Sim Racing Expo 2026 attracted 29,580 visitors to Frankfurt, highlighting growing interest in racing simulator hardware and more immersive gaming experiences.
The event brought together over 70 exhibitors across 14,000 square metres of exhibition space, showcasing advanced steering wheels, pedals, motion simulators, and racing software.
Attendance increased by more than 5,000 compared with last year's event in Dortmund and more than doubled the figure recorded in 2024.
The growing audience suggests that simulator racing is gradually expanding beyond its traditional enthusiast community.
Sim Racing Expo 2026 Showcases Advanced Motion Simulators
Modern racing simulators now offer considerably more than traditional steering wheels and pedals.
At this year's exhibition, manufacturers demonstrated full motion platforms, active pedals, haptic seating systems, and virtual reality equipment designed to reproduce the physical sensations of driving.
Active pedals can simulate changes in braking resistance, including the intervention of anti-lock braking systems.
Motion platforms introduce physical movement based on vehicle behaviour, while haptic feedback systems communicate additional sensations through seats and other components.
Some exhibitors demonstrated unconventional setups, including a real vehicle converted into a simulator with gameplay projected onto its windscreen.
Another demonstration connected racing simulator controls to remote controlled cars operating on a physical track.
Assetto Corsa Evo and RaceRoom Receive Attention
The event also featured several racing games and upcoming software updates.
Visitors received an early opportunity to experience the free roam mode planned for Assetto Corsa Evo.
The feature is scheduled to arrive through an early access update on December 9, 2026.
Assetto Corsa Rally was also demonstrated during the exhibition.
Meanwhile, RaceRoom showcased a substantial update featuring historical racing content, additional circuits, interface improvements, and expanded statistics.
The update also introduces technical changes affecting force feedback, virtual reality, and multiplayer functionality.
Forza Horizon 6 was another notable attraction, demonstrating how advanced simulator equipment can enhance more accessible racing games.
Sim Racing Hardware Becomes More Affordable
Although premium simulator equipment remains expensive, some entry level products have become considerably more accessible.
Direct drive steering wheel systems, once limited to expensive enthusiast setups, are now available for approximately £250.
Advanced active pedals remain significantly more expensive, with prices starting around £750.
The exhibition's expansion also reflects growing international interest. An earlier American event in Charlotte, North Carolina, attracted nearly 9,000 visitors.
Frankfurt's exhibition recorded a 40% increase in occupied floor space and approximately 20% more visitors than the previous European event.
These figures indicate continued growth for simulation racing, supported by improving hardware accessibility and increasingly sophisticated software.
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