simulated racing - where to start?

[VroomGrrl]

Is it even called simulated racing?

Help a noob out here. Several people have recommended that I check out this "online" racing because they swear the skills developed transfer to the track. I can use some of that!

So what are we talking about here? If I want to hole myself up here at home and become competent, what do I need? Computer, TV, xbox, wii, fancy steering wheel & pedals controller? I have no clue. I take it there are different "games" that have various cars, tracks, etc. And that it can be done online, or just solo. It sounds like fun but folks, I got no clue about any of it.

Have at it. Clue me in. What's what? What would you recommend as a starting point?

[zukitek]

take it away Sean Yoder....

RR

[Cholewa]

iracing is a pretty good start point.

[TouringBubble]

But iRacing is pay-to-play ... there are good options that don't cost monthly.

Some sims to check out are:

rFactor
Live for Speed
GTR2
GTR Evolution
Race '07

You'll need a decent computer to run these and a wheel/pedal setup.

I got my wheel on eBay for about $40 shipped. Some wheels to look for ...

Logitech MOMO Race (starter)
Logitech G25 (advanced)

There are some others, but these are the common wheels.

Sean can probably get you more info.

[VroomGrrl]

Thanks, yall. I posted my plea on several forums I frequent and am getting my head around the basics. I think my computer should be OK except one person told me my graphics card may have some issues.

Here's my setup (this is as bad as car stuff!):

I have an HP Pavilion DV9640 notebook. Running Windows Vista (ptooey). The processor is Intel Core 2 Duo (1.5 GHz) ; RAM is 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM. graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS with 256MB of video RAM.

So hopefully my computer is sufficient. I'll need a wheel - do those ever come up used, I wonder? I looked on craigslist & ebay and didn't see any deals on the logitech g25 for example. And then I guess I'll need to pick where/what to do in terms of online, off, pay, free, etc.

To help me grapple with making those choices, Sean has offered to show me how it works, and I will take him up on that ASAP.

Continuing feedback welcome - thanks for chiming in. I can see myself getting set up and holing up in my office and never coming out. VROOM! My poor husband. Well I have been watching race videos long enough now that at least he's used to that racket coming from here. Gawd yall. Is there no end to the insanity???????

[Erv]

i wouldn't do it on a laptop personally, I am building a comp to run it exceptionally well for less than 500$

[TouringBubble]

Yes, running a racing sim on a laptop might not give the best performance, but it is doable. I think the biggest issue there would be the view ... you'd need to raise the screen somehow to see it easily over the wheel.

[VroomGrrl]

Yes, running a racing sim on a laptop might not give the best performance, but it is doable. I think the biggest issue there would be the view ... you'd need to raise the screen somehow to see it easily over the wheel.

Well if yall thought I was crazy about keeping my car stock, you'll really think I'm crazy running racing sim stuff on my laptop. I retired my dead desktop over a year ago and I ain't goin back. Nothing against desktops, except I don't have one (actually I have about ten out in the garage in various states of disrepair and parting-out-ness), and this notebook is my "desktop replacement" and I'm not not not not not getting any new computer stuff. Not a dadgummed thang. NOT!

Except maybe a wheel

Otherwise, as with my car, I'm gonna have to work with what I got.

So who got a fancy new wheel for xmas and is looking to unload their old G25?

[TouringBubble]

Again, you don't need to jump straight to a G25 ... like I said, I got my MOMO Race for around $40 off eBay. Now, a G25 will help with training on realistic steering input, downshifting and launching, but for learning lines and braking zones (probably 85% of racing), the MOMO Race will work fine for you. Honestly, many people with the G25 run an auto clutch and paddles anyway, leaving the steering range the only real benefit over less expensive wheels.

[VroomGrrl]

Again, you don't need to jump straight to a G25 ... like I said, I got my MOMO Race for around $40 off eBay. Now, a G25 will help with training on realistic steering input, downshifting and launching, but for learning lines and braking zones (probably 85% of racing), the MOMO Race will work fine for you. Honestly, many people with the G25 run an auto clutch and paddles anyway, leaving the steering range the only real benefit over less expensive wheels.

Is this the kind of thing we're talking about? This Momo on ebay has wheels & pedals for $54?

[TouringBubble]

Yup ... that's my wheel. And, when you want to upgrade, you can sell it with little to no loss.

[DAB21]

You may want to look into a docking station, or possibly just a large monitor to run out the back of your laptop. The larger the monitor, the more enjoyment (you know, like Yoda's rig!), as long as you have the HP to drive it.

You really need a sturdy desk to mount the wheel. I am constantly amazed at the number of noobs that sit down to mine, really hang onto the wheel, and sometimes almost yank it away from its moorings. Mostly kids, but the MOMO Wingman stands up to a fair amount of abuse. I have learned to stand by with a gun and a whip. So far, I have only had to use the whip!

[VroomGrrl]

You may want to look into a docking station, or possibly just a large monitor to run out the back of your laptop. The larger the monitor, the more enjoyment (you know, like Yoda's rig!), as long as you have the HP to drive it.

You really need a sturdy desk to mount the wheel. I am constantly amazed at the number of noobs that sit down to mine, really hang onto the wheel, and sometimes almost yank it away from its moorings. Mostly kids, but the MOMO Wingman stands up to a fair amount of abuse. I have learned to stand by with a gun and a whip. So far, I have only had to use the whip!

The display on my laptop is 17", it's pretty decent. I have other monitors around but this is the best of what I have here. Next time I'm in Atlanta I can try to snag a big honkin flat screen monitor my mom has in storage. Got a nice, big, heavy-as-hell desk. Gonna get a wheel and give it a go with what I have.

Hmm. I'm running Windows Vista. Looking more closely at these wheels not all of them support Vista. Of course, more expensive ones do! Ain't that always the way!

[Erv]

17" weak... I am running 60"

[Cholewa]

you need at least 3 monitors... srsly, i'm 2/3 of the way there. but theres no more room on my desk.