The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up Your Trak Racer Sim Rig at Home

Sim racing has grown from a casual hobby into a fully immersive experience — one that can replicate real track dynamics, car handling, and cockpit ergonomics right from your home. And if you want to build a setup that balances comfort, performance, and realism, Trak Racer is one of the most trusted names in the game. Their rigs — from the TR8 Pro and TR80 to the TR120 and TR160 — are engineered for stability, adjustability, and long-term durability.

But owning a great rig is only the first step. To get the most from it, you need to assemble it correctly, place your components in the right positions, and fine-tune your environment for the best racing experience.

This guide walks you through how to set up your Trak Racer sim rig at home, step-by-step — from assembly to ergonomics, add-ons, and optimization.

1. Choosing the Right Space for Your Sim Rig

Before building anything, decide where your rig will live.

Pick a stable, low-traffic area

Sim rigs vibrate, rock, and take space. Choose a spot:

• away from fragile décor
  
  
• with flat flooring
  
  
• that won’t disturb others in the house
  

A spare room, office corner, basement, or media room are ideal.

Check space requirements

A full cockpit requires room for:

• the cockpit frame
  
  
• your racing seat
  
  
• pedal extension
  
  
• monitor stand or triple-monitor setup
  
  
• space behind the seat to recline or adjust
  

On average, you need at least 4 ft × 6 ft of space.

 Consider cable management

Pick a location with outlets nearby and space to route cables cleanly.

2. Step-by-Step Assembly of Your Trak Racer Rig

Every Trak Racer model has its own structure, but the general assembly process is similar. Here’s the core workflow.

Step 1: Unbox & Organize Components

Lay out:

• aluminum profile pieces
  
  
• brackets
  
  
• bolts and screws
  
  
• pedal plate
  
  
• wheel deck
  
  
• seat sliders
  
  
• monitor mount (if included)
  

Organize by length and type so the process is smoother.

Step 2: Build the Base Frame

Start with the horizontal base.

This foundational structure determines the rig’s stability, so ensure:

• all corners are square
  
  
• bolts are tightened evenly
  
  
• the frame sits flush on the floor
  

Step 3: Install the Pedal Deck

Position the pedal plate toward the front.

Pro tip: If you use load-cell pedals or hydraulic systems, set the pedal plate at a slight angle for better realism.

Set it to match your driving style:

• Formula-style: steep, closer to seat
  
  
• GT-style: moderate angle
  
  
• Rally/Upright: flatter and farther forward
  

Step 4: Attach the Seat

Seat sliders make a huge difference. Install the sliders first, then mount your seat (bucket or recliner).

Adjust height so:

• knees bend at roughly 120°
  
  
• thighs rest comfortably
  
  
• you can fully depress pedals without stretching
  

Step 5: Install the Wheel Deck

Trak Racer offers:

• wheel decks
  
  
• front mounts
  
  
• side mounts (for direct-drive bases)
  

Make sure the wheel base sits firmly with:

• no flex
  
  
• direct alignment with seat center
  

DD wheels like Fanatec DD1/DD2 or Moza R21 benefit most from front or side mounting.

Step 6: Add the Monitor Stand

If your rig didn’t include a stand, add a Trak Racer monitor mount (single or triple).

Position the screen:

• eye-level with track horizon
  
  
• 20–30 inches away
  
  
• angled slightly for wider field of view
  

Triple screens should form a 180° semicircle for best immersion.

Step 7: Add Shifters & Handbrake Mounts

Install side mounts for:

• H-pattern shifters
  
  
• sequential shifters
  
  
• handbrakes
  
  
• button boxes
  

Position them so your hand reaches naturally without bending.

3. Positioning Components for Maximum Realism

Wheel Position

Align the wheel so:

• the center of the wheel meets the center of your chest
  
  
• angle is 0–15 degrees (GT) or 20–30 (Rally)
  
  
• distance allows elbows to stay slightly bent
  

Proper wheel height prevents shoulder fatigue during long races.

Pedal Positioning

Good pedal positioning improves consistency. Set:

• brake pedal at highest resistance preference
  
  
• gas pedal slightly lower
  
  
• pedals distance aligned with your leg length
  

If using load-cell or hydraulic pedals, make sure the plate doesn’t flex — Trak Racer frames handle high brake forces well.

Seat Positioning

Adjust based on racing type:

• GT/Street: 30–40° recline
  
  
• Formula: 10–20° recline, lower seating
  
  
• Rally: more upright, 50–60°
  

Feel for natural body alignment — if you feel strain, adjust until neutral.

Monitor Placement

Your screens determine immersion. Use these guidelines:

• Eyes should meet the middle of the screen
  
  
• Top of monitor slightly above eye-level
  
  
• Triple screens angled inward at 45°
  
  
• Distance: 1–1.2× the screen width
  

If you use VR, ensure:

• cable slack
  
  
• ventilation
  
  
• enough space for head movement
  

4. Adding Accessories to Complete Your Trak Racer Setup

✔ Shifter + Handbrake

Mount the shifter on the right (or left if preferred).

Position handbrake slightly forward for rally/drift setups.

✔ ButtKickers & Motion Systems

Trak Racer frames are motion-compatible.

Add tactile transducers under the seat or pedals for:

• engine vibration
  
  
• kerb feedback
  
  
• braking feel
  

Motion add-ons (like surge, traction loss, or full-frame movement) elevate immersion further.

✔ Keyboard & Mouse Tray

If you stream, tune settings, or do telemetry work, a keyboard tray is essential.

✔ Cable Management

Use:

• Velcro straps
  
  
• Under-frame routing
  
  
• Side channels in aluminum profiles
  

Clean cables reduce distractions and improve safety.

 LED lighting

RGB lighting behind the rig enhances ambience and looks great on camera if you stream.

5. Optimizing Your Rig for Comfort & Long Races

 Adjust Ergonomics Over Time

Spend your first month making small tweaks.

Your body will naturally tell you what needs adjustment.

 Use Cushions or Seat Pads

Even racing seats need extra padding for endurance sessions.

 Stay Cool

Add a small desktop fan to simulate airflow and reduce sweat.

 Create a “Racing Zone”

Add décor like:

• track posters
  
  
• shelves for steering wheels
  
  
• LED strips
  
  
• headset stands
  

Make your space feel like a personal garage.

6. Final Checklist Before Your First Race

Before launching your first lap, confirm:

• Wheel base is firmly tightened
  
  
• Pedals do not wobble
  
  
• Seat is locked in position
  
  
• Monitor stands are secure
  
  
• Cables are neatly tied
  
  
• Your driving posture feels natural
  
  
• Force feedback is calibrated
  

Once everything feels right, jump into your favorite sim — whether it’s iRacing, Assetto Corsa, rFactor, or F1 — and test your comfort.

Setting up a Trak Racer sim rig at home is more than just assembling parts, it’s about creating an immersive environment where comfort, realism, and performance come together. With the right placement of your wheel, pedals, monitor, and accessories, even a small space can become your personal racing cockpit. Take your time fine-tuning ergonomics, explore add-ons gradually, and most importantly, enjoy the thrill of a fully immersive racing experience built just for you.