For sim racers, when things are going well, there is no better feeling. However, sim racing is never easy. Sooner or later, everybody hits a wall – hopefully, metaphorically only. There will always be challenges and obstacles for sim drivers. But just by knowing those challenges and the mistakes sim racers tend to make can make it easier to overcome obstacles and continue to improve as a racer. Let’s look at some of the common challenges sim racers tend to face.
Not Trusting Your Instincts
We all know that practice makes perfect. It’s also good to practice with a purpose and know the areas where you want to improve. But at a certain point, drivers have to let their instincts take over. Once you understand the turns and braking patterns of a track, it’s best to get out of your head and trust your instincts. For drivers, not doing so can be paralysis by analysis. All great sim drivers need to get to a point where they don’t think and just react during races.
Being Physically Ready
Sim drivers need to treat races like any other sporting event. You can’t just sit down and start driving just like NBA players don’t just show up to the gym and are ready to tip-off. It’s important to create a pre-race routine of stretching and warming up. This will get the blood pumping and help you feel loose. Therefore, all of the muscles you’ll need, including your brain, will be ready to go, preventing you from starting slowly or needing time to get up to speed.
Not Dressing the Part
Serious sim drivers need to look the part. While it’s not the same as being in an actual car, it does get hot during a sim race. Don’t just wear any old thing, especially if it means wearing multiple layers that can make you uncomfortable during a race. It’s normal for competitors to wear athletic apparel during Esports. Above all, wear something that will make you feel comfortable and won’t create a distraction during a race.
Dwelling on Errors
No matter the sport, this is a problem that all competitors have, including sim drivers. Nobody is perfect, so mistakes will be made during a race. The best thing you can do is set aside time after a race to go over what you did wrong and what you’d like to do differently next time. Getting upset about a mistake isn’t going to help. It’s just going to distract you, which will lead to more mistakes. Dwelling on mistakes is a common issue with sim drivers that prevents them from getting better. Just stay in the moment and worry about the next turn rather than thinking about what you’d like to do differently because you can’t go back and fix it.
Repeating the Same Tracks
In order to get better, sim drivers need to be willing to step out of their comfort zones. You might think that repeating the same circuits will help you to master those tracks, but that’s not necessarily the case. Getting better means challenging yourself with new tracks and racing superior opponents. This is the best way to learn new tips, tricks, and skills that will make you better in the long run. If you feel your development stagnating, try new tracks and challenge yourself.
Getting Better Away from the Track
Believe it or not, it’s possible to practice sim driving too much. Driving too much can lead to getting burned out or developing bad habits. Meanwhile, there are ways to get better at racing and boost your odds of winning without racing. Look for ways to improve your reaction speed and hand-eye coordination without racing. Other sports like table tennis can help you develop these skills while also getting your competitive juices flowing. There are also apps designed to improve concentration and fine motor skills. Take a little time away from the simulator to develop your skills in other ways; you might find this can make you a better driver.
If you’re interested in exploring other activities outside of racing, you might consider sports betting, which has grown significantly across the globe, including in Canada. Some of the best sports betting sites in Canada offer markets on motorsports events, such as Formula 1, NASCAR, and IndyCar. This could be a way to maintain your interest in racing while taking a break from the simulator. You can make predictions on race outcomes, driver standings, and more, adding an exciting twist to your love of racing. For example, betting on the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, one of Canada’s most popular motorsport events, can give you another perspective on racing. Exploring these sports betting opportunities can be a fun way to engage with the racing world and stay connected to the competitive atmosphere, even when you’re not on the virtual track.
Keep Having Fun
If there is one lesson that serious sim drivers need, it’s to remember to have fun. Think about why you started doing this in the first place; to have fun and because you genuinely enjoy doing it. Don’t let the pressure to improve as a driver or compete against others get the best of you. This isn’t always easy once the competitive juices get flowing and you feel pressure to win races. Before every race, remind yourself that you’re doing this because it’s fun. It’ll help you to relax and feel less pressure, which can make you a better driver.
