A driver-in-the-loop simulator is used in F1 and now in IndyCar. What they are and how they are used is covered in this week’s Sim Racing Roundup. I also have tips on how to use your sim for testing, generating revenue and more!
Overview
From Sim Racing to the Real Thing
Pro Driver Daniel Morad on What Sim Racing Gets Wrong
In the above video, Daniel Morad explains that while sim racing can accurately replicate a car’s behavior, it cannot reproduce the complete physical experience of driving a real race car. Depth perception, sense of speed, braking pressure and feel, G-forces, physical fatigue and cockpit temperatures all differ significantly. These differences affect how a driver performs at the limit, highlighting why simulator training, despite its value, cannot fully replace real-world seat time.
ECR Invests in Its Own Driver-in-the-Loop Simulator to Gain an IndyCar Advantage
Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) is making a significant investment in its future by becoming the first IndyCar team to purchase its own driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulator, selecting Dynisma’s DMG-1 system. Beyond giving drivers more opportunities to practice, the technology will allow ECR’s engineers to develop and validate car setups, refine tire and aerodynamic models, and prepare for race weekends without relying on limited simulator access through its engine supplier.
With the next-generation Dallara IR-28 arriving in 2028, the investment is also a strategic move to accelerate development and close the competitive gap to IndyCar’s leading teams. These two articles explain the technology, the business case behind the purchase and why ECR believes it could be a game-changer.
- ECR Selects Dynisma For Major Simulation Investment Ahead Of Indycar’s New Era (Dynisma)
- ECR becomes first IndyCar team to buy driver-in-the-loop simulator (RACER)
Why Teams Use a Driver-in-the-Loop Simulator
Formula 1 drivers face a unique challenge compared with other elite athletes: strict testing restrictions mean they have very limited opportunities to practise in their actual race cars. As Alex Poli explains in this LinkedIn post, driver-in-the-loop simulation has become an essential training and development tool, allowing drivers to sharpen their skills while engineers work on car setups and race strategies. But there is a catch: the more teams rely on simulators, the more accurately the virtual car must replicate the real one. An interesting look at why simulation has become an indispensable part of modern motorsport.
More than Karting: the Fundamental Importance of the Sim
For those aspiring to a professional career, simulator training is essential. While karting teaches the fundamentals of driving, on-track attack and defense, and sharpens reflexes, simulators provide the necessary additional training to master a modern racing car efficiently. In this article, Vroom Kart explores why karting and SIM racing complement each other, and why, at a certain point, you simply cannot do without the SIM.
Using the Sim for Testing
With testing opportunities increasingly restricted in single-seater and GT racing, simulators offer drivers a valuable way to supplement their on-track preparation. In this LinkedIn post, Virtex explains how simulation allows racers to test their own cars, explore circuits and complete hundreds of laps under controlled conditions. It’s not a replacement for real-world testing, but an increasingly important addition to a driver’s development toolkit.
Lando Norris in the Racing Unleashed McLaren Racing Motion Simulator
Real Audi R8 LMS GT3 Transformed Into Sim Racing Simulator for Charity
A damaged Audi R8 LMS GT3 chassis has been given an unusual second life as a fully interactive sim racing experience. Known as SpendenLMS, the project transforms a former race car into a one-of-a-kind simulator designed not only to bring motorsport closer to the public, but also to support charitable causes. Presented at the SimRacing Expo Frankfurt 2026, it stands out as one of the most distinctive sim racing builds currently on display. You ca read more about the project here.
THOMB Taking Sim Racing Beyond the Screen
Sim racing is becoming much more than a competitive gaming platform, creating commercial opportunities for content creators and motorsport brands alike. STRYKE Solutions highlights how THOMB (Thom Brouwer) has turned his passion for F1 and sim racing into an international audience, building brand partnerships through sponsored content, livestreams, events and community engagement. A useful example of how sim racing creators can turn audience reach into a sustainable commercial proposition.
How 3 Creators Built a Six-Figure Sim Racing Business
Following the previous example of a sim racer building a commercial profile through content creation and brand partnerships, Race Sim Studio demonstrates another route: turning specialist sim racing skills into a substantial business. The company has spent a decade developing premium virtual race cars and has grown into a business generating hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
A caveat: this is essentially a promotional case study for Sellfy, its e-commerce platform, so take the platform endorsement with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, the underlying lesson is worth considering: sim racing expertise can be monetized through digital products, specialist services and an established online community.
Competitive Sim Racing News
Genesis Magma Racing Strengthens Its Esports Program with the GMR Esports Series – Managed by STRYKE Solutions
Genesis Magma Racing continues to strengthen its presence in Esports and Sim Racing through the launch of GMR Esports, the team’s official Esports division, and the introduction of the new GMR Esports Series, developed in collaboration with Le Mans Ultimate and Traxion. The initiative reflects Genesis Magma Racing’s ambition to connect with a broader audience while creating new opportunities for emerging Sim Racing talent. You read more about the initiative here.
Ready to Race? Formula Student Sim Racing Registration Open
Ready to take your team’s racing skills to the next level? Registration is now open for the Formula Student Sim Racing Series, giving Formula Student and FSAE teams the chance to compete on the virtual track, sharpen their racecraft and battle for championship glory. With the deadline set for 19 November, now is the time to get your team signed up and start preparing for lights out.
Screen to Speed
Screen to Speed is a women-only championship designed to amplify women’s voices, talent, and visibility in sim racing and motorsports. Built for both emerging and elite competitors, the series offers a high-energy arena for women to compete, improve, and inspire the next generation. Find out more and register here.
iRacing Weekly Tune-in | eSports & Community Events | November 4th to November 11th, 2026
Here is the latest iRacing Weekly Tune-in, your guide to what is available to watch this week on the official iRacing broadcast channels, as well as some special events to watch around the iRacing community. From official iRacing eSports to select community events, there’s plenty to tune in for and enjoy. Here’s what on the schedule, from November 4th to November 1th in 2026.
Sim Racing Tips & Techniques
Fight Sim Chassis Flex! Why Your Rig Demands a Beefier Chassis
Upgrading your sim racing equipment isn’t just about a better wheel or pedals. Grassroots Motorsports explores why a more rigid, purpose-built chassis becomes increasingly important as you move to higher-powered force-feedback systems. A useful look at how the right cockpit can improve stability, consistency and the overall realism of your sim racing experience.
Sim Racing Tech Roundup
Assetto Corsa’s Marco Massarutto drives the ImSim Porsche Raceborn | SimRacing Expo 2026
- I tried the €70,000 ImSim Porsche Raceborn, and regular sim racing will never feel the same again (Windows Central)
- The ImSim Porsche Raceborn – A Rig Almost as Expensive as a Real Porsche (WCCF Tech)
- PISTA Motorsport developer teases brand-new karting sim (Traxion)
- Moza’s latest sim racing hardware isn’t a wheel or a flight stick; it’s for MotoGP fans and it could be brilliant (Windows Central)
- Flat-Wire Motors Explained: What They Change in a Direct Drive Wheelbase (MOZA Racing)
- GTPlanet Rig Builder Launches to Help You Plan Your Sim-Racing Setup (GT Planet)
- The Ultimate Sim Racing Setups Money Can Buy (The Gadgeteer)
- Le Mans Ultimate cracks down on third-party stat tracking tools following legal and stability concerns (Traxion)
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects and the host of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
