If you race on simulators like Assetto Corsa and Competizione, iRacing, rFactor 2, RaceRoom, and Automobilista, read this article to discover the 8 Myths and Beliefs to debunk in SimRacing.
Every driver on simulators wants to climb the leaderboards, reach the podium, or simply achieve their personal goals.
But reality can be frustrating: many find themselves stuck, unable to shave off that second or two per lap from the leaders, struggling to win a race, trapped in a cycle of disappointment and frustration.
Being fast on simulators is no easy feat.
So... is it just a matter of talent?
The main issue isn't whether a driver is naturally untalented or not.
Contrary to popular belief, the gap between top drivers and those behind isn't due to innate abilities.
The real barrier is the lack of specific knowledge and skills, which are crucial in both Motorsport and SimRacing.
This is where we at USR step in.
Our mission is to improve the SimRacing world by providing high-quality training, knowledge, and skills.
This article will be no different, as it will give you a starting point for your growth in the simulators you race in.
Plus, this article will be followed by a second part, where we'll discuss the areas you need to focus on to get faster on the track.
In particular, you'll discover:
- The 8 most common myths to eliminate
- The 8 key areas you need to concentrate on to significantly improve your performance (IN THE NEXT ARTICLE)
- The path we've laid out at USR to help you achieve all your on-track goals (IN THE NEXT ARTICLE)
You'll have a treasure trove of information that will enable you to make a big leap in quality on the track.
Since there are numerous points to cover, let's dive right in!
The 8 Myths and Common Beliefs to Debunk in SimRacing
1. SimRacing is just a game
To excel in simulators, it's not enough to just "press a couple of pedals and steer a wheel or click a few buttons"; it requires a much more sophisticated and elaborate approach.
To excel in simulators like iRacing, AC, ACC, and rFactor 2, you need to invest time, dedication, and practice.
You need to bet on yourself and your (most likely untapped) potential on the track.
Don't be fooled by those who consider it merely a game; they have no idea what it means to go fast.
Simulators offer a simulation experience that tests every driver's skills and strategy, standing in stark contrast to the typical arcade game found in an arcade cabinet.
2. You can still go fast with all aids on
Relying on aids is certainly useful at first, to get acquainted with the game and understand a bit how to drive on track.
But at some point, your performance will plateau.
That's when you need to start making driving aids less intrusive or eliminate some, like the racing line.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) helps avoid wheel lock-up but shouldn't be set too high.
We recommend setting ABS to the minimum and being cautious in corners.
This can take time to get used to, but it's crucial for improving lap times.
Traction Control (TC) helps prevent tire slip and loss of vehicle control by limiting engine power.
However, some cars, especially rear-wheel drives, can be tricky to handle with low TC, like the Porsche 992 GT3 R on ACC.
It's important to find the right balance between electronic aids and power delivery when exiting corners to make TC an aid rather than a hindrance to performance.
But it's even more vital to master proper exit traction techniques.
In conclusion, driving aids can be helpful for beginners, but to become a top driver, you need to learn to drive without relying too much on these aids.
3. The setup is the only thing that matters
"Sure, he’s fast because he has a good setup, try giving him a default setup and see what he does..."
Many drivers fixate on the setup as if it's the only factor determining performance.
This belief is completely false!
The truth is, without solid driving skills, even the best setup in the world won't get you far.
4. Setup Doesn't Matter at All!
At the same time, don’t fall into the opposite error.
The setup does matter and plays a crucial role in your performance.
Forget about default setups and don’t think you can use the same setup on multiple tracks.
Each track has its peculiarities and requires a tailored setup.
Ignoring this truth is like trying to run a marathon in mountain climbing shoes and vice versa.
If you don’t have much time and have no idea how to prepare a setup, we at Università del SimRacing can help you.
If you race on Assetto Corsa Competizione, we’ve created Setup Packs for each of the tracks in the game for numerous GT3 cars.
Each Setup Pack includes four types of setups:
- Stable Qualifying and Race
- Fast Qualifying and Race
If you haven't picked up any Setup Packs yet and want to know more, click the button below:
5. A costly wheel is the key to success
This is a MUST.
How many times have we heard drivers say: "Yeah, but if he's that fast it's thanks to the Fanatec he has... He spent thousands of euros on the wheel, with that we’d all be good drivers!"
A high-end wheel can certainly enhance the driving experience, but it’s not a guaranteed ticket to success.
No peripheral will teach you how to brake correctly, take a corner, overtake an opponent, manage starts, drive in the rain, or optimize traction.
It won’t show you the ideal racing line, prepare setups for you, manage tires, or race strategies.
It's like being behind the wheel of a Ferrari without ever having learned to drive: you might crash before you even start.
So, a wheel doesn’t automatically make you faster.
In fact, if you’re a beginner, a top-of-the-line wheel can even be a disadvantage due to its complexity.
The mechanisms of these wheels are sophisticated tools that require particular skills and understanding to exploit to the fullest.
There are numerous drivers who, despite using Fanatec wheels, are 2-3 seconds off the pace of the pros.
Before thinking about hardware, focus your attention and investment on developing driving skills.
Remember, the true key to going fast on any simulator is DRIVING TECHNIQUES.
6. Talent is EVERYTHING
Certainly, natural talent can be a small advantage, but as mentioned earlier, it’s not decisive!
"Saying I'm slow because I'm naturally untalented" is not an acceptable excuse.
Anyone, with commitment and dedication, can aspire to better results.
With the right mindset and training method, even those who aren't "naturally fast" can achieve impressive results.
In fact, without a clear training method and serious commitment, even those who are "naturally fast" will end up at the back of the pack.
7. Many Hours of Practice = Guaranteed Improvement!
Many drivers spend hours on the track, but without a targeted and structured approach, this practice may not translate into tangible improvements.
The key is to focus on the quality rather than the quantity of practice.
Lapping the track without a specific goal or method will never lead to significant improvements, no matter how many hours you spend behind the wheel.
In this situation, you’d be like a hamster running on a wheel, without any destination.
8. You don’t need to work hard to go fast on simulators
Some people still think that to go fast, you just need to press a few buttons here and there.
The truth is, without hard work and dedication, you won’t get anywhere, neither in SimRacing nor in any other field of life.
Performance is the result of multiple factors, including the ability to manage and develop your skills.
Never underestimate the importance of effort and mindful practice, as mentioned before.
Well, that wraps up the first part of this article.
To read the second part, which focuses on the 8 Areas to concentrate on to improve in Simulators, click the button below.
See you later!