How to Start Sim Racing on a Budget
How to Start Sim Racing on a Budget
When I first wanted to get into sim racing, I was shocked at how expensive it looked. Direct-drive wheels, triple monitors, aluminum rigs—none of that felt beginner-friendly or budget-friendly. But after years of experimenting with gear, I’ve learned you can start sim racing without spending a fortune. In fact, with the right choices, you can build a great setup for less than the price of a smartphone.
Start With What You Already Have
You don’t need a full rig or expensive gear to start driving. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is thinking they must upgrade everything at once. The truth: you can start small and grow slowly.
Use Your Existing Platform
- PC you already own (even mid-range can run most sims)
- PlayStation for GT Sport or GT7
- Xbox for Forza and various racing titles
Start With a Single Monitor or TV
A single 1080p screen is perfectly fine for beginners. You don’t need triple monitors or VR yet.
Best Budget Sim Racing Wheels
If you want the most affordable path into sim racing, these wheels deliver huge value without the huge cost.
1. Logitech G29 / G920 (Most Popular Budget Choice)
These wheels offer:
- Good force feedback
- Strong build quality
- Reliable pedals
- Perfect for beginners
2. Thrustmaster TMX / T150
This is ideal if you want smoother force feedback thanks to the hybrid belt drive.
Affordable Ways to Mount Your Wheel
If you can’t afford a racing cockpit, don’t worry. You have options:
1. Clamp to a Desk
Most beginner wheels include strong clamps that hold firmly to a standard table.
2. Cheap Wheel Stand ($60–$120)
These foldable stands are stable and perfect for small spaces.
3. DIY Setup
Some racers use wooden frames, old car seats, or even IKEA furniture.
Start With a Single Game
You don’t need to buy every sim immediately. The best beginner titles are:
- Assetto Corsa (cheap, tons of content)
- Gran Turismo 7 (PS5)
- Forza Motorsport (Xbox)
- iRacing (if you want serious competitive racing)
Final Advice for Budget Beginners
- Start small. Upgrade slowly.
- Focus on skill, not gear.
- Your first wheel does NOT need to last forever.
- Put money into pedals later—they matter more than the wheel.
Sim racing doesn’t have to be expensive. With smart choices, you can build an immersive racing setup on a budget and upgrade naturally as you grow.
My name is Michael “Mick” Carter, and I’m a dedicated sim racing enthusiast with a deep love for motorsport. I first discovered sim racing in 2015 when a friend introduced me to a Logitech G27 and Assetto Corsa—an experience that immediately hooked me. Since then, I’ve gone from basic gear to advanced direct drive setups, VR headsets, and custom racing rigs, constantly refining my driving technique and equipment.
I mainly race in iRacing, ACC, and rFactor 2, focusing on GT3 endurance and open-wheel events. I’m not a professional driver—I’m simply someone who enjoys the craft of racing: learning car behavior, improving lap times, and battling for position with respect and skill.
I share what I’ve learned so others can build setups they enjoy and grow their own passion for sim racing. For me, the joy is in improving, one race at a time.
Owner at SimRacingCockpits.Com
