Cockpit settings for sim rigs

Get the best cockpit settings

In the last decade, home sim racing has evolved from a niche hobby into a serious training tool and recreational activity, blending high-tech hardware with the immersive thrill of motorsports.
But while the visual realism and physics engines get much of the spotlight, the physical effects on the body, especially when using a motion-enabled sim racing rig, are equally compelling and often overlooked.
Driving a sim rig is no longer a passive, sit-back experience. Modern set-ups replicate real-world racing conditions with stunning fidelity.
The latest actuator systems deliver forces that mimic the pitch, roll, and heave of a race car, while high-torque steering wheels fight back with road texture and cornering pressure. The result? A surprisingly dynamic workout for the body.

Core and upper-body engagement is immediate. Even though you're stationary in a room, your body responds to the motion cues generated by the rig.
Muscles in the abdomen, shoulders, and forearms activate constantly, bracing against simulated G-forces, correcting slides, and fighting the wheel through tight turns.
Over a race stint of 20 to 30 minutes, fatigue sets in, just like it would in a real-world kart or touring car.
There are subtler physical effects, too. Hand-eye coordination and reaction time improve with regular use, mirroring the benefits experienced by professional drivers through training. And the seated posture, when supported by a proper racing seat and rig configuration, encourages spinal alignment and ergonomic awareness.

Race rig seating position is crucial.

As sim racing enthusiasts, we know that proper seating position is crucial for both comfort and control behind the wheel. Whether you're setting up your daily driver or optimising your sim racing rig, getting your seating position right can make a dramatic difference in your driving performance, comfort, and safety. Here's our comprehensive guide to achieving the perfect driving position.

Understanding ergonomic principles

Our experience has shown that proper driving ergonomics relies on three key factors: reach, support, and visibility. Each of these elements needs to be carefully adjusted to create the ideal driving position. Here's a breakdown of the main things you need to consider.

Seat height and position
The height of your seat affects everything from visibility to control access. We've found that the optimal seat height allows you to see clearly over the dashboard. Your hips should be at least as high as your knees, with your thighs supported but not pressed against the seat bottom.
Your distance from the pedals is equally crucial. When you fully depress the pedals, your legs should remain slightly bent. This maintains control whilst preventing leg strain during long driving sessions.

Backrest angle
The angle of your seat plays a vital role in both comfort and control. We've found that the ideal backrest angle is typically between 100 and 110 degrees. This allows for proper spinal alignment whilst ensuring you can easily reach the steering wheel.
Too much recline can lead to poor visibility and reduced control, whilst too upright a position can cause back strain. The key is finding the sweet spot where your back is well-supported but you can still move freely to operate the rig.

Steering wheel position
The steering wheel's position relative to your body is crucial for maintaining control and preventing shoulder fatigue. Your arms should be slightly bent when holding the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. We recommend adjusting the wheel so that when your shoulders are against the seatback, your wrists can rest on top of the wheel without stretching.

Lumbar support
Proper lumbar support is essential for maintaining good posture during long drives. If your seat has adjustable lumbar support, position it to fill the natural curve in your lower back. This helps prevent slouching and reduces back strain. If your seat doesn't have built-in lumbar support, consider using a small cushion or rolled towel.

Motion systems affect the body

Sim racing rigs, especially those equipped with motion systems like actuator kits, can have a surprising range of effects on the body. These effects can be positive, neutral, or (if misused or poorly designed) mildly adverse.
On the positive side are improved coordination and reflexes. Steering, pedal control, and shifting gears can enhance hand-eye coordination and reaction time, help develop motor skills and strengthen core engagement. Racing positions that require you to sit upright with your shoulders aligned and a straight spine will encourage better posture habits, especially with high-quality seats and a correctly set-up rig.
Neutral effects can include muscle fatigue in your legs (from braking), arms, and shoulders (from force feedback steering wheels).
With motion rigs, your eyes and body perceive movement, creating a highly immersive experience. However, if the movement doesn't perfectly match visual cues, it can lead to motion sickness in some individuals.
Potential negatives include back or neck strain, often resulting from a poor seating position, incorrect screen height, or an unsupportive seat. Periodic stretching and short walks between races help prevent stiffness.

The perfect sim racing cockpit

Finding the perfect driving position often requires some trial and error. The key checks for an optimal position include being able to see clearly, all controls being within easy reach, being able to depress all pedals while maintaining control fully, your arms being relaxed when holding the steering wheel, and your back being fully supported by the seat.
Factors like your height, arm length, and the specific rig you're driving will all influence your ideal position. The key is finding a position that allows you to maintain control whilst staying comfortable and alert.
We emphasise that taking the time to find your optimal race sim rig position is well worth the effort. A properly adjusted seat not only enhances your driving experience but also helps prevent fatigue during long sessions at the wheel or emergency manoeuvres.
Driving a well-designed sim racing rig can offer real physical benefits, simulating the forces of real-world driving and improving reflexes, while engaging core and upper body muscles. When used responsibly, it's both a thrilling and health-conscious activity.