[Advanced search]
FRONT

I'm new to online racing


Race2Play welcomes drivers of all skill levels, from beginners to veterans. For someone new to virtual online motorsports, this guide will assist you in getting up to speed on the software and hardware needed to begin racing.

Recommended software

Below is a listing of the software supported by the Race2Play service. Check out our Guides section for some tips on installing and tuning specific software titles.

  • rFactor - Image Space Incorporated's versatile and venerated racing simulation. Embracing car and track add-ons from the community, this software title supports the widest variety of racing: sports cars, open wheelers, touring cars, stock cars and off roaders.
  • GTR 2 - Modern day sports car endurance racing on world-class race tracks. You will find Ferraris, Porsches, BMWs, Maseratis, Vipers, Corvettes and more from the 2003 and 2004 FIA GT series and 24 Hours of Spa.
  • GT Legends - GT Legends is the ultimate historic racing simulation, bringing back the legendary spirit of the '50s, '60s, and '70s, with cars ranging from the famous Mini Cooper to the muscular Corvette Stingray on both historic and modern racing circuits.
  • RACE '07 - Title from Simbin featuring the FIA-WTCC series (touring cars), as well as formula open wheelers, Radicals and Minis. Includes real-life racing circuits and street courses.
  • ARCA Sim Racing - ARCA Sim Racing was developed by Sim Factory with input and feedback from current drivers, teams and manufacturers in the racing series. ARCA is the second-oldest stock car racing association in the U.S. behind NASCAR, racing many of the same tracks and using nearly identical cars.
  • Richard Burns Rally - It has some years on it, but still widely recognized as the most realistic rally simulation available. Features World Rally Championship cars and multi-stage cicuits spanning numerous continents.
  • BMW M3 Challenge - BMW M3 Challenge is a free simulation commissioned by BMW and developed by Simbin. It features the new BMW M3 Coupe in all its available exterior colors, as well as Germany's historic Nurburgring track in two layouts.
  • ACTC - Argentinia's Turismo Carretera’s 60 cars of the championship and 12 racing circuits modeled to the finest detail.
  • Nascar Racing 2003 Season - Best in its day, this sim still has pockets of support in the community. The software is no longer sold over the counter, but copies can be found second-hand.
Shop for software, hardware and peripherals in the Race2Play store!

Recommended hardware

A computer and Internet connection are no different than a real race car and parts: They *are* your sim racing equipment.

One option is to build your own PC (or have someone build it for you) with each part carefully matched for optimal performance. This may take time as you must research, purchase and build the PC. There are many sites out there for technical advice, as well as a Computer Hardware Group right here at Race2Play.

The other option is a prebuilt system available from local retailers or over the Internet. These are very respectable systems at respectable prices. If you are looking to buy, the recommended computer specs that follow will serve you well in handling both the current generation and the next generation of racing simulations. If you already own a decent system, you still are able to run today's simulations with something less powerful than listed.

  • CPU: Intel Pentium 4 (2.2 Ghz or better) or AMD Athlon 64 (4200+ or better). It is recommended that you not go with the "Sempron" or "Celeron" type processors as they are budget processors not meant for PC simulations. Ask the salesperson to make sure the PC has a PCI-Express slot for an upgraded video card (see below).
  • MEMORY: 2 GB of DDR2 memory is recommended and very standard now. More is welcome, but unneccesary.
  • VIDEO CARD: PCI-Express compatible video card is the latest now. nVidia GeForce and ATI Radeon are the two big names in the marketplace and both do very well. Each of the cards have model numbers ("GeForce 7800", "Radeon x1950"), and generally the higher the number the faster the video processor.
  • WHEEL & PEDALS: A standard over-the-counter wheel/pedals combo is an excellent starter system and can be found at your local retailer for under $100. If you're already sold on sim racing or simply want to start with better equipment, consider spending the extra money on a mid-grade controller, which offers finer control and lasts longer. The new Logitech G25 has been getting great reviews and is priced in the mid-$200 range. At the high end of the spectrum is a professional-grade system from the likes of Extreme Competition Controls Inc., costing in the neighborhood of $1000+.
  • INTERNET CONNECTION: Broadband is pretty much a necessity for online racing and easy to find in the majority of locations now. Cable or DSL, it doesn't matter. Dial-up connections are not recommended.