Setting Up IRacing VR Simulation

Virtual Reality is here to stay! In this Instructable, you will learn how to incorporate the most immersive visuals in technology, with the most immersive racing simulation service in the world! iRacing, founded in 2008, uses real life track data from laser scans to accurately replicate race cars and race tracks around the world. Many purposes have been benefitted this program. Drivers can use these to train for upcoming races, or learn new race cars. Graphic designers use it for a 3D rendering software to show off or test new paint schemes and liveries for real life cars, and in the case of 2020, "replace" real racing when the world shuts down. This piece of technology is revolutionary in many ways in the work atmosphere, especially where I work in motorsports and either having drivers be able to explain what's going on, train, or the designs of the cars on track!

Typically, most people use a setup with a monitor, but with the advancements of technology, Virtual Reality is here to stay. With how realistic it is, Virtual Reality has made it one step closer to the real thing. While you can't replicate the actual feels and forces, having the depth perception and proportioned sizes of the cars in 3D makes for an immersive experience where it does feel like you're actually in the car.

To accomplish these, you will need the following items

1. A dedicated gaming PC. You need processing power for the amount of data from the software

2. A wheel and pedal set. Sets typically start at $100, and can be up to around $3000 depending on the equipment and how "realistic" you want it to get

3. Desk, Wheel Stand, or Racing Rig. With this equipment and the forces these wheels produce, one of these will be necessary to clamp onto and use the wheel safely and smoothly

4. A VR headset and controllers. These start at around $300, and consumer headsets can go up to $1200.

5. A monitor or TV. There needs to be something that displays data when not using the VR software

OPTIONAL

6. Oculus Link Cable USB-C, if you buy an Oculus Quest 2, there is software that allows you to use the VR headset wirelessly. However, the cable allows for more consistent fidelity and picture quality.

7. Racing gloves. Not needed, however, to protect the material on the wheel and get a more realistic experience, these are optional

By the end of this tutorial, you will know how to set up the VR for iRacing and will be able to use it for fun and for purpose!

Disclaimer - This presentation is a tutorial by the creator and tested by the creator only. Systems and equipment may vary and the results of this may be different depending on your skill level, your equipment, and depending on your health concerns. Side effects of using VR may include motion sickness or other issues that may arrive from mental and eye strain. Zach Darrow shall not be liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information on this demonstration. There is also not any liability for any losses or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on this demonstration.

This first step depends on your system, buttons and powers vary. However, turning on the system should be the first step and getting everything prepared to run the system properly. Also, prepping yourself for going onto the system, especially as a beginner into VR, you want to make sure your head and body are stable enough for handling possible motion sickness that may occur.

*If you have a Logitech or any fixed option steering wheel, please skip to Step 3 and proceed with the tutorial*

Install the steering wheel onto your setup. If you have a Thrustmaster Wheel, use the screw on system and put on your wheel. If you have a Fanatec or other system, press the quick release pull as seen here, and install the wheel onto your base like this. There will be a grooved spot and the wheel will stay in place using these various grooves. When it's safe and secured, it's ready to go.

When the wheel is safe and secured, power on the device. On all wheels, there will be an LED or some form of lighting either on the box itself, or on a fixed wheel like a Logitech, it will be on the steering wheel. When this is solid and on, you know the wheel is powered on.

When the wheel is turned on, it should automatically calibrate. All wheels to some degree, spin the wheel around its full rotation, for this wheel, the rotation is 900 degrees. When it's done calibrating, it will center, or produce an LED light in the center like this. There will also be an accompanying noise from your computer notifying you're connected.

Connect the Oculus Link USB to your headset. When connected, the system should power on and make an audible sound. Letting you know it's ready to go. If you're using a system like Virtual Desktop, ignore this step as it will not be part of this tutorial, as it is a great thing to have but doesn't work as well as Link does.

Prior to this step make sure you have the iRacing software installed, when installed, load the system by simply clicking the software thumbnail. When it loads, it will generate an image like this showing all the systems loading with the percentages.

Select your car and track you want to use. When you have all this selected as seen above, you're ready to run in the session and get going. There are hundreds of options to choose from, and there will never be a limit to how much you can run!

After making your selections, the system begins to load the software. You will then be promoted around the 5% mark to enable the Oculus Link as your viewing device on the software. Click Yes and proceed. When this occurs, your screen will turn dark with a large sheet of information showing where you will be racing and how much time left there is to load.

When all is loaded and ready, have your headset on and step into your cockpit! This is the cockpit that is set and ready to go, when you are comfortable and having fun, make sure you keep cool and have food in your system to avoid any possible sickness that may occur during screen time playing on the software.

Have fun and enjoy the most immersive racing experience!