The Best Things I Saw At SimRacing Expo Charlotte 2026
SimRacing Expo Charlotte 2026 marked the first-ever SimRacing Expo held in the United States, bringing a European institution to North Carolina. The event, which originated at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2014, has grown significantly over the past decade, attracting over 24,000 visitors to its 2025 German iteration.
The boom in the sim racing community over the last six years has driven increased participation and investment. Enthusiasts are building setups that range from a few hundred dollars to over $150,000 in cost, reflecting the diversity and depth of the segment. The Charlotte expo featured over 30 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in racing simulation technology and equipment.
Prominent companies participating in the event included Fanetec, Thrustmaster, iRacing, and Asetek Racing, among others. These manufacturers represent the core hardware and software providers driving innovation in the sim racing space. The expo served as a showcase for both established and emerging technologies in the sector, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the cutting-edge developments shaping competitive sim racing.