The Chicane Podcast

• We Paid Two Grand To Get Choked (on purpose) So You Don’t Have To

  A week of chaos in F4 lobbies, a slow news cycle, and a big stack of gear talk turned into a surprisingly honest look at what really upgrades a sim rig. We start with the VR landscape—Bigscreen Beyond 2’s micro‑OLED clarity and eye tracking, the hidden cost of base stations, and the DisplayPort tax—then pivot to Pimax’s more complete, modular approach with integrated tracking and ultra‑wide FOV options. If you’re weighing spec sheets against setup friction, we walk through the tradeoffs that actually matter at the desk: cables, ports, stability, and whether you’ll fight Windows more than you race.From there, we strap into the Cubic Systems QS‑BT1 and talk immersion with no gloss. Out of the box, it’s hilariously strong; tuned properly with a 5‑ or 6‑point harness and the right shoulder height, it turns into a different animal. Braking loads press the chest, lateral forces hug the outside shoulder, and subtle road harshness layers over your butt kicker to close the feedback loop around your body. It won’t shave seconds off your lap by itself, but it will help you catch the car earlier, stabilize stints, and make the rig feel “strapped to you” instead of the other way around. We cover setup pitfalls, smart safety habits, a “less is more” effects philosophy, and why the “entry‑level motion” label is clumsy but directionally true.We round it out with practical buying advice for Techtober and Black Friday: when Bigscreen’s featherweight makes sense, when Pimax’s all‑in package wins, and why Quest 3 still punches above its weight for daily use. If your cockpit, wheelbase, and pedals are solid, the QS‑BT1 is the rare upgrade that might cure your motion itch entirely. If not, fix the foundation first—your future self will thank you. Enjoy the ride, share it with a friend who’s rig‑shopping, and if this helped, hit follow, drop a review, and tell us: what’s your next upgrade and why?Watch the Full Review of Cubic's QS-BT1 Belt Tensioner: https://youtu.be/kk6x1g_fyX8?si=-RUqVnhDkEAtugDiSupport the showPlease e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected] TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracingAll my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing Affiliates and Discount Codes trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/ Intro/Outro Rights below:Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyouWatch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

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• Sim Titles That Don't Quit and the Intricacies of iRating

  What makes a sim feel alive isn’t a flashy launch; it’s teams that keep building, communities that keep showing up, and drivers willing to grow beyond hotlaps. We kick off with a heartfelt farewell to Eric, swap travel notes, and then head straight into the spicy stuff: Max Verstappen’s GT3 win at the Ring. Was it proof of elite, transferable racecraft—or a PR-boosted outlier? We disagree (loudly), but agree on this: Chris Lulham’s path from top sim racer to real GT3 is a powerful signal that sim-to-real is no longer a footnote.From there, we spotlight two sims that simply refuse to quit. AMS2’s 1.6.8 update drops fresh Lamborghinis, AI and single-player polish, plus physics/FFB love—and teases more endurance content. Raceroom quietly launches one of the best values in sim racing: an Online Racing Pack with 12 cars and 27 tracks (Bathurst, Suzuka, Imola, Indy, Silverstone, Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, and more) for about $30/€30. If you want robust offline and clean online without subscriptions, that bundle is a gift. We also talk hardware timing with Simucube 3 on the way and why patience could save you serious cash as SC2 prices shift heading into Black Friday.The heart of the episode is our plain‑English guide to iRacing’s iRating and Safety Rating. We explain strength of field, what actually counts as “official,” how a late practice exit can nuke your iRating, and why longer races are the fastest way to grow SR. You’ll leave knowing how incidents, corner multipliers, and session types really affect your numbers—without letting those numbers run your race. Our take is simple: stop protecting stats, start building racecraft. Use endurance to bank SR, pick healthy splits for better racing, and practice proximity until pressure feels normal. When the math stops surprising you, you can focus on the only thing that matters: passing the car in front.If this convo helped, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review. It helps more sim racers find the show and keeps us diving deep into the gear, games, and grit that make this hobby so damn fun.Support the showPlease e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected] TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracingAll my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing Affiliates and Discount Codes trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/ Intro/Outro Rights below:Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyouWatch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

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• A 10k iRating 14x iRacing Champion/Real MX5 Driver on a LOGITECH!

  Discover the extraordinary journey of Cam Ebben, a 14-time iRacing champion and professional MX5 driver who shatters the myth that expensive gear is necessary for sim racing success. From his first laps at age 11 using a Logitech Wingman wheel bolted to a desk, to reaching the elite 10,000 iRating milestone and winning real-world championships, Cam's story is a masterclass in racing development.Growing up near Road America with racing in his family's blood, Cam turned to iRacing when he was too young for real motorsport. Using nothing more than a basic wheel and a laptop that struggled to maintain decent frame rates, he developed fundamental skills that would later translate perfectly to the real track. When he finally began karting at 15, Cam immediately demonstrated exceptional ability, eventually winning the Wisconsin State Championship and setting track records in Spec Miata.What separates Cam's approach from many others is his profound understanding of racing psychology. After plateauing around 8,000 iRating, he completely transformed his mindset – focusing on smarter decision-making, recognizing when aggression is warranted, and understanding that positioning yourself to avoid trouble is just as important as raw speed. This mental shift propelled him from 6,500 to 10,000 iRating in just two months.Cam offers invaluable insights on the relationship between sim racing and real-world competition, explaining which skills transfer perfectly and where the experiences diverge. As he prepares to move up to professional IMSA racing while maintaining his elite status in the virtual world, Cam represents the new generation of driver developing simultaneously in both realms.Whether you're a sim racer looking to improve your virtual performance or dreaming of making the leap to real motorsport, this conversation provides the blueprint for success from someone who's mastered both worlds. Follow Cam's journey as he continues to prove that talent and mindset will always outweigh fancy equipment.Follow Cam Ebben at:https://www.instagram.com/camebbenracinghttps://www.tiktok.com/@camebbenracingSupport the showPlease e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected] TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracingAll my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing Affiliates and Discount Codes trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/ Intro/Outro Rights below:Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyouWatch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

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• From Controller to 4K iRating: Jared Bridwell's Sim Racing Journey

  What separates elite sim racers from the rest of us? In this revealing conversation with Jared Bridwell, a 4K iRating driver from Impact SimSport, we uncover the journey, mindset, and techniques behind high-level sim racing performance.Jared walks us through his evolution from playing Forza with a controller in 2017 to competing in elite iRacing leagues today. Unlike many who jumped into sim racing during the pandemic, Jared's organic path through Assetto Corsa and into iRacing showcases the dedication that preceded his current success. His hardware journey—from a Thrustmaster T300 bolted to a wooden platform to his current aluminum rig with Simucube direct drive and Asetek Invicta pedals—mirrors the progression many aspiring racers follow.Most valuable are Jared's insights on technique and improvement. Rather than focusing on late braking, he emphasizes mastering corner exits first and maintaining consistent mid-corner speeds. "Don't push the car into the corner because it's going to overheat," he advises, revealing the counterintuitive approach that helped him climb to 4K iRating. His emphasis on self-honesty and data analysis cuts through the excuses that hold many racers back.Beyond driving, Jared represents the engineering side of sim racing, designing and 3D-printing custom steering wheels based on Picorny Engineering designs, with plans to develop button boxes and display units. This DIY spirit exemplifies how sim racing bridges various skills—from driving technique to engineering and fabrication.Whether you're struggling to break 2K iRating or pushing for elite status, Jared's practical advice on hardware investments (pedals before wheels!), racing mentality, and community engagement provides a roadmap for improvement. Listen now to gain insights from someone who's made the journey from casual gamer to elite sim racer through dedication, skill, and a constant pursuit of improvement.Follow Jared Bridwell at:https://www.instagram.com/jared_bridwell/https://www.instagram.com/jb_innovations/https://www.youtube.com/@TheJaredbridwellhttps://jbinnovations.org/https://impactsimsport.com/Support the showPlease e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected] TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracingAll my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing Affiliates and Discount Codes trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/ Intro/Outro Rights below:Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyouWatch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

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• Sim Gaming Expo 2025 Debrief

  There's something magical about meeting people you've known online for years—that surreal moment when virtual connections transform into genuine friendships. This is exactly what happened when the Chicane Podcast team converged on Chicago for the first-ever North American Sim Racing Expo, an event that exceeded everyone's expectations.What began as uncertainty about who would attend evolved into a groundbreaking gathering where industry giants like Simicube, SimLab, and VPG brought their A-game, setting up displays more impressive than those at established European expos. The expo wasn't just about hardware—it was about the passionate individuals behind these companies. We discovered that nearly every sim racing manufacturer began with a simple thought: "I like this product, but wish it could do this one thing better." That spark of innovation, coupled with specialized skills and driven personalities, has created an industry built on passion rather than corporate interests.Motion platforms dominated conversations throughout the weekend, with setups ranging from modest four-actuator systems to $175,000 professional simulators. After testing numerous configurations, we reached a surprising consensus—motion doesn't slow you down as many fear, but instead offers valuable physical feedback about what the car is doing. It's roughly "80% immersion, 20% information," making it worthwhile for those seeking deeper connection with their virtual vehicle while remaining optional for competitive racing.The expo's true magic happened after hours, as attendees gathered at SimRacing South Barrington, a dedicated bar featuring multiple motion rigs running iRacing. There, amid friendly competition and flowing drinks, the community spirit flourished. As one participant joked, "What a bunch of sickos we are—we go to the expo for eight hours of sim racing, then go to dinner talking about sim racing, then find a bar to do more sim racing!"For anyone considering future expos, our advice is unanimous: don't miss it. No video or description can capture the experience of putting your hands on different wheels, feeling various motion systems, and connecting with people who share your passion. The inaugural Chicago Gaming Expo wasn't just an event—it was the beginning of something special for North American sim racing.Support the showPlease e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at [email protected] TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracingAll my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing Affiliates and Discount Codes trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/ Intro/Outro Rights below:Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyouWatch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

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