The Ultimate Sim Racing Dictionary [2025 Edition]

Whether you’re new to sim racing or looking to brush up on some lingo, this sim racing glossary covers the most essential terms, techniques, and concepts in the virtual motorsport world.

Apex #

This is the innermost point of a corner. You’ll hear terms like late apex/early apex or even parked on the Apex, in simple terms hitting the apex properly allows for the smoothest and fastest line through a turn.

Brake Bias #

In a race car, you are able to control the front-to-rear distribution of braking force. Adjusting brake bias affects car stability and corner entry performance.

BOP (Balance of Performance) #

BOP (Balance of Performance) is important, without BOP there is no racing. It is used in almost every league out there to equalize cars’ performance in a most multi-make racing series.

Button Box #

An external USB device with programmable buttons, switches, and rotary encoders used in sim racing. It provides quick access to in-game functions like lights, pit requests, brake bias, or traction control adjustments.

Cockpit View #

A camera angle from inside the driver’s seat, offering a realistic perspective.

Corner Exit #

The point where a driver completes the turn and accelerates out toward the next straight.

Direct Drive Wheel #

DD of direct drive is a cornerstone of modern sim racing, it indicates a racing wheel setup where the steering shaft connects directly to a powerful motor for ultra-precise force feedback.

FFB (Force Feedback) #

Feedback from the racing wheel that simulates road texture, tire grip, and impacts, adding realism.

Field of View (FOV) #

The amount of the track visible on-screen. Proper FOV settings improve immersion and spatial awareness.

Formation Lap #

A warm-up lap before a race where cars maintain order before the rolling or standing start.

Grip #

The amount of traction a car has on the track surface. Affects handling, braking, and acceleration.

Hot Lap #

A single lap driven at maximum effort to achieve the best possible time.

Hot Stint #

A continuous run of several laps driven at maximum effort, often used in endurance racing or practice to simulate race pace and tire wear.

Input Lag #

The delay between your hardware input (steering, throttle, brake) and the game’s response. Low input lag is crucial.

In-game Setup #

Modern sim racing is complex, any title worth its salt will provide you with options for Car-specific tuning like tire pressure, fuel, suspension, Aero balance, and gear ratios.

Lift-Off Oversteer #

Occurs when a driver lifts off the throttle mid-corner, causing the rear to lose grip.

Line (Racing Line) #

The optimal path around a racetrack for the fastest lap time. Please be aware that racing line can be different depending on different track conditions.

Load Cell Pedals #

Advanced pedals that measure braking pressure rather than pedal travel. These provide better brake control and consistent application.

Modding #

Modding in case can refer to both hardware and software. Software modding allows us to add custom content to sim racing games, such as cars, tracks, liveries, and sound packs. While hardware modding allows you to add custom hardware to your racing rig like button boxes or even your own wheels.

Motion Rig #

A simulator setup that moves to simulate car motion. Enhances immersion significantly, however it does not make you faster.

Multiplayer Lobbies #

Online race sessions where players can compete live with others worldwide.

Oversteer #

When the rear tires lose grip and the car turns more than intended. Requires counter-steering to correct.

Out Lap #

A lap driven from the pit lane without aiming for speed, usually to warm up tires or prep for a hot lap.

Pedal Set #

Refers to the throttle, brake, and clutch hardware used in a sim racing setup.

Pit Limiter #

A system that limits your speed in the pit lane to comply with track rules. Typically activated by a button on your wheel or button box.

Pit Stop #

An in-race stop for refueling, tire changes, or damage repair.

Practice Session #

A pre-race period where drivers test setups and learn the track.

Qualifying #

A timed session to determine starting positions for a race.

Quick Release Hub #

Hardware that lets you swap racing wheels on your base quickly and easily.

Sim Rig #

The full frame, seat, and mounting system that houses all your sim racing hardware—such as the wheelbase, pedals, shifter, and monitor mounts. Sim rigs are designed for stability, realism, and comfort during racing sessions.

Types of Sim Rigs:

Aluminum Extrusion Rigs: Made from 8020-style aluminum profiles. Known for modularity, adjustability, and professional-grade durability. These rigs can be customized with mounts, accessories, and reinforcements.
Custom Tube Rigs: Often made from welded steel or tubular frames. They can be less adjustable than aluminum extrusions but offer a solid, often more cost-effective and visually unique solution. Popular with DIY builders or those looking for a realistic car cockpit style.

Rim #

The detachable wheel portion of a sim racing wheel.

Sim Racing #

Short for “simulated racing” — refers to realistic racing games focused on physics and immersion.

Slip Angle #

The difference between the direction the wheels are pointing and the direction the car is actually going. Crucial for understanding grip.

Slipstream #

See: Drafting

Telemetry #

Data feedback on vehicle performance like speed, braking, RPM, tire temps. Used to improve driving and setups.

Throttle Modulation #

The precise control of throttle input to maintain traction and balance.

Throttle Blipping #

Tapping the throttle during downshifts (in manual or sequential shifting) to match engine speed and avoid gearbox stress.

Understeer #

When the front tires lose grip and the car turns less than intended. Usually corrected by adjusting throttle or steering input.

Wheelbase #

The motorized foundation that powers a sim racing steering wheel. Affects force feedback quality and precision. These can be direct drive or belt driven bases.

Wheel Spin #

Loss of traction from excessive throttle causing wheels to rotate faster than the car is moving.

OpenSimWheel #

The Open Sim Wheel is a powerful direct-drive steering system for sim racing. By attaching a wheel directly to a powerful servo motor, strong and detailed force feedback can be achieved. Check out Open Sim Wheel here: http://opensimwheel.wikidot.com/

References #

For more guides, tips, and expert knowledge, visit our Sim Racing Knowledge Base.