One of the most interesting hardware partnerships to come out of the 2026 SimRacing Expo in Frankfurt is a new collaboration between Trak Racer and Fanatec. Following Corsair's acquisition of both companies, Trak Racer founder Matt Sten confirmed plans to release an entry-level direct drive wheel and pedal bundle in 2027 built around shared Fanatec engineering.
Designed to give first-time sim racers a true direct drive alternative to gear-driven starter wheels, the upcoming bundle pairs a compact 3 Nm direct drive servo motor with a round steering wheel and a two-pedal floor set.
- Uses Fanatec's QR2 Lite quick-release collar right out of the box.
- Compact 3 Nm direct drive wheelbase eliminates the plastic gear rattle of older starter wheels.
- Includes a full-size round wheel rim and a two-pedal throttle and brake set.
Lets beginners upgrade to higher-tier Fanatec rims later without changing quick releases.
- Built to bolt straight onto Trak Racer cockpits and folding wheel stands.
- Co-developed alongside the new ClubSport Formula Cockpit shown in Frankfurt.
- Targeted for full retail release in 2027 across global storefronts.
Marks Trak Racer's first move from cockpits and seats into active force feedback electronics.
Why Shared Quick-Release Standards Help New Drivers
The hardest part of buying a budget starter wheel has always been getting locked into a dead-end ecosystem where nothing carries over when you want more torque. By building its entry-level bundle around the Fanatec QR2 Lite interface, Trak Racer gives new drivers a smooth, affordable way to get on track while keeping a direct upgrade path into the wider Fanatec hardware lineup.
