5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Sim Racing

If you're thinking of jumping into sim racing — whether it’s iRacing, Assetto Corsa, F1, or any of the many other titles — it can be daunting to figure out what you actually need to do to have fun and be competitive.

Having been through this myself around two years ago, I’ve put together my top five things I wish I knew when I started sim racing, in the hope you can learn from my mistakes and get the most out of your sim racing journey straight away.

1. Test Drive & AI Races

When I first got into iRacing, all I wanted was to jump into competitive online races. I’d raced against AI before in games like F1, but they always felt predictable and calculated and honestly, a bit boring. I wanted the real experience.

The problem? I jumped straight into online races without taking the time to learn the basics. That meant a lot of crashing, ruined races (for me and others), and a tanked safety rating.

If you’re starting out, spend some time test-driving different cars and tracks, and practising all aspects of your driving. Then, do a few AI races before heading online. You’ll improve faster, have more fun, and actually climb the licence ranks rather than destroying your rating.

2. Experiment With Different Classes

You might already have your eyes on a specific class maybe you love Formula racing or you’re obsessed with GT3. But my biggest advice is this: try them all.

Even if you’re a keen Formula driver, do a dirt oval race. If you’re a NASCAR fan, try a GT circuit race. Each class teaches you something new about car control, racecraft, and adaptability and you might discover a style you didn’t expect to love.

Before I started sim racing, I was a die-hard F1 fan with zero interest in anything else. But after trying a few GT races, I fell completely in love with sports cars. Now, GT3 is where I spend most of my time. You never know what’ll click until you give it a go.

3. Invest Heavily Once, Not Cheaply Twice

Sim racing can be expensive, even at the entry level. When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to buy the cheapest setup possible just to get your foot in the door. I did exactly that and regretted it.

I started with a foldable rig that could slide under my desk. It worked, technically, but it was uncomfortable after 20 minutes and barely sturdy enough to handle my Logitech G29. Eventually, I upgraded to an aluminium profile rig and realised I could’ve saved money by just waiting and buying that first.

If you’re on a budget, skip the cheap foldable rigs. Clamp your wheel to a desk and use your pedals on the floor while you save up. It’s a much more effective setup in the meantime, and you’ll thank yourself later.

4. Make Friends, Not Enemies

Sim racing might seem like a niche hobby, but trust me people remember names. I’ve seen plenty of drivers who’ve built reputations (both good and bad) across series. If you’re dive-bombing into Turn 1 every race or yelling at people over voice chat, you will get noticed, and not in a good way.

On the flip side, if you’re respectful, safe, and fair, you’ll quickly earn silent respect from the community. You’ll start recognising familiar names, make friends, and find great rivals to race against. It makes the whole experience 10x better.

5. Enjoy It

It sounds obvious, but too many people forget why sim racing exists in the first place to have fun.

Yes, it’s a professional-grade simulator, but at the end of the day, it’s still a game. Don’t obsess over Safety Rating or iRating. If you spend all your time farming SR by driving at the back, you’ll get bored and never learn proper racecraft. Instead, challenge yourself. Jump into different series, push your limits, and enjoy the experience.

It’s not a cheap hobby, so make sure you’re getting the most value out of it and that means racing with a big smile on your face.

Final Thoughts:
Sim racing can be one of the most rewarding hobbies out there. You’ll meet passionate people, learn real-world racing skills, and experience the thrill of competition — all from home. So take your time, invest wisely, and above all else, enjoy the ride.

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