Racing endurance events demands a completely different mindset than sprint races—something Eric Kelly discovered firsthand during his inaugural hour-long race at Spa. While sharing his experience streaming his first GT7 endurance race, Eric revealed the unexpected mental fatigue that comes not from driving itself, but from the inability to break concentration for even a moment. "It's different when you can't get up, can't take a sip, can't look at the chat," he explains, highlighting how focus inevitably wanes in those final crucial minutes.

This leads perfectly into our deep dive on what makes the perfect "trophy wheel"—that crown jewel of your sim racing setup that makes you proud every time you glance at your rig. Beyond technical specs, we explore the emotional connection racers develop with their equipment. "You have to love the wheel," Jeff emphasizes, explaining how aesthetics often trump functionality in these high-end purchases. We break down compatibility considerations with SimHub, appropriate sizing for different racing disciplines, and why wireless options might not be ideal for serious endurance racing.

The SimGaming Expo dominates our discussion as we approach September's landmark event in Chicago—the first major sim racing expo in the United States. We emphasize its importance not just for individual racers, but for the entire American sim racing ecosystem. With manufacturers showing unprecedented interest, this event could spark better distribution, warehousing, and shipping options for hardware that's traditionally been difficult to source domestically.

Ready to join us at the expo? Looking to upgrade your rig with components you can actually touch before buying? Want to experience the unique challenges of endurance racing? This episode covers it all with practical advice from three passionate sim racers who've learned through experience. Use code CHICANE10 for a discount on your expo tickets and come say hello in September!

Check out Erick's Stream at: https://www.youtube.com/@techgentgaming

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at thechicanepodcast@gmail.com

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Sim Gaming Expo I Use promo code CHICANE10 to save 10% on tickets. https://simgamingexpo.com/

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

When tsunami warnings struck Hawaii this week, our hosts had their priorities straight – figure out how to save the sim rigs! Jason and Jeff hilariously debated whether to move their wheels to the attic while evacuating PCs to higher ground, perfectly capturing the dedication of true sim racing enthusiasts.

The team doesn't hold back when discussing LMU's recent 1.0 release, with Eric delivering some hard truths about his experience. "The car feel is atrocious," he states, comparing it to "ACC braking turned up to max." Despite seeing positive reviews online, the hosts question whether the platform is ready for prime time, especially given its tiered subscription model that locks features like custom liveries and incident reporting behind paywalls. The contrast between marketing promises and actual performance leads to a passionate discussion about what makes a sim worth your time and money.

Not all virtual worlds get the same treatment, though. The conversation brightens considerably when exploring Gran Turismo's fictional tracks, particularly Trial Mountain. This beloved circuit, existing only in the digital world, showcases how virtual environments can create memorable racing experiences through thoughtful design, elevation changes, and visual appeal. Through this discussion, the team highlights Gran Turismo's broader appreciation for automotive culture beyond just racing.

The episode wraps with an in-depth look at bass shaker setups, featuring listener "Top Shot" Neil's impressive multi-shaker configuration. His audio engineering perspective on phasing and frequency targeting provides valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their rig's immersion factor.

Ready to join us in person? The Sim Gaming Expo is less than 30 days away! Secure your tickets now and use code CHICANE10 for a special discount. Connect with like-minded racers and experience the latest in sim racing technology firsthand.

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at thechicanepodcast@gmail.com

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Sim Gaming Expo I Use promo code CHICANE10 to save 10% on tickets. https://simgamingexpo.com/

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

The line between virtual and real racing continues to blur as sim technology advances at breakneck speeds. This week, we explore how physical feedback transforms the sim racing experience through an in-depth comparison of bass shakers versus the popular Butt Kicker system. Eric shares his experience with a budget-friendly Dayton Audio setup that delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost, while we debate the optimal mounting locations and SimHub settings that maximize immersion without overdoing it.

BeamNG Drive steals the spotlight with their ambitious tire physics overhaul in partnership with Calspin testing facility. We break down how they're using a 1400-horsepower testing rig capable of reaching 200+ mph to collect unprecedented levels of tire performance data. This research-driven approach demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to realism that's rare in the simulation world, and signals a new era in virtual driving physics.

Jeff introduces us to an innovative approach to sim displays through vertical screen configurations, showcasing how a flight simulator enthusiast completely transformed cockpit immersion by mounting 53-inch displays in portrait orientation. We debate whether this unconventional setup could benefit certain types of racing simulations, particularly for open-cockpit vehicles and prototypes.

With announcements about Eric's YouTube channel launch, upcoming Le Mans Ultimate coverage, and listener questions about racing leagues, this episode captures the excitement and innovation that makes sim racing such a dynamic community. Whether you're a seasoned sim racer or just getting started, you'll come away with fresh perspectives on how to enhance your virtual driving experience.

BeamNG Sneak Peek: Tire Physics Development Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HdBYYeQCU0&t=1s

BeamNG Sneak Peek: Tire Physics Development Article: https://beamng.com/game/news/blog/tire-physics-development-sneak-peek/

Nobsound Mini Amplifier: https://amzn.to/4f5rBec

Dayton Audio Bass Shaker: https://amzn.to/44RjGOq

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at thechicanepodcast@gmail.com

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Sim Gaming Expo I Use promo code CHICANE10 to save 10% on tickets. https://simgamingexpo.com/

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube