Your First Sim Racing Rig: From Cockpit Setup to Your First Lap

Building your first sim racing rig doesn't need to be complicated.

Start with a solid cockpit, add the essential hardware and build the rest of your setup around the type of racing you enjoy. The key is choosing a foundation that works from day one while giving you room to upgrade later.

For your first dedicated Sim-Lab setup, that foundation can be the GT1 EVO Sim Racing Cockpit.

Start with the GT1 EVO cockpit

The Sim-Lab GT1 EVO is an aluminium profile cockpit designed to provide a rigid, adjustable foundation for your complete sim racing setup.

Your seat, pedals, wheelbase and accessories all connect to the cockpit, so starting with a stable platform makes every other part of the build easier.

The GT1 EVO offers two wheelbase mounting solutions. The Wheel Deck provides a versatile mounting platform for compatible wheelbases, while the GT1 EVO Front Mount is designed for compatible front-mounted direct drive wheelbases.

Your choice depends on the wheelbase you plan to use, so always check mounting compatibility before ordering.

A solid cockpit is more than just a place to attach your hardware. It helps keep your driving position consistent and gives you the flexibility to improve your setup over time.

Add your seat and monitor setup

Next, adjust the setup to fit your driving position.

The S1 Enduro GT Sim Racing Bucket Seat and S1 Sport GT Sim Racing Bucket Seat are both suitable options for a GT1 EVO setup.

The Bucket Seat Bracket Set provides mounting and adjustment options, while an optional Seat Slider allows you to move the seat forward or backward without having to reposition the mounting brackets.

Start by adjusting your seat so you can comfortably reach the steering wheel and pedals. Your arms and legs should remain slightly bent, allowing you to steer and brake without stretching.

For your display, the GT1 EVO can be paired with a compatible GT1 Integrated Vario™ Monitor Mount or a Freestanding Vario™ Monitor Mount.

Single- and triple-monitor configurations are available, giving you the choice between a simple single-screen setup and the wider field of view offered by a triple-monitor sim racing setup.

Position your monitor at a comfortable height and distance, keeping the centre of the screen aligned with your natural line of sight.

Once your seat and monitor are correctly positioned, the essentials of your driving environment are in place.

Add your pedals

Now it's time for the controls.

The Sim-Lab XP1 Loadcell Pedal Set is a natural match for the GT1 EVO. Its loadcell braking system measures the force applied to the brake, helping you develop more consistent braking from lap to lap.

The pedals offer several adjustment options, while the rigid GT1 EVO pedal deck provides a stable mounting platform, even under firm braking.

Before tightening everything into place, adjust the pedal position so you can apply firm braking pressure without fully extending your leg or lifting yourself out of the seat.

This combination gives you a stable pedal setup that can stay with you well beyond your first laps.

Choose your wheelbase and steering wheel

Your wheelbase and steering wheel create the main connection between you and the virtual car.

A direct drive wheelbase delivers detailed force feedback through the steering wheel, allowing you to feel steering load, changes in grip, kerbs and variations in the track surface.

When choosing your wheelbase, don't focus only on maximum torque. Think about the complete setup, hardware compatibility and the type of racing you want to do.

Once you know which wheelbase you're using, match it with the appropriate Wheel Deck or GT1 EVO Front Mount.

Position the steering wheel at a comfortable height and distance. You should be able to turn it naturally without leaning forward or locking your elbows.

With the wheelbase, steering wheel and pedals installed, the main driving controls of your rig are ready.

Add accessories that match your racing style

At this point, you already have the main components of a complete sim racing rig.

Everything else can be added around the way you drive.

For rally and drifting, the Sim-Lab XB-1 Loadcell Handbrake is a useful upgrade. If you drive cars with sequential gearboxes, the SQ1 Sequential Shifter adds a dedicated physical shifting control.

You can also expand your cockpit with a DDU (Digital Dash Unit) to display useful driving information or a button box for easier access to frequently used simulator controls.

Other Sim-Lab accessories can be added as your needs change.

There's no reason to install everything at once. Start with the equipment you actually use and expand your rig when it makes sense.

Your first complete Sim-Lab rig

A complete beginner setup can be surprisingly simple.

Cockpit and essential hardware

  • GT1 EVO Sim Racing Cockpit
  • Wheel Deck or GT1 EVO Front Mount
  • S1 Enduro GT or S1 Sport GT Sim Racing Bucket Seat
  • Bucket Seat Bracket Set
  • Optional Seat Slider
  • GT1 Integrated Vario™ or Freestanding Vario™ Monitor Mount
  • XP1 Loadcell Pedal Set
  • Compatible wheelbase and steering wheel

Platform and display

  • Gaming PC or compatible console
  • Racing simulator
  • Monitor or television

Before choosing your gaming platform, check that your wheelbase, pedals and other connected devices are compatible with it.

Optional upgrades

  • SQ1 Sequential Shifter
  • XB-1 Loadcell Handbrake
  • DDU (Digital Dash Unit)
  • Button box
  • Additional Sim-Lab accessories

You don't need every accessory to enjoy sim racing.

Start with the essentials and choose upgrades that match your preferred racing discipline.

Before your first lap

With the hardware installed, you're almost ready to hit the track.

Before launching your first race, take a few minutes to check the setup.

Check your driving position. Make sure your seat, steering wheel and pedals feel comfortable. You should be able to steer, accelerate and brake without stretching or shifting your body.

Secure the hardware. Check that your wheelbase, pedals, seat and monitor mounts are properly tightened and stable.

Connect and configure your devices. Make sure your wheelbase and pedals are recognised by your PC or console. Install the required software or drivers where applicable, then calibrate the controls in your simulator.

Adjust your force feedback. Start with comfortable settings rather than maximum strength. You can fine-tune the force feedback as you become familiar with the car and simulator.

Take a few practice laps. Choose a familiar car and circuit, and focus on getting comfortable with the controls before worrying about lap times.

Your first laps aren't about setting records. They're about learning how your equipment feels and finding a setup that works for you.

Build your rig around the way you race

Your first sim racing rig doesn't need to include every piece of hardware available.

What matters is starting with a stable cockpit, finding a comfortable driving position and choosing equipment that suits the type of racing you enjoy.

The Sim-Lab GT1 EVO provides a solid, adjustable foundation that can grow with your experience.

Start with the essentials, take your first laps and discover what you'd like to improve next.

Your rig can evolve as your skills develop.

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