A week of chaos in F4 lobbies, a slow news cycle, and a big stack of gear talk turned into a surprisingly honest look at what really upgrades a sim rig. We start with the VR landscape—Bigscreen Beyond 2’s micro‑OLED clarity and eye tracking, the hidden cost of base stations, and the DisplayPort tax—then pivot to Pimax’s more complete, modular approach with integrated tracking and ultra‑wide FOV options. If you’re weighing spec sheets against setup friction, we walk through the tradeoffs that actually matter at the desk: cables, ports, stability, and whether you’ll fight Windows more than you race.

From there, we strap into the Cubic Systems QS‑BT1 and talk immersion with no gloss. Out of the box, it’s hilariously strong; tuned properly with a 5‑ or 6‑point harness and the right shoulder height, it turns into a different animal. Braking loads press the chest, lateral forces hug the outside shoulder, and subtle road harshness layers over your butt kicker to close the feedback loop around your body. It won’t shave seconds off your lap by itself, but it will help you catch the car earlier, stabilize stints, and make the rig feel “strapped to you” instead of the other way around. We cover setup pitfalls, smart safety habits, a “less is more” effects philosophy, and why the “entry‑level motion” label is clumsy but directionally true.

We round it out with practical buying advice for Techtober and Black Friday: when Bigscreen’s featherweight makes sense, when Pimax’s all‑in package wins, and why Quest 3 still punches above its weight for daily use. If your cockpit, wheelbase, and pedals are solid, the QS‑BT1 is the rare upgrade that might cure your motion itch entirely. If not, fix the foundation first—your future self will thank you. Enjoy the ride, share it with a friend who’s rig‑shopping, and if this helped, hit follow, drop a review, and tell us: what’s your next upgrade and why?

Watch the Full Review of Cubic's QS-BT1 Belt Tensioner: https://youtu.be/kk6x1g_fyX8?si=-RUqVnhDkEAtugDi

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

What makes a sim feel alive isn’t a flashy launch; it’s teams that keep building, communities that keep showing up, and drivers willing to grow beyond hotlaps. We kick off with a heartfelt farewell to Eric, swap travel notes, and then head straight into the spicy stuff: Max Verstappen’s GT3 win at the Ring. Was it proof of elite, transferable racecraft—or a PR-boosted outlier? We disagree (loudly), but agree on this: Chris Lulham’s path from top sim racer to real GT3 is a powerful signal that sim-to-real is no longer a footnote.

From there, we spotlight two sims that simply refuse to quit. AMS2’s 1.6.8 update drops fresh Lamborghinis, AI and single-player polish, plus physics/FFB love—and teases more endurance content. Raceroom quietly launches one of the best values in sim racing: an Online Racing Pack with 12 cars and 27 tracks (Bathurst, Suzuka, Imola, Indy, Silverstone, Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, and more) for about $30/€30. If you want robust offline and clean online without subscriptions, that bundle is a gift. We also talk hardware timing with Simucube 3 on the way and why patience could save you serious cash as SC2 prices shift heading into Black Friday.

The heart of the episode is our plain‑English guide to iRacing’s iRating and Safety Rating. We explain strength of field, what actually counts as “official,” how a late practice exit can nuke your iRating, and why longer races are the fastest way to grow SR. You’ll leave knowing how incidents, corner multipliers, and session types really affect your numbers—without letting those numbers run your race. Our take is simple: stop protecting stats, start building racecraft. Use endurance to bank SR, pick healthy splits for better racing, and practice proximity until pressure feels normal. When the math stops surprising you, you can focus on the only thing that matters: passing the car in front.

If this convo helped, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review. It helps more sim racers find the show and keeps us diving deep into the gear, games, and grit that make this hobby so damn fun.

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

Discover the extraordinary journey of Cam Ebben, a 14-time iRacing champion and professional MX5 driver who shatters the myth that expensive gear is necessary for sim racing success. From his first laps at age 11 using a Logitech Wingman wheel bolted to a desk, to reaching the elite 10,000 iRating milestone and winning real-world championships, Cam's story is a masterclass in racing development.

Growing up near Road America with racing in his family's blood, Cam turned to iRacing when he was too young for real motorsport. Using nothing more than a basic wheel and a laptop that struggled to maintain decent frame rates, he developed fundamental skills that would later translate perfectly to the real track. When he finally began karting at 15, Cam immediately demonstrated exceptional ability, eventually winning the Wisconsin State Championship and setting track records in Spec Miata.

What separates Cam's approach from many others is his profound understanding of racing psychology. After plateauing around 8,000 iRating, he completely transformed his mindset – focusing on smarter decision-making, recognizing when aggression is warranted, and understanding that positioning yourself to avoid trouble is just as important as raw speed. This mental shift propelled him from 6,500 to 10,000 iRating in just two months.

Cam offers invaluable insights on the relationship between sim racing and real-world competition, explaining which skills transfer perfectly and where the experiences diverge. As he prepares to move up to professional IMSA racing while maintaining his elite status in the virtual world, Cam represents the new generation of driver developing simultaneously in both realms.

Whether you're a sim racer looking to improve your virtual performance or dreaming of making the leap to real motorsport, this conversation provides the blueprint for success from someone who's mastered both worlds. Follow Cam's journey as he continues to prove that talent and mindset will always outweigh fancy equipment.

Follow Cam Ebben at:

https://www.instagram.com/camebbenracing

https://www.tiktok.com/@camebbenracing

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

What separates elite sim racers from the rest of us? In this revealing conversation with Jared Bridwell, a 4K iRating driver from Impact SimSport, we uncover the journey, mindset, and techniques behind high-level sim racing performance.

Jared walks us through his evolution from playing Forza with a controller in 2017 to competing in elite iRacing leagues today. Unlike many who jumped into sim racing during the pandemic, Jared's organic path through Assetto Corsa and into iRacing showcases the dedication that preceded his current success. His hardware journey—from a Thrustmaster T300 bolted to a wooden platform to his current aluminum rig with Simucube direct drive and Asetek Invicta pedals—mirrors the progression many aspiring racers follow.

Most valuable are Jared's insights on technique and improvement. Rather than focusing on late braking, he emphasizes mastering corner exits first and maintaining consistent mid-corner speeds. "Don't push the car into the corner because it's going to overheat," he advises, revealing the counterintuitive approach that helped him climb to 4K iRating. His emphasis on self-honesty and data analysis cuts through the excuses that hold many racers back.

Beyond driving, Jared represents the engineering side of sim racing, designing and 3D-printing custom steering wheels based on Picorny Engineering designs, with plans to develop button boxes and display units. This DIY spirit exemplifies how sim racing bridges various skills—from driving technique to engineering and fabrication.

Whether you're struggling to break 2K iRating or pushing for elite status, Jared's practical advice on hardware investments (pedals before wheels!), racing mentality, and community engagement provides a roadmap for improvement. Listen now to gain insights from someone who's made the journey from casual gamer to elite sim racer through dedication, skill, and a constant pursuit of improvement.

Follow Jared Bridwell at:

https://www.instagram.com/jared_bridwell/

https://www.instagram.com/jb_innovations/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJaredbridwell

https://jbinnovations.org/

https://impactsimsport.com/

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

There's something magical about meeting people you've known online for years—that surreal moment when virtual connections transform into genuine friendships. This is exactly what happened when the Chicane Podcast team converged on Chicago for the first-ever North American Sim Racing Expo, an event that exceeded everyone's expectations.

What began as uncertainty about who would attend evolved into a groundbreaking gathering where industry giants like Simicube, SimLab, and VPG brought their A-game, setting up displays more impressive than those at established European expos. The expo wasn't just about hardware—it was about the passionate individuals behind these companies. We discovered that nearly every sim racing manufacturer began with a simple thought: "I like this product, but wish it could do this one thing better." That spark of innovation, coupled with specialized skills and driven personalities, has created an industry built on passion rather than corporate interests.

Motion platforms dominated conversations throughout the weekend, with setups ranging from modest four-actuator systems to $175,000 professional simulators. After testing numerous configurations, we reached a surprising consensus—motion doesn't slow you down as many fear, but instead offers valuable physical feedback about what the car is doing. It's roughly "80% immersion, 20% information," making it worthwhile for those seeking deeper connection with their virtual vehicle while remaining optional for competitive racing.

The expo's true magic happened after hours, as attendees gathered at SimRacing South Barrington, a dedicated bar featuring multiple motion rigs running iRacing. There, amid friendly competition and flowing drinks, the community spirit flourished. As one participant joked, "What a bunch of sickos we are—we go to the expo for eight hours of sim racing, then go to dinner talking about sim racing, then find a bar to do more sim racing!"

For anyone considering future expos, our advice is unanimous: don't miss it. No video or description can capture the experience of putting your hands on different wheels, feeling various motion systems, and connecting with people who share your passion. The inaugural Chicago Gaming Expo wasn't just an event—it was the beginning of something special for North American sim racing.

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

The ultimate display upgrade dilemma: are triple 42" OLED monitors worth it for sim racing? We dive deep into the reality behind this immersive but demanding setup, exploring everything from connectivity challenges to performance requirements that no one tells you about. 

Making the jump from curved 32" monitors to flat 42" OLEDs isn't just about size—it fundamentally transforms how games look and feel. The catch? You'll need serious GPU power to compensate for the lack of G-Sync when connecting these massive displays to your PC. We break down the honest pros and cons, including the surprising benefits of flat panels for UI elements and the jaw-dropping OLED contrast that makes night racing feel incredibly realistic.

We also examine SimMagic's clever new QRA quick release adapter that finally allows third-party wheels on their direct drive bases, and analyze Moza's aggressive entry into the high-torque direct drive market with their 21nm and 25nm offerings. How do they stack up against established players like Asetek at similar price points? The ecosystem matters as much as raw specs.

For those planning a motion rig journey, this episode provides valuable insights on preparing your setup gradually—from strategic cable management to positioning considerations that will save you headaches later. Whether you're looking to upgrade displays, wheelbases, or your entire rig, we offer practical advice based on real-world experience to help you make informed decisions.

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

The competition between racing simulators is heating up as multiple platforms push to deliver major updates before year's end. This exciting development cycle means more options, better features, and ultimately, a better experience for all of us sim racers.

We dive deep into Assetto Corsa Evo's significant 0.3 update, which finally brings multiplayer functionality with 16-player online racing. The update also delivers substantial physics improvements, including an overhauled suspension model with 1000Hz dampening for more natural weight transfer and progressive thermal dynamics in the tire model. Most exciting for many, Evo now offers its first open-wheel car - the legendary Ferrari F2004 F1 car - alongside several new GT and touring cars.

After testing LMU again with a fresh installation, we discovered something interesting: the paid DLC cars deliver significantly better physics and handling compared to the free content. While the sim shows promise, we discuss our concerns about locking basic functionality like filing protests against dangerous drivers behind subscription paywalls.

The centerpiece of our episode is an in-depth exploration of iRacing's Season 4 update, featuring a complete UI overhaul that modernizes the experience while maintaining familiar functionality. New content includes the Aston Martin Vantage Evo GT3, Dallara IL-15 with push-to-pass functionality, and Ford Mustang GT4. Perhaps most revolutionary is the implementation of eye-tracking foveated rendering for VR users, which prioritizes visual quality exactly where you're looking for an incredibly immersive experience.

With the Sim Gaming Expo just days away, we're excited to get hands-on with these new technologies and bring you our impressions. If you're attending, come find us - we'd love to connect with our listeners and share our passion for sim racing in person!

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

The countdown to gaming history has begun! In this electrifying episode, we're joined by George Anzaldo, the visionary founder behind the SimGaming Expo – America's first-ever major simulation gaming convention happening September 5-7, 2025, at the Schaumburg Convention Center near Chicago.

George reveals how this groundbreaking event has expanded to include over 50 brands and more than 40 physical booths since our last conversation. The expo floor is nearly bursting with simulation hardware spanning racing, flight, and farming simulators – creating an unprecedented gathering for enthusiasts from across the spectrum of virtual worlds. Most exciting? IndyCar legend and Indy 500 champion Tony Kanaan will be making a special appearance at SimuCube's booth, offering meet-and-greets and even announcing races!

The passion behind this venture resonates throughout our conversation as George candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster of bringing this dream to life. What began nearly two years ago as a vision to unite the simulation community has evolved into a massive undertaking with international participation. Despite the challenges and sleepless nights, his unwavering commitment to creating a space where gamers can connect, experience cutting-edge technology hands-on, and celebrate their shared passion shines through.

From the SimGaming Expo Challenge Series with its 600+ participants narrowed down to 30 finalists who'll compete live on the show floor, to dedicated VR experiences, panel discussions, and even Stern Pinball machines – this isn't just an expo, it's a celebration of simulation gaming culture. Whether you're a hardcore sim racer, a casual flight sim enthusiast, or simply curious about this growing world, the SimGaming Expo promises something for everyone.

Don't miss this chance to be part of history at the inaugural SimGaming Expo. Connect with the community, try the latest gear firsthand, and witness exclusive product reveals that will shape the future of simulation gaming. Use code CHICANE10 for a discount on tickets, and we'll see you there!

https://simgamingexpo.com/

Sim Gaming Expo Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVseDUswfg8

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled dive into the world of high-end sim racing hardware as we explore VPG Sim's groundbreaking release: the officially licensed Porsche 911 Cup wheel. This isn't just another peripheral—it's an authentic Porsche product manufactured in the same facility as the actual race car wheels, yet surprisingly accessible at $1,595 compared to similar offerings.

The wheel's full carbon fiber construction weighing just 1,030 grams delivers unparalleled force feedback sensitivity, while its 76 mappable inputs and 88 individually controlled RGB LEDs provide unprecedented customization. What makes this release particularly significant is its perfect timing alongside the new Porsche 992 Cup car announcement, creating a rare synchronicity between virtual and real-world racing.

Beyond hardware talk, we share professional techniques for mastering tracks and improving lap times. Learn how top sim racers use chase cam perspectives to measure exact braking points, creating consistent performance lap after lap. For the intimidating Nürburgring, we reveal the psychological breakthrough needed to find true pace: trusting your car's capabilities when your instincts scream otherwise. Our practical tips include identifying permanent trackside fixtures as reference points and using cockpit view elements to find the absolute limits of track boundaries.

Our Track of the Week spotlight illuminates Bahrain International Circuit—a relatively young but significant venue with multiple configurations that's become a Formula 1 staple since its 2004 opening. We close with an impressive community contribution: custom 3D-printed Bass Shaker mounts that integrate seamlessly with 80/40 rigs, showcasing the innovation driving our sim racing community forward.

Whether you're eyeing new hardware, looking to shave seconds off your lap times, or simply passionate about the evolving sim racing landscape, this episode delivers insights that will transform how you approach your virtual racing journey. Ready to elevate your sim racing experience? Grab your headphones and join us for the ride.

Check out the new Porsche Cup Wheel here: https://vpgsim.co.uk/sim-racing-wheels/porsche-992-cup-sim-wheel

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

Racing endurance events demands a completely different mindset than sprint races—something Eric Kelly discovered firsthand during his inaugural hour-long race at Spa. While sharing his experience streaming his first GT7 endurance race, Eric revealed the unexpected mental fatigue that comes not from driving itself, but from the inability to break concentration for even a moment. "It's different when you can't get up, can't take a sip, can't look at the chat," he explains, highlighting how focus inevitably wanes in those final crucial minutes.

This leads perfectly into our deep dive on what makes the perfect "trophy wheel"—that crown jewel of your sim racing setup that makes you proud every time you glance at your rig. Beyond technical specs, we explore the emotional connection racers develop with their equipment. "You have to love the wheel," Jeff emphasizes, explaining how aesthetics often trump functionality in these high-end purchases. We break down compatibility considerations with SimHub, appropriate sizing for different racing disciplines, and why wireless options might not be ideal for serious endurance racing.

The SimGaming Expo dominates our discussion as we approach September's landmark event in Chicago—the first major sim racing expo in the United States. We emphasize its importance not just for individual racers, but for the entire American sim racing ecosystem. With manufacturers showing unprecedented interest, this event could spark better distribution, warehousing, and shipping options for hardware that's traditionally been difficult to source domestically.

Ready to join us at the expo? Looking to upgrade your rig with components you can actually touch before buying? Want to experience the unique challenges of endurance racing? This episode covers it all with practical advice from three passionate sim racers who've learned through experience. Use code CHICANE10 for a discount on your expo tickets and come say hello in September!

Check out Erick's Stream at: https://www.youtube.com/@techgentgaming

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected]

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube