Our Visit to SimRacing Expo 2025 in Dortmund

Last week, the Apex Race Rooms team had the privilege of attending the SimRacing Expo in Dortmund, Germany – one of the premier showcases for cutting-edge sim racing technology in Europe. As a business dedicated to delivering the ultimate racing simulation experience, events like this are invaluable for staying at the forefront of industry innovation and discovering the next generation of equipment that could enhance our customers' racing experiences.

BDH Shifter: A Game-Changing Reveal

One of the standout moments of the expo was witnessing the reveal of the new BDH shifter. This meticulously engineered piece of hardware represents a significant leap forward in tactile realism for sim racers. The attention to detail in its construction and the precision of its mechanical feedback immediately caught our attention.

What truly sets the BDH shifter apart is its innovative haptic feedback system. As you work through the rev range, you can actually feel the vibrations changing through the shifter itself – mimicking the sensation of a real gearbox under load. This dynamic feedback adds an entirely new dimension to the shifting experience, allowing drivers to feel when they're approaching the optimal shift point without relying solely on visual or audio cues.

Equally impressive is the clutch lock-out feature, which brings authentic mechanical authenticity to your sim racing. Just like in a real manual transmission vehicle, you cannot engage a gear without proper clutch engagement. This prevents the unrealistic "slam shifting" that can occur in simulations and forces drivers to develop proper clutch control and heel-toe techniques. For those seeking to build real-world driving skills or simply wanting the most authentic experience possible, this feature is transformative.

The build quality was exceptional, and the modularity of the design means it can adapt to various racing styles and rig configurations. It's exactly the kind of premium equipment that serious sim racers are looking for, and we were impressed by the engineering prowess on display.

Home of Sim Racing's Lounge Control Software

Another highlight was exploring the innovative lounge control software from Home of Sim Racing. This sophisticated platform is revolutionising how sim racing centres and enthusiasts manage their setups. The software offers intuitive control over multiple racing stations, seamless session management, and comprehensive monitoring capabilities – all through an elegant, user-friendly interface.

For businesses like ours at Apex Race Rooms, solutions like this represent the future of sim racing centres. The ability to efficiently manage bookings, monitor equipment performance, and ensure every customer gets the optimal racing experience is crucial. We were particularly impressed by how the software scales from single-rig home setups to full commercial operations, making professional-grade racing accessible to a wider audience.

The Future of Sim Racing

Walking through the expo, surrounded by state-of-the-art motion platforms, direct-drive wheelbases, and immersive cockpit designs, reinforced why we're so passionate about sim racing. The technology is evolving at an incredible pace, and the line between virtual and real motorsport continues to blur. From professional race teams using simulators for driver development to enthusiasts experiencing the thrill of racing at iconic circuits, the accessibility and realism of sim racing has never been better.

The community atmosphere at the expo was equally impressive. Speaking with manufacturers, fellow sim racing centre operators, and passionate enthusiasts reminded us that this industry thrives on shared enthusiasm and continuous innovation.

Experience It at Apex Race Rooms

The inspiration we've gained from SimRacing Expo will directly inform how we continue to develop and refine the experiences we offer at Apex Race Rooms. We're constantly evaluating new equipment and technologies to ensure our customers have access to the most immersive and realistic racing simulations available.

Whether you're a seasoned sim racer looking to sharpen your skills, a complete beginner curious about the world of racing simulation, or a group seeking an unforgettable competitive experience, Apex Race Rooms offers a professional environment with cutting-edge equipment.

Ready to experience the thrill for yourself? 

Visit our website at www.apexracerooms.co.uk to learn more about our facilities, view our latest equipment, and book your session. You can also visit our sim centre directly to see our setups in person and speak with our knowledgeable team about creating the perfect racing experience for you.

The future of sim racing is here, and we can't wait to share it with you at Apex Race Rooms.

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