Does Sim Racing Improve Real-World Driving Skills?

 

Have you ever thought about how much fun it would be to race like a pro without leaving your home? Welcome to the world of sim racing!

Short for simulation racing, sim racing uses super-realistic video games to give you the thrill of driving a race car. But it's not just about having a blast—sim racing can make you a better driver in real life.

Let's dive into how skills from sim racing can boost your real-world driving and why understanding car setups in both can make a big difference.

How Real is Sim Racing?

Ever wondered if sim racing is as good as the real thing? Simulated driving has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1970s and now offers an incredibly immersive experience that's quite close to real-world driving.

 

Real-life Tracks
 

Sim racing games like iRacing and Assetto Corsa use advanced technologies to recreate real-world tracks with stunning accuracy. A key component of this realism is laser scanning, a process that captures every minute detail of a track, from the subtle undulations of the asphalt to the exact placement of curbs and barriers.

iRacing has pioneered this laser-scanning technology, employing specialised vehicles equipped with high-precision laser scanners to meticulously map out tracks. This data is then processed into incredibly detailed 3D models, allowing sim racers to experience the same challenges and opportunities as real-world drivers.

For example, the infamous bumps at Spa-Francorchamps or the high-speed banking at Daytona International Speedway are recreated with such precision that it’s almost like being there.

 

Physics

Beyond replicating track surfaces, top-tier sim racing titles excel at simulating real-world physics. Factors like tyre grip (dry or wet), slipstream, car weight, and suspension behaviour are meticulously modelled to create a driving experience that closely mirrors the challenges faced by professional racers.

Advanced physics engines calculate these variables in real-time, allowing drivers to feel the car's response to changes in speed, steering input, and track conditions. While not a perfect replica of the physical forces at play in a real car, these simulations provide invaluable insights into car behaviour and handling.

 

Hardware

Once you add high-quality gear like direct drive wheels and realistic pedals, the experience gets even better. This setup gives you feedback that's so precise, that it feels like you're driving an actual race car​.

While racing simulator setups provide excellent force feedback, they can't completely mimic the physical experience of being in a real car. It's like riding a roller coaster in VR versus doing it in real life—close, but not quite the same​.

Despite these differences, sim racing is an exciting way to hone real-world driving skills.

 

Real-World Skills from Sim Racing According to the Professionals

Max Verstappen

Many professional drivers, including Formula 1 stars, swear by simulators for enhancing their skills and race craft. For instance, Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 champion, is a known avid sim racer. He has often credited sim racing for helping him adapt quickly to new tracks and refine his racing strategy.

Lando Norris

Similarly, Lando Norris, another F1 driver, has publicly expressed his passion for sim racing. He believes that the intense competition and rapid decision-making required in online sim racing tournaments have significantly improved his race awareness and reflexes. These examples underscore the growing recognition of sim racing as a legitimate tool for developing the mental acuity and physical skills necessary for top-level motorsports.

Jann Mardenborough

One remarkable example of the potential of sim racing is the story of Jann Mardenborough. A former Gran Turismo champion, Mardenborough transitioned from virtual racing to real-world competition, proving that raw talent and skill can be honed in the digital realm. His career trajectory serves as inspiration for countless aspiring racers and highlights the symbiotic relationship between sim racing and professional motorsports.

Lewis Hamilton

However, it's important to note that not every professional driver is a sim racing enthusiast. Some, like Lewis Hamilton, have expressed scepticism about the technology's ability to fully replicate the complexities of real-world racing. While acknowledging the potential benefits, Hamilton has emphasised the irreplaceable value of on-track experience.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of sim racing as a training tool depends on individual preferences and learning styles. While it can be a valuable supplement to traditional driver development, it's unlikely to completely replace real-world track time as the cornerstone of racing expertise.

 

Car Setups: Sim Racing vs. the Real World

Adjusting your full racing simulator setup gives you a head start in understanding real-world tweaks. Here’s how some common adjustments compare.

1. Tyre Pressure

In sim racing, adjusting tyre pressure in simulators can make a noticeable difference. Higher pressures reduce rolling resistance, making the car faster but more slippery. Lower pressures increase grip but can cause more tyre wear. These tweaks help you understand how your car will react under different conditions, allowing you to fine-tune for optimal performance.

Tyre pressure adjustments work similarly in real-world cars. Properly inflated tyres ensure better handling, improved grip, and longer tyre life. Regularly checking and adjusting tyre pressure based on driving conditions is crucial.

2. Suspension Settings

Suspension settings in sim racing affect how the car handles corners, reacts to bumps, and maintains stability. That’s why sim racers spend hours tweaking these settings to achieve the perfect balance for different tracks​.

In real cars, suspension tuning is just as important. Why? Because properly adjusted suspension components help manage weight transfer during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

3. Aerodynamics

In sim racing, more downforce increases grip but also drag, slowing you down on straights. Finding the right balance is key to shaving off those crucial seconds.

Especially at high speeds, aerodynamics are critical for real-world performance. Not only do properly tuned aerodynamics improve stability, but they also reduce fuel consumption.

4. Brake Balance

When you're racing virtually, getting the brake balance just right is like fine-tuning a musical instrument—it's all about finding that sweet spot where you can brake hard without locking up the wheels. It's important because in the virtual world, locking up can cost you races.

Now, when we talk about real-life driving, fine-tuning your brakes is more about safety and performance. It's not only about stopping your car—it's about doing it efficiently and with control.

 

The Limits of a Sim Racing

While sim racing is awesome for honing your skills, it’s important to remember it’s not a complete substitute for real-world driving. 

                                                                                                           

Absence of Physical Feedback	Although the sim racing tech today does its best to mimic the feeling of driving, it can't replicate the g-forces, vibrations, and feedback felt through the steering wheel and seat. These physical sensations play a vital role in a driver's ability to gauge speed, traction, and car balance.
Incomplete Environmental Cues	Simulators struggle to fully capture the dynamic nature of real-world environments. Factors like wind, rain, and extreme temperatures can significantly impact car handling and require adjustments in driving technique. Sim racing experiences may not accurately reflect these external influences.
Predictable Environment	Real-world driving is full of surprises. Other drivers make mistakes, animals might dart onto the road, and unexpected obstacles can appear. Sim racing, by nature, operates in controlled environments, limiting your exposure to unpredictable situations that require quick thinking and adaptation.
Psychological Absence of Consequences	Real-world driving carries inherent risks and consequences for mistakes. The potential for damage, injury, or even death focuses a driver's mind and compels them to prioritise safety. In contrast, sim racing often lacks these real-world consequences, potentially leading to riskier behavior and a diminished sense of caution.

 

Verdict: Does Driving in a Simulator Improve Real-World Driving Capabilities?

It's important to note that while sim racing shows promise in developing driving skills, there's still a lack of extensive research to definitively prove its direct correlation to improved real-world performance. While evidence and professional driver testimonials are promising, more scientific studies are needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of sim racing as a driver training tool.

But in our opinion, does sim racing make you a better driver? It can definitely help. But it’s not a magic bullet (nor is it cheap). The best way to improve your driving skills is a combination of real-life practice, experience, and a healthy dose of common sense. Sim racing can be a fun and effective way to supplement your on-road training, but always remember to drive safely and responsibly.

Nevertheless, some hobbies can stay as hobbies only. Full racing simulator setups already provide a hyper-realistic experience, immersing you in the world of motorsport. If you’re enjoying the thrill of speed and competition without the real-world risks, sim racing is a fantastic outlet. It offers a controlled environment to hone your driving skills and satisfy your need for adrenaline without leaving your home. 

Just remember, those virtual crashes are a lot less painful than the real thing! Always stay safe, everyone.