Everyone Has an Excuse in Sim Racing: Which One Is Yours?

Drawing from both my experiences in Sim Racing and the real world, it becomes evident that a significant portion of mistakes are entirely preventable by the driver. Many of the mishaps and conflicts that arise during races could have been avoided with proper experience and skill.

In this article, I aim to compile a list of both humorous and serious excuses that I’ve encountered over my decade-long involvement in racing and simulation. Additionally, I encourage readers to share their own favorite excuses in the comments, which will be added to the list.

Definitive Excuses Guide

• I have yet to learn the last part of the circuit.
• I forgot to turn
• I’m only here for the Safety Rating
• Divebombs are part of the races
• How can I set up the controller?
• “My spotter said: Clear.”
• Netcode error, I’m sure.
• But wasn’t this practice?
• Is this Silverstone International or National?
• “I was trying different lines.”
• I had a blockage in the steering and couldn’t get around you.
• My brakes locked up.
• I didn’t see my braking reference.
• My tires were too cold.
• I was in the wrong gear.
• The sun was shining on me and I had a reflection on the screen.
• It was the first time I raced with the setup.
• I couldn’t control the understeer.
• I didn’t know you were in parallel.
• I didn’t think you were going to brake so soon.
• What key do you use to set the Relative?
• I didn’t see the yellow flag.
• What does the blue flag mean?
• My tires were too worn.
• I don’t feel the force feedback.
• Relax, my intention was not to overtake you.
• The iRating doesn’t matter to me.
• I’m sorry, in Gran Turismo, Eau Rouge I took it at full throttle.
• In my camera, you’re the one who’s hitting me.
• Sorry.
• Don’t worry, this is just a game.
• It was my first race with this car.
• I’m sorry, but I had to take a gamble.
• My intention was just to bump draft you.
• There was a gap and I had to take advantage of it.

See you on the track!