In December, I had a conversation with Emanuele Gerbino, a director at VPG Sim, a UK manufacturer of sim steering wheels. He discussed their new Ford Officially Licensed Mustang GT3 Wheel and mentioned their collaboration with Novus Sim Racing. This prompted me to reach out to Tara Brus from Novus to learn more about the services they provide for both sim and real-world racers.
What makes Novus Sim Racing technology different from other manufacturers?
At Novus, we really focus on merging cutting-edge engineering with a realistic racing experience. Our motion systems are ultrafast, so you actually feel every response from the car. We’ve designed our stroke to be 4.5 inches, which is perfect for capturing those elevation changes, especially on legendary tracks like Nürburgring and Spa. Plus, durability is the key! We use Racing Grade Aluminium, built to withstand intense racing sessions. Everything is made right here in Europe, showcasing our commitment to quality craftsmanship and high standards. Our motion is whisper quiet, so it won’t disturb your gaming zone, and we’ve got some awesome adjustability features. You can switch easily from GT to F1 seating, and our special wheelbase mount is fully adjustable. On top of that, our rigs are stylishly designed to fit any space, are the lightest on the market, and come with smart cable management. It’s all about making sure you have the ultimate racing experience!
Who are your sim products aimed at? The real-world racer, sim racers, or both?
Our products are designed for everyone! If you’re a professional driver looking to fine tune your skills when you’re off the track, or a passionate sim racer wanting that competitive thrill, we’ve got something for you. We also equip racing centres across Europe with our gear, so even those places can offer an amazing racing experience to their clients. Essentially, we blend the best of both worlds – our tech is super versatile, making it perfect for real-world racers and engaging for enthusiastic sim racers.
Max Verstappen recently stated that sim racing technology is “90-95% there, but that 5% is mainly just that real touch of strapping yourself in the car and then feeling the G-force.” Any thoughts?
I totally agree with Max Verstappen! Sim racing technology has come a long way, offering incredible realism in physics and feedback. However, that final 5%—the real sensation of G-forces and strapping yourself into a race car—can only be experienced in real life.
This is why we focus on simulating suspension movement instead of trying to replicate G-forces. By doing this, you can feel all the bumps and have a precise understanding of what your car is doing on the track. We also enhance the immersive experience by using SIMUCUBE products in our simulators. Their direct drive and active pedals make for an exceptional feeling, pushing the boundaries of realism. We’re dedicated to bridging that gap with our innovative designs, ensuring you have the ultimate racing experience.
What are your thoughts on VR and sim racing?
VR is a game-changer for sim racing! It adds an amazing level of immersion, giving drivers a 360-degree view of the track and making the racing environment feel so real. That said, we know that some people find VR a bit tough in terms of comfort and accessibility. That’s why our products are designed to integrate smoothly with VR systems, helping to create an all-around awesome experience.
Do you have products for different price ranges?
Absolutely! At Novus, we strive to make our top notch technology accessible to a wide audience. Our X Cage, priced under $3,500, is a fantastic entry point and is upgradeable with motion features, allowing you to save money initially and enhance your setup later. While we cater for various budgets, we prioritize quality over being the cheapest option. Our aim is to deliver exceptional racing experiences that stand the test of time.
Do you think that sim racing can be a conduit to real-world motorsport? Why or why not?
Absolutely! Sim racing is a fantastic way to get into real-world motorsport. It helps drivers sharpen crucial skills like hand-eye coordination and race strategies in a safe environment. Also our brand ambassador, Misha Charoudin—the king of the Nürburgring, truly believes in this as well and is constantly sharpening his skills on our simulator. Plus, many professional teams are always on the lookout for talented sim racers. So there’s a genuine chance for passionate folks to make that jump into the motorsport world!
Any last thoughts on what Novus brings to the sim racing community?
At Novus, we’re all about pushing the limits of simulation tech! We’re committed to creating products that deliver accuracy and realism while building a supportive community for racers at all levels. We’re super excited to keep innovating and helping everyone fuel their passion for racing—whether you’re on the track or in a simulator!
Where can people find out more about Novus and your products?
People can check out our official website at www.novus-sim.com, the Instagram profile at www.instagram.com/novus.sim and youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@novusracingsimulators to explore our full range of products, learn about our tech, and stay in the loop on all the latest from Novus. Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media for news, events, and ways to connect with the community!
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
