Helmet and headset; why my sim is important for me as racing driver
When people find out I am a racing driver, I can imagine they only think about the sound of engines and the smell of gasoline on circuits all over the world. I guess nobody immediately thinks that I spend most of my time training on my simulator in my bedroom. Sim racing has definitely been very important in making me a better racing driver.
I will try to explain you why:
1. Practice time
In real life, track time is extremely expensive. Quickly worn out tires, an enormous amount of fuel, maintenance of the car and extensive traveling adds up! In my sim the track is always open… I can run hundreds of laps without worrying about big maintenance bills or mechanical failures. This lets me rehearse techniques over and over until they become second nature. Trail braking, throttle control, finding the racing line; all without negative consequences! The training pays off because when I get to a real-world event, I notice I’m faster right out of the pitbox.
2. Perfecting ‘race craft’
There’s a huge difference between driving fast and racing well. It is like a science. Sim racing teaches me ‘race craft’: planning overtakes, defending a position, setting up passes, dealing with traffic and maintaining my composure under pressure.
In competitive Sim-leagues, the drivers are more ruthless than in real life because the cost of a crash nothing. The real wheel-to-wheel combats feel almost easy for me after learning to survive in the sim-environment.
3. Mental training
Sim racing can be difficult on your concentration. One lapse, one missed braking point or poorly judged apex and my race can be over. Staying sharp for a sim endurance race from 90 minutes, trains me to better concentrate during a real stint behind the wheel.
Over time, I’ve developed a stronger ability to stay calm, refocus quickly after mistakes and manage the mental fatigue better that sets in during long sessions. That is really important when I, for example, fight for a podium with only 20 minutes left in a real race.
4. Learning New Tracks
I think that the biggest practical advantage from my sim racing is, that I get to know tracks all over the world, before I even step foot on them. Whether it’s a well-known circuit like Spa or a small club track in the middle of nowhere in Chile; big chance that I can practice it on my simulator in Amsterdam! When I show up at a race weekend already knowing the layout, braking zones and overtaking points; I am already well prepared. Instead of me wasting sessions just learning where the corners are, I can immediately focus on finding time.
5. Safe Experimentation
In sim racing, I can afford to take risks. Whether I try a crazy late-braking maneuver, push the limit through a blind corner or experiment with a new tire pressure setup; no problem!
I crash with a smile and you just hit the reset-button. This safe space for ‘trial and error’ encourages my creativity on track.
Perfect combination
Despite all advantages of Sim racing, it cannot be a substitute for the real-world racing. There are no G-forces, no fear of physical consequence and no mechanical challenges involved, but it definitely improves my race craft, focus, preparation and understanding car behavior. I am sure it makes me a faster, smarter and more confident racing driver.
Want to know more about sim-racing, what questions do you have for me?
Ask me on a DM on Instagram
