In recent years, sim racing has evolved from a niche hobby into a serious competitive sport, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world motorsports. This digital discipline has captured the attention of both amateur enthusiasts and professional racing teams, becoming an integral part of modern motorsport training and competition. In this article, we’re proud to feature insights from members of the Serbian sim racing team sponsored by Lorgar – the official national delegation representing their country at the FIA Motorsport Games, one of the world’s most prestigious international racing competitions. Through their experiences at this prestigious international championship, we will explore the fascinating world of competitive sim racing at its highest level.
The unique appeal of sim racing
Sim racing offers an unprecedented combination of accessibility and realism that traditional motorsports simply can’t match. As Filip Stefanović, Lead Racing Coach, explains: “Sim racing offers a unique experience compared to traditional motorsports. If you’re new to the field and want to try how it is to race, there are platforms that replicate all of the forces and dynamics of real life in the game or simulation platform we use. If you’re a motorsports fan, this is the best place to start due to several reasons, like cost-effectiveness.
Filip breaks down the sim racing landscape into distinct categories: ‘For newcomers to virtual racing, there are more accessible platforms that focus on fun and basic racing mechanics. These entry-level games are perfect for getting a taste of motorsport and developing initial skills. However, when it comes to professional esports and competitive racing, we use advanced simulation platforms like iRacing and Assetto Corsa. These platforms are specifically designed to replicate real racing conditions as accurately as possible, requiring dedication and technical understanding to master.’
The coach also highlights the diversity of racing disciplines available: ‘Within professional sim racing, you’ll find various categories that mirror real motorsport. Formula racing puts you in the seat of high-performance single-seaters, focusing on sprint races and precise lap times. Then there’s GT racing, where our team member Alexander excels, which involves modified versions of high-performance road cars. GT racing often features endurance events that can run for 6, 12, or even 24 hours, demanding both individual skill and team coordination. This variety allows racers to specialize in their preferred style while maintaining the highest level of competition.”
The beauty of sim racing lies in its ability to provide an authentic racing experience without the enormous financial investment required for traditional motorsports. It creates a risk-free learning environment where drivers can push their limits and perfect their skills without physical danger. Modern sim racing platforms utilize advanced technology, including force feedback steering wheels and precise physics engines, to create an incredibly immersive experience. Perhaps most importantly, sim racing offers unprecedented flexibility in training – drivers can practice anytime, anywhere, without the need to book track time or worry about weather conditions.
Categories and competition levels
The world of sim racing is diverse, encompassing various levels of competition and different racing disciplines. At its foundation, sim racing platforms can be divided into two main categories: arcade games and professional simulations.
Arcade racing games like Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon, and Gran Turismo provide an accessible entry point for newcomers. These platforms focus on entertainment while maintaining some realistic elements, making them perfect for casual players who want to experience the thrill of racing without diving too deep into technical aspects.
On the professional end of the spectrum lie sophisticated simulation platforms such as iRacing, Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and rFactor. These platforms prioritize realistic physics and handling, requiring drivers to develop a deep understanding of racing dynamics and vehicle behavior.
Within these platforms, drivers can participate in various racing categories. Formula racing focuses on single-seater competitions, emphasizing sprint races and time trials. GT Racing encompasses GT3, GT4, GTE, and Le Mans series, featuring modified versions of road cars in both sprint and endurance races. Rally racing presents a unique challenge, taking place on off-road and mixed surfaces under extreme conditions, demanding quick reactions and exceptional adaptability.
Professional requirements and training
Professional sim racing demands dedication and discipline that might surprise many outsiders. Aleksandar Čeliković, Serbia Digital Rally Champion 2023 and Balkan Digital Rally Champion 2023, offers insight into the intensity of preparation: “I trained four to six hours every day in the simulator. It was so intense that I lost eight kilograms because I was also training in the gym while managing work and personal life. Balancing everything was tough, but necessary for the competition.”
Contrary to popular belief, physical fitness plays a crucial role in sim racing success. The mental focus required to maintain concentration during long racing sessions demands good physical condition. Technical knowledge of car setup and racing dynamics is equally important, as is the ability to analyze data and adjust strategies accordingly.
The role of data and analytics
Data analysis has become a cornerstone of professional sim racing. Nikola, Serbian Team Lead Coach, emphasizes this point: “In esports, we have a huge advantage because we use something called MoTeC telemetry. It allows us to see every lap time and analyze exactly what we’re doing with the brake and throttle on each lap.”
This wealth of data allows drivers and teams to analyze every aspect of their performance, from braking points and throttle application to racing lines and car setup. The insights gained from telemetry data prove invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and optimizing racing strategy.
Breaking down common misconceptions
Filip Stefanović addresses a prevalent misconception about sim racing: “People often think they can just jump in, press the pedal, turn the steering wheel, and that’s it. They assume, ‘I know how to drive a car, so how hard can it be?’ They all believe they can do it, but the moment they sit in the sim rig and realize how different it is, they’re shocked.”
The notion that sim racing is “just a game” or that success simply requires good equipment overlooks the tremendous skill and dedication required to compete at a high level. The sport demands a unique combination of physical prowess, mental acuity, and technical understanding that sets it apart from casual gaming.
The importance of quality equipment
Equipment quality significantly impacts sim racing performance. Aleksandar Čeliković emphasizes the crucial role of proper gear: “The most crucial part of the setup is definitely the pedals. While the steering wheel is important, a lot of precise control comes from the pedals. You need a good brake and throttle pedal to properly control the car.”
A professional sim racing setup requires more than just good pedals. A stable and rigid cockpit provides the foundation for consistent performance, while a force feedback steering wheel delivers the tactile information needed for precise control. The racing seat must offer both comfort and durability for those long practice sessions and endurance races.
Conclusion
Sim racing represents the future of motorsport training and competition, offering an accessible yet challenging platform for drivers of all levels. The sport continues to grow, attracting both casual enthusiasts and serious competitors drawn to its unique combination of accessibility, technology, and competitive depth. The success of teams like the Serbian sim racing squad, with achievements including Aleksandar Čeliković’s Digital Rally Championships, demonstrates the high level of professionalism and skill that sim racing has achieved.
Ready to start your sim racing journey? Explore Lorgar’s range of professional-grade sim racing equipment, designed to provide the stability, precision, and comfort needed for competitive racing at any level. As the proud sponsor of Serbia’s successful sim racing team, Lorgar understands what it takes to compete at the highest level and provides the tools needed to achieve racing excellence.
