ever used for sim racing.

The Pimax Dream Air is exceptionally comfortable and lightweight. It blocks out all light, even in bright environments, and looks fantastic. With its stunning 8K resolution, it delivers a noticeably superior visual experience compared to other VR headsets I’ve tried. If you’re looking for top-of-the-line VR for sim racing or any other VR application, this headset is truly impressive.

4. Trak Racer’s TRZ Motorbike Racing Simulator

MotoGP at Home

Trak Racer recently unveiled their TRZ Motorbike Racing Simulator at the 2026 SimRacing Expo, and it’s a hit! This is the world’s first motorcycle simulator designed for home users, and Trak Racer has done an amazing job creating this brand new experience.

This bike features fully functional handlebars and a realistic lean that mimics the experience of racing on a MotoGP track. While many arcade racing games have offered leaning features before, Trak Racer has significantly improved the technology. Considering everything it offers, the $1,999 price tag is surprisingly reasonable.

For MotoGP enthusiasts, the TRZ Motorbike Sim is a fantastic addition to any home. It’s the first of its kind, offering a unique experience – you can use it like an arcade game, a full-motion simulator, or anything in between.

3. iRacing’s Titles in General

Doing Racing Games Right

I definitely hit up the iRacing booth at the expo – no surprise there, since they’re pretty much the gold standard for sim racing now. It was awesome for me, and anyone else who hadn’t tried everything yet, to actually get our hands on iRacing, iRacing Arcade, NASCAR 25, and World of Outlaws. I got to race them all!

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I hadn’t had a chance to try NASCAR 25 yet, but I ended up playing it for a full hour at the event. If you’re a NASCAR fan, enjoy racing games, or fondly remember classic NASCAR titles, you should definitely give NASCAR 25 a try.

iRacing Arcade revealed its new multiplayer splitscreen mode, which is a welcome addition. We also learned that NASCAR 26 is progressing well, and the team is heavily invested in developing the upcoming Indycar game – something I’m now really looking forward to after seeing everything iRacing has to offer.

2. Asetek’s Initium Line

Pro Level Sim at a Great Entry Point

Asetek offers a wide range of sim racing products, from affordable options to high-end setups. I want to highlight their Initium line, which is a great starting point for anyone new to sim racing. It’s impressive how much quality Asetek has packed into the Initium line, making it a fantastic choice for those who want to get involved without spending a fortune.

As a racing sim fan, I was really impressed with the price of the full Initium setup – wheel, base, pedals, seat, and the frame itself comes in around $1,000. Honestly, when you compare that to other complete rigs out there, it feels like an amazing deal! What I think is really cool is that Asetek worked with Xbox on this. Making it compatible with consoles opens it up to so many more racers who might not have a powerful PC to run a sim.

Asetek is doing a great job focusing on what consumers want, and I appreciate that. They have top-of-the-line products, but their Initium line is a fantastic option for those looking for a more affordable entry point. I tested a complete Initium system, and it performed impressively well for its price, competing strongly with other similar options.

1. Simcraft’s Apex GT

Pushing Boundaries

Finally, we have Simcraft’s amazing Apex GT rig. While most of us won’t be able to afford it—it costs around $150,000—it really shows how advanced sim racing has become. It provides an incredibly realistic experience, so much so that even seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson says it feels like driving a real race car.

People who drove the Apex GT told me it was an unforgettable experience. They said it ruined other cars for them, left them wanting more, and gave them a lasting impression. Even if you can’t get your hands on one, it’s something everyone should try.

What’s really amazing is that the incredibly realistic design of the Apex GT has unexpectedly been found to offer real health benefits. People using the simulator are experiencing positive mental and physical effects, and it’s now being explored as a tool for rehabilitation in healthcare. Who knew sim racing could be good for your health? That seals the deal for me!

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2026-05-30 04:11