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How to Get Into Sim Racing Competitions in 2026
Short version. On PlayStation, GT7 Sport mode. On PC, the cheapest start is RaceRoom, which is free to play, or ACC with Low Fuel Motorsport, where the league is free. iRacing is the deepest and costs $14.75 a month plus content. None of them strictly require a wheel.
| Platform | Runs on | Cost to compete | Rating system | Wheel required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT7 Sport mode | PS4, PS5 | Game plus PlayStation Plus | Driver and Sportsmanship Rating | No |
| iRacing | PC | $14.75 a month plus paid cars and tracks beyond the free set | License classes and Safety Rating | No, but recommended |
| ACC with Low Fuel Motorsport | PC for LFM | ACC plus a free LFM account | LFM Elo and Safety Rating | No |
| Le Mans Ultimate | PC | The game. Ranked races are in game; check the store page for any online add-on | Driver and Safety Rating | No |
| RaceRoom | PC | Free to play, paid content optional | Ranked multiplayer | No |
| Forza Motorsport | Xbox, PC | The game | Driver and Safety Rating | No |
| EA F1 25 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | The game | Ranked multiplayer | No |
The Steps That Work on Every Platform
- Race clean before you race fast. Every system above ranks safety separately, and most competitions filter on it
- Stick to one car and one track a week. iRacing and GT7 both rotate content on a schedule
- Enter an open qualifier once your rating allows. See the prize money guide for which ones are open
Want to Race It Yourself?
A controller works on all of these. When you want a wheel, pick for your platform first: PS5, Xbox, or on PC the budget wheel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a wheel to race online?
No. iRacing lists a gamepad as the minimum, and GT7 defaults to the DualSense. Most competitive drivers still use a wheel.
What is the cheapest way to start sim racing online?
RaceRoom is free to play on PC. On PlayStation, GT7 plus PlayStation Plus.
Is iRacing worth it for a beginner?
It has the most organised racing, and the rookie series use free cars and tracks. It costs $14.75 a month after the August 2026 price rise.
Sources
Checked on 27 September 2026. Dates can move, so confirm on the organiser's page before you plan around them.