SimRacing Expo Charlotte 2026 arrives from May 22 to 24 with a highly hardware-oriented program. For a first American edition, the choice of Charlotte is a logical one: NASCAR, teams, manufacturers, Charlotte Motor Speedway… the show is taking place in an environment that already has a strong motorsport flavour.

For simracers, the appeal is simple: a number of brands will be showing off their new products, or giving them a try. It’s important not to turn every announcement into a revolution, but some products are clearly worth keeping an eye on.

Fanatec: Podium Pedals on show

Fanatec is set to attract attention with its new Podium Pedals. Sales are scheduled for July, with a price tag of $699.99. Two versions are planned: a classic three-pedal configuration, and a Formula version which replaces the clutch with a carbon heel-rest with side supports.

The most interesting point concerns the brake. Fanatec is highlighting a 200 kg Load Cell brake, with an adjustment system designed to avoid the usual manipulations on elastomers. On paper, this is exactly the kind of practical detail that can count for those who often adapt their setup according to car or discipline.

There’s one obvious limitation: you can’t judge a crankset by its data sheet. We’ll have to wait for the first feedback from the field to find out how simple, precise and consistent the adjustment really is.

Asetek: shifter and handbrake finally out of prototype

Asetek will also be taking advantage of Charlotte to present its shifter and handbrake to the public. This is important for the brand, as its ecosystem was already solid on chainstays and cranksets, but less complete for players who want to stay with Asetek on the whole cockpit.

The gearbox is announced with aluminum and steel construction, and the ability to switch between H and sequential modes. This is the format expected to cover several uses: rallying, drifting, historic cars or modern GTs.

For the handbrake, Asetek also uses a Load Cell sensor and mechanical preload adjustment. Once again, a good idea. The real test will be how it feels: travel, hardness, mechanical feedback and ease of adjustment.

Simagic Zeus: the steering wheel range to watch

Simagic arrives with its new Zeus family of steering wheels, due for release on May 22. Three formats have been announced: a Formula-style steering wheel, a GT model open at the top, and a round steering wheel more suited to rallying or drifting.

The point to watch is the MagDock system. The approach seems designed to make the steering wheel more modular, notably with the possible integration of a screen or other modules. If the execution is clean, Simagic may score points with users who want to change discipline without multiplying peripherals.

But here again, caution is advised: modularity doesn’t always mean simplicity. You’ll have to look at the price, the solidity of the system and the quality of the finish.

Thrustmaster, Pimax and Heusinkveld also present

Thrustmaster will be present with several recent products, including the T598Xbox version, the T818 Black Edition and Raceline Pedals with 100 kg Load Cell option. In particular, the brand is highlighting revised internal components on the T818 Black Edition, with a promise of improved reliability.

Pimax should showcase its latest VR headsets. It’s more niche, but VR remains a real topic for simracers who are wavering between headset, triple screen and ultrawide.

Heusinkveld is also due to present an updated version of its DisplayDash. Not necessarily the most spectacular announcement of the show, but this type of accessory speaks to cockpits that are already advanced.

What you really need to know

This SimRacing Expo Charlotte looks like one big hardware showcase. Fanatec, Asetek, Simagic, Thrustmaster, Pimax and Heusinkveld will all have something to show, but it’s important to keep things in perspective: an announcement is not a test.

The products to keep an eye on are Fanatec’s Podium Pedals, the Asetek shifter/handbrake and Simagic Zeus steering wheels. They seem to have the most concrete potential for sim racing setups in the coming months.