Elite Racing Simulator Preparation: 34 Wins in 98 Events for SimCraft Drivers

May 1, 2025
News

Since February, SimCraft-supported drivers have claimed 34 wins and 98 podiums across NASCAR, WEC, SRO, and junior formula events. This article unpacks how elite racing simulator preparation—not hype—translates into real-world results.

SimCraft Drivers Rack Up 34 Wins Since February—What’s Behind the Performance?

In the motorsports world, success is never accidental—especially when it happens repeatedly across disciplines. Since SimCraft’s last update on February 26, 2025, drivers using its motion racing simulators to prepare have posted 34 wins, 38 second-place finishes, and 26 third-place finishes in just 98 races. From NASCAR Cup Series victories to FIA WEC endurance wins and junior formula breakthroughs, these results aren’t isolated incidents. They’re the outcome of rigorous, intentional racing simulator preparation.

This isn’t a sales story—it’s a performance pattern. And it points to one consistent factor: professional-grade simulator training done right.

Breaking Down the Results: 98 Podiums Across 98 Events

Let’s look at the data behind the headlines.

Between February 26 and May 1, 2025, SimCraft-supported drivers and teams achieved:

34 total race wins
98 podium finishes
Across 98 race events worldwide

Drivers and teams contributing to this surge include:

Denny Hamlin (2 wins at Martinsville and Darlington, plus 1 second at Bristol)
Rafa Racing Club (5 wins)
Wayne Taylor Racing (5 wins, including endurance racing)
KellyMoss Racing (6 wins)
Ty Fisher, a USF Juniors breakout, with his first win and second in the points
Oliver Wheldon, opening his USF Juniors season with three straight podiums
Ben Keating and Ryan Hardwick (class wins in FIA World Endurance Championship)
Jay Schreibman and Adrian Kunzle (SRO GT America victories)

This level of consistency across series is rare—and it speaks to driver readiness, not just raw talent.

Preparation in Focus: How SimCraft Clients Trained for These Wins

What do these drivers have in common besides podiums?

Structured, high-fidelity racing simulator preparation.

While each athlete and team varies their routines, there’s a shared emphasis on using motion simulators for pre-race acclimation—not just casual practice.

Examples from this update:

Hamlin’s short-track dominance this spring reflects a long history of simulator use for timing and brake technique refinement.
Ty Fisher’s win at NOLA came after multiple pre-season simulator sessions to lock in track familiarity and build reaction memory.
Oliver Wheldon’s run of podiums followed a simulator-focused offseason, prepping for the transition into USF Juniors.
Ben Keating’s and Ryan Hardwick’s class wins in WEC endurance events align with the use of simulation for sustained focus and rhythm-building.

SimCraft driving simulators are known for their center of mass motion architecture, enabling drivers to rehearse vehicle dynamics as they actually occur. The goal? Refine reactions, internalize car behavior, and arrive on race day already “in rhythm.”

From NASCAR to USF Juniors—Driver Perspectives on Simulator Prep

Denny Hamlin, a longtime SimCraft user, has publicly credited simulators as critical to short-track and superspeedway prep. His consistency across Martinsville, Bristol, and Darlington tracks demonstrates a strategy grounded in pre-event rhythm and visual cues—the type you build through high-fidelity simulation.

Oliver and Sebastian Wheldon, both part of the SimCraft Academy for Driver Development, have used simulator prep to transition from karting to cars. Oliver’s performance in the Skip Barber Formula Series and Sebastian’s early season podiums are direct outcomes of consistent off-track training.

Lucas Palacio, at just 11 years old, clinched the WSK Super Masters title in OKNJ after leveraging simulator prep throughout the winter.

From endurance drivers to teen racers, the preparation patterns are clear and repeatable—and they lead to results.

Why Consistent Prep Matters in Professional Motorsports

In modern motorsports, physical testing time is limited, expensive, and often weather-dependent. That’s where simulator work fills the gap. But not all simulators deliver the same value.

It must be more than a setup with pedals and a steering wheel. To train race instincts, not just game-like inputs, a simulator must:

Deliver accurate motion feedback
Synchronize motion with visuals to avoid cue conflict
Replicate real vehicle dynamics using rigid body motion principles
Be tuned to driver preferences, not just factory defaults

The most important motion cue is yaw, often missing or simulated incorrectly in many platforms.

This isn’t about flashy motion—it’s about training muscle memory, learning track rhythm, and making micro-adjustments before a race weekend begins.

Looking Ahead: Indy, Le Mans, and a Demanding Month of Open-Wheel Racing

The performance momentum doesn’t stop here.

May and June are packed with events that will test simulator-trained drivers again:

Sebastian Wheldon kicks off his Italian F4 campaign at Misano, building on his SimCraft prep
Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Indy 500 champion and longtime SimCraft client, returns to The Brickyard
Wayne Taylor Racing’s Cadillac LMDh entry—powered by simulator-tested drivers—will chase overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Each event brings new challenges, but also showcases how elite racing simulator preparation is evolving from optional to essential.

Bottom line on racing simulators?

Racing simulator preparation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a driver development tool that wins races. And the most recent 34 trophies prove it.

FAQ: Racing Simulator Preparation & SimCraft Equipment

What is racing simulator preparation?

Racing simulator preparation is not simple simracing, it refers to structured and deliberate practice using a high-fidelity motion simulator to replicate real-world racing scenarios. It builds muscle memory, visual timing, and familiarity with tracks.

Why have SimCraft drivers won 34 races since February?

Because they used simulator time effectively. From GT racing to open-wheel and endurance, consistent motion-based prep helped them arrive at events already acclimated to car behavior and track flow.

How does simulator prep help in real races?

It sharpens reaction time, improves car control, and allows drivers to experiment with setups and lines without risk. With platforms like SimCraft, it also trains the body to recognize motion cues correctly—especially yaw. Further, participating in online sim racing events, especially high level sim racing leagues, keeps racecraft sharp and on point.

Can I use the same simulator setup as the pros?

Yes. SimCraft equipment such as the APEX GT and APEX CT platforms are used by professional motorsport teams, driver academies, sim racers, and private clients—including those featured in this article. The GRID1 is specifically targeted for esports drivers.

About SimCraft

SimCraft is a global leader in motion simulation technology, specializing in professional-grade racing simulators designed for both driver development and elite immersive entertainment. Founded in 1997, SimCraft’s pioneering motion technology replicates real-world vehicle dynamics with extraordinary fidelity, delivering a “center of mass” simulation experience that replicates “seat of the pants” feel, and is the preferred choice of championship racing drivers. The company’s innovative simulators, ranging from one to six degrees of freedom, have become an essential tool for professional drivers, engineers, and serious motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

Headquartered in Kennesaw, GA, SimCraft continues to push the boundaries of simulation technology, leveraging physics-based designs to offer a comprehensive product lineup that spans various price points and configurations. With over two decades of expertise, SimCraft has established itself as a trusted provider in the racing industry, providing cutting-edge tools for skill enhancement, training, development, and vehicle setup optimization.