Sim Racing Glossary
New to sim racing? Learn the terminology with our comprehensive glossary of terms and concepts.
8
B
Belt Drive
A wheelbase technology using a toothed belt to connect the motor to the steering shaft, offering smoother force feedback than gear drive at a mid-range price.
Brake Mod
An aftermarket modification to sim racing pedals that improves brake feel, typically by adding resistance, changing the progression, or converting to load cell operation.
D
Desk Clamp
A mounting method where the wheelbase attaches directly to a desk using a built-in or included clamp mechanism. The simplest and cheapest mounting solution.
Direct Drive
A wheelbase technology where the motor is directly connected to the steering shaft with no gears or belts, providing instant, detailed force feedback.
E
F
G
H
L
P
Pedal Face
The surface of a sim racing pedal that contacts your foot, available in different shapes, sizes, and materials to match driving preferences and footwear.
Platform Compatibility
Whether sim racing hardware works with a specific gaming platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), determined by manufacturer licensing and hardware design.
Potentiometer
A position-based sensor in sim racing pedals that measures how far the pedal has traveled, common in entry-level pedal sets.
Q
R
S
T
W
Wheel Rim
The steering wheel component that attaches to a wheelbase, featuring the grip surface, buttons, paddles, and display elements that the driver interacts with.
Wheel Stand
A standalone mounting frame for a wheelbase and sometimes pedals, positioned in front of a chair or couch. More stable than desk mounting but smaller than a full rig.
Wheelbase
The motor unit in a sim racing setup that generates force feedback. The wheel rim attaches to the wheelbase via quick release or fixed connection.