Fanatec and Trak Racer reveal new hardware at SimRacing Expo 2026
SimRacing Expo 2026 turned into a hardware spectacle as industry giants Fanatec and Trak Racer unveiled a dazzling array of new components, promising a significant leap forward for sim racing enthusiasts and professionals.
At the heart of the showcase was Fanatec’s ambitious roadmap, particularly their tease of Project Obsidian, an upcoming steering wheel slated for 2027. This prototype is already generating buzz, featuring a sleek 5-inch LCD panel integrated into a single glass surface, illuminated RGB-lit buttons, and a robust aluminum build. What makes Obsidian truly groundbreaking is its versatility: it is Fanatec’s first wheel designed to support SimHub, offering advanced telemetry data via USB or Wi-Fi, with the latter optimized for console UDP data.
Fanatec is strategically releasing this hardware early, aiming to gather essential community feedback before finalizing the design, ensuring the next generation of racing wheels perfectly meets user demands.
Adding further excitement, the event featured a high-performance wheel inspired by Formula 1 racing. The ClubSport Formula V3 Oracle Red Bull Racing wheel, unveiled by F1 Sim Racing world champion Jarno Opmeer, utilizes a 2.7-inch OLED display and features updated ergonomics alongside forged carbon components. This cutting-edge wheel is scheduled for release in mid-November.
Beyond the steering wheel, the company addressed the crucial area of the cockpit. Fanatec is preparing a home-user version of the popular ClubSport Formula Cockpit, which retains the Formula-style seating position but significantly improves adjustability and compatibility with third-party hardware, making it more accessible for a wider audience.
To enhance the setup, Fanatec also debuted Podium Pedals Sport, a sophisticated two-pedal system. This setup offers the mechanical adjustability of the renowned Podium Pedals line, now enhanced with support for upcoming clutch and carbon fibre add-ons.
Trak Racer brought a diverse range of specialized simulators to the forefront. Their lineup includes two TRZ Motorcycle Simulators, alongside licensed racing cockpits for iconic brands like Porsche, Alpine, and Aston Martin, catering to specific racing niches. They also showcased unique setups, including Hot Wheels-branded options, and specialized flight simulators such as the Airbus TR550 truck simulator.
The display extended to various accessories and integrated systems. Fans could explore additional accessories for the ClubSport GT Cockpit, including D-BOX mounting brackets and new livery panels. Furthermore, the presentation included the ClubSport F1 Racing System, which cleverly combines the PlayStation-licensed ClubSport DD+ wheelbase with a Formula V3-based wheel and paddle module, demonstrating seamless integration of top-tier hardware.