Section 14Frequently Asked Questions

Brief & scarce.

The most important questions about the ACTORACER — organized by topic, with clear answers.

Basics and technology

What is a full-motion racing simulator?

A full-motion racing simulator like the ACTORACER moves the entire cockpit — seat, wheel, pedals and screens together — using electric actuators instead of only vibrating. Acceleration, braking, kerbs, loss of grip and surface changes reach your body, not just your eyes. ACTORACER builds these actuators in house in Windeck, Germany, and delivers mechanics, electronics and software as one turnkey system. The range runs from the compact NANO to the ULTIMATE for centers, motorsport teams and industry.

What is the difference between a racing simulator and a driving simulator?

At ACTORACER it is the same full-motion platform; the difference is the controls, the software and the purpose. As a racing simulator it runs a race wheel, race setups and over 150 race tracks; as a driving simulator it runs a steering column with indicators, a gearshift and traffic scenarios for driving schools, authorities and industry. Both variants use the same in-house actuators, the same direct-drive steering and the same hydraulic pedals. That is why an existing ACTORACER can be reconfigured instead of replaced.

What does DOF mean in a motion simulator, and how many degrees of freedom does an ACTORACER have?

DOF stands for degrees of freedom — the axes a simulator can reproduce: pitch, roll, yaw, heave, surge and sway. Depending on the model, an ACTORACER reproduces several degrees of freedom, and the motion always moves the complete platform, not just the seat. The number alone matters less than how fast and how linearly the actuators translate the vehicle data. ACTORACER drives its actuators straight from the simulation software, with no third-party layer in between.

What is the difference between a seat mover, traction loss and a platform mover?

A seat mover moves only the seat, traction loss tilts or rotates the chassis to depict loss of grip, and a platform mover — the ACTORACER design — moves the entire cockpit, including wheel, pedals and screens, in sync. With a platform mover the line of sight to the image stays stable, because image and body move together. That is exactly what reduces the eye-versus-balance conflict that often causes discomfort on seat movers. ACTORACER therefore uses platform-mover kinematics throughout instead of seat-only motion.

What are actuators and why are they better than vibration modules?

Actuators are electromechanical drives that move the cockpit in a controlled, targeted way — ACTORACER develops and builds them in house in Windeck. They reproduce real forces: brake dive, lateral acceleration in a corner, kerbs, ripple strips and surface transitions. Vibration modules or bass shakers only create oscillation without direction or amplitude, so they deliver no usable driving feel. Because the actuators come from ACTORACER's own production, spare parts, service and software updates all run through the manufacturer.

Why do some simulators cause motion sickness and the ACTORACER does not?

Discomfort comes from a conflict between what the eyes see and what the balance organs feel — the ACTORACER avoids it because image and body perform exactly the same motion on the platform mover. Wheel, pedals and screens are fixed to the moving platform, so the line of sight never shifts relative to the driver. On top of that, the motion is controlled straight from the vehicle data, with no delay from intermediate software. In centers and at events, guests with no sim racing experience therefore drive long sessions.

What sets a CE-certified simulator apart from gaming hardware?

A CE-certified simulator like the ACTORACER is a machine with a documented risk assessment, an emergency-stop concept, defined motion limits and a declaration of conformity — gaming hardware is consumer equipment without any of that evidence. For commercial operation in centers, driving schools, trade fairs and industry this is the prerequisite, because third parties sit on the machine. ACTORACER supplies simulators built for continuous operation, including training, service and remote maintenance. Users of the platform include Fernando Alonso, Kai Ebel and JP Performance.

Buying, price and leasing

How much does a racing simulator cost?

An ACTORACER full-motion racing simulator sits in the mid five-figure euro range depending on the model, with the compact entry models below and ULTIMATE and FORMULA above that. Price depends on the kinematics, the number of actuators, direct-drive steering, hydraulic pedals, the display system and the software package. Every rig is configured to order, so we quote per model in writing rather than publishing a list price. Binding prices for the current configuration: on request.

Which ACTORACER model is right for me?

The choice follows purpose, space and usage hours: NANO and MINI for private rooms and showrooms, LITE and LITE TL for driving schools and centers with limited floor space, PRO and x-TRON for commercial continuous operation, ULTIMATE and FORMULA for motorsport training and high-end installations. Ten models are available, including the driving-school variants x-TRON Fahrschule and LITE TL Fahrschule. For centers we recommend identical hardware across the fleet so lap times and race series stay comparable. ACTORACER configures the rig before quoting, based on ceiling height, floor area, audience and budget.

See all models side by side

How much space does a racing simulator need?

An ACTORACER needs its footprint plus a safety zone all round, because the platform moves during operation — footprint and required ceiling height per model: on request. For centers we plan per simulator including access, waiting position and cable routing; the compact NANO and MINI also fit into normal rooms. What matters is a load-bearing, level floor and a power outlet within reach. ACTORACER checks the room before delivery from a floor plan and photos.

Can you lease or finance a racing simulator?

Yes — every ACTORACER can be leased or financed, in addition to outright purchase and long-term rental. Commercial customers such as driving schools, centers and companies use it to pay for the rig out of operating revenue rather than equity. We supply the quotation, technical specification and delivery date; the leasing company finances the asset. Terms, residual values and instalments depend on model and creditworthiness: on request.

What is the delivery time?

ACTORACER manufactures to order in Windeck; we quote the current lead time for a configured rig on request. Center projects with several identical simulators are delivered in stages so operation can ramp up step by step. Delivery, on-site installation and staff training are part of the project. Pre-owned units from our own stock, when available, ship considerably faster.

What warranty and service do you provide?

Service and support come directly from the manufacturer, Simulationstechnik Lingnau GmbH in Windeck, not from a reseller. The package includes remote maintenance for software and control, spare parts from our own production and an annual service check on wear parts. Because actuators and electronics are built in house, repairs remain possible years later without third-party parts. Warranty period and response times per contract type: on request.

Does a racing simulator need maintenance?

The ACTORACER models are designed to be maintenance-free, so there is no routine lubrication or realignment work. Software, control and updates run via remote maintenance, so centers and driving schools do not need a technician on site. Wear parts such as belts, pedal pads and wheel covers are inspected at the annual service check and replaced when needed. For rigs in continuous operation we also recommend a visual check by staff before opening.

Can I test drive an ACTORACER before buying?

Yes — test drives take place at the ACTORACER showroom at our headquarters in Windeck, In der Raubach 18, by appointment. Several models stand side by side there, so you can compare NANO, PRO, x-TRON and ULTIMATE directly. Alternatively you can drive an ACTORACER in one of the 40-plus centers across nine countries, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Essen and Hanover. Appointments run through the contact form or by phone on +49 2295 909713.

Are there used ACTORACER simulators?

Yes — ACTORACER offers inspected pre-owned units whenever centers or event fleets rotate their rigs; available units are listed in the pre-owned shop on actoracer.de. Every unit is checked at the Windeck factory before sale, updated to current software and documented with its service history. Because actuators and electronics are built in house, used units remain serviceable and supplied with spare parts long term. Stock and prices change constantly, so it is best to ask for the model you want.

Simulation and software

Which racing sims run on an ACTORACER?

An ACTORACER runs the established professional racing sims plus ACTORACER's own software for center operation, race series and driving-school scenarios. The motion system is driven straight from the sim's vehicle data so motion, steering forces and image stay in sync. For centers, ACTORACER supplies a pre-configured setup so staff with no sim racing background can start sessions. Approved titles and version levels of the current delivery: on request.

How many cars and race tracks are available?

An ACTORACER offers over 300 vehicles and more than 150 race tracks, from karts and touring cars to GT3, prototypes and formula cars. The track list includes the Nürburgring with the Nordschleife, Spa-Francorchamps, Le Mans, Monza, Hockenheimring and other original circuits. Car and track selection run through the same interface, so center staff can switch sessions without any hardware change. Because all centers use identical hardware, lap times are directly comparable between locations.

Does the ACTORACER work with a VR headset?

Yes — the ACTORACER can be driven with a VR headset; the driving-school models x-TRON Fahrschule and LITE TL Fahrschule use the Pimax Vision 8K. VR is especially useful in driver training, because shoulder checks, mirrors and all-round vision work without a screen edge. For centers and events, ultrawide or triple-screen setups are often more practical because guests get in and out faster. Both display paths run on the same platform, so switching is possible.

Can you transfer telemetry from a real race car into the simulator?

Yes — telemetry from a real car can be imported into the ACTORACER and driven against on the same track, lap by lap, driver versus driver, setup versus setup. Data recording captures steering angle, throttle, brake pressure, gears and lap times in full and overlays them on the reference data. Motorsport teams use this to prepare race weekends, because braking points and racing lines can be validated before roll-out. Supported data formats and interfaces: on request.

What hardware is fitted: wheel, pedals, gearshift, monitors, sound?

An ACTORACER runs direct-drive steering, hydraulic pedals and, depending on the build, a sequential shifter, an H-pattern shifter or a steering column with indicators in the driving-school models. The image comes from an ultrawide monitor, triple screens or a VR headset, and the sound from an audio system that keeps engine, tyres and surface audibly separate. Seat, belt, wheel position and pedal distance adjust for different body sizes. Exact component list per model and build level: on request.

Can the simulator be configured individually?

Yes — every ACTORACER is configured as an individual unit: kinematics, display system, wheel, pedals, shifter, seat, sound and software package are defined before production. Paint, wrapping and branding surfaces are also available, for center brands, driving schools or corporate events. Because ACTORACER is the manufacturer, special solutions for industrial and research use are feasible too. Changes to existing rigs are handled as a factory conversion or a retrofit kit.

Driving school

Is a driving simulator permitted and creditable in driver training?

In Germany a driving simulator is an approved training tool in driving schools and is used for basic manoeuvres, hazard perception and traffic situations. It does not replace the legally required special drives, but it shortens the time learners need in real traffic for the basics. The ACTORACER driving-school simulator runs a steering column with indicators, pedals and a gearshift, so learners use the same controls as in the school car. Current legal status and creditability per state and country: on request.

How much does a driving-school simulator cost?

An ACTORACER driving-school simulator sits in the mid five-figure euro range, depending on the model (LITE TL Fahrschule or x-TRON Fahrschule), the display system and the software package. Driving schools usually acquire it on a lease so the instalment is covered by lesson revenue rather than equity. Delivery, installation, training for the instructor team and remote maintenance for software and control are included. Binding prices and lease rates for the current configuration: on request.

What is the business case for a driving simulator in a driving school?

A driving simulator raises a driving school's training capacity, because the basics are taught indoors while the school car is out on the road at the same time. It never drops out because of weather, traffic or a garage appointment, and it uses no fuel. Learners can repeat critical situations such as hill starts, night driving or ice as often as needed, which makes real-traffic lessons more efficient. Robust calculation per school size and lesson price: on request.

Why full motion instead of a static driving-school simulator?

A full-motion driving-school simulator conveys forces a static one cannot: brake dive, lateral acceleration, weight transfer and the onset of a slide. Learners therefore learn to judge speed and grip physically instead of reading them off a screen. Because the ACTORACER moves the whole platform, including pedals and screens, image and body sensation stay in sync and discomfort is reduced. Static systems train procedures; full motion also trains driving feel.

How much space does a driving-school simulator need?

An ACTORACER driving-school simulator fits into an ordinary theory room; required footprint and ceiling height for LITE TL Fahrschule and x-TRON Fahrschule: on request. A safety zone is kept clear around the platform, because the cockpit moves during operation. You need a level, load-bearing floor, a power outlet and, for VR operation, a place to store the Pimax Vision 8K. ACTORACER checks the room before delivery from a floor plan and photos.

Can a driving-school simulator be leased?

Yes — driving schools regularly lease the ACTORACER driving-school simulator; purchase and long-term rental are alternatives. With a lease the school pays a monthly instalment while the simulator generates training hours from day one. ACTORACER provides the quotation, technical specification and delivery date for the leasing company, plus on-site installation and training. Terms, instalments and residual values depend on model and creditworthiness: on request.

Rental and events

Can you rent a racing simulator?

Yes — ACTORACER rents out full-motion racing simulators for trade fairs, roadshows, corporate events and brand activations, including transport, setup, briefing and on-site staffing. For centers, showrooms, driving schools and brand partners there is also long-term rental with a predictable monthly rate instead of a purchase. The rental fleet uses the same models we sell, from NANO to ULTIMATE. Enquiries run through the contact form with date, location, duration and expected number of visitors.

How much does it cost to rent a racing simulator for an event?

Renting an ACTORACER for an event is in the four-figure euro range per event and depends on the model, rental period, distance from our Windeck base, the amount of branding and the staffing required. Several simulators together cost less per unit, because transport and staff are shared. Setup and dismantling, guest briefing and one attendant during operation are included. Binding day rates and volume pricing: on request.

How quickly is a racing simulator set up at a trade fair?

An ACTORACER is quickly operational at a trade fair, because the rig arrives pre-configured for transport and only needs positioning, connecting and calibrating on site. You need a level floor, a socket within reach and clear access along the transport route. Dismantling takes a comparable time, so delivery and stand teardown fit the fair's schedule. With several simulators, the ACTORACER team sets up in parallel.

Can the simulator be branded in the customer's design?

Yes — every ACTORACER can be wrapped and branded in the customer's design: side panels, front, rear, screen frame and the software's start screen. For brand activations we add in-game car liveries, custom splash screens and lap-time leaderboards carrying the logo. The artwork comes from the customer's agency or marketing team; ACTORACER supplies the dimensional templates. Lead time for wrapping and sign-off before the event: on request.

How much power and floor space does a simulator need at a trade fair?

An ACTORACER runs off a standard 230-volt supply; required connected load and footprint including the safety zone: on request. For fair operation we also plan space for the queue, the attendant position and a leaderboard display. On the stand plan, customers usually reserve a dedicated zone per simulator so spectators cannot enter the motion envelope. ACTORACER reviews the floor plan and power layout before the event.

How many drivers can one simulator handle per day?

With a typical trade-fair session of five to eight minutes including getting in and out, one ACTORACER handles roughly 50 to 70 guests per day. With short three-minute hot-lap sessions and an attendant briefing the next guest in parallel, throughput rises considerably. Because the rig is built for continuous operation, it runs through the whole fair day without cool-down breaks. Binding throughput figures per session length and staffing concept: on request.

Driving and centers

Where can I drive an ACTORACER racing simulator?

ACTORACER racing simulators are installed in over 40 sim race centers across nine countries, including Windeck, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Essen, Hanover, Düsseldorf, Lich, Cloppenburg, Limburg-Runkel, Tenerife and Hong Kong, with Dubai in preparation. At the headquarters in Windeck, In der Raubach 18, you can compare several models directly in the ACTORACER showroom by appointment. Further locations are in Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain and Portugal. All centers run identical full-motion hardware, so lap times are comparable between locations.

How much does an hour in a racing simulator cost?

Prices are set by the individual sim race centers; typical sessions run 15, 30 or 60 minutes at a low double-digit euro figure per 15 minutes. Group bookings, race formats across several simulators and corporate events are usually quoted as packages. Because the centers are independent businesses, the price list of the respective location always applies. Current price ranges across the network: on request.

Do I need a driving licence?

No — you do not need a driving licence to drive an ACTORACER, because the simulator is operated on private premises inside the center. Club membership is not required either; anyone can book a session and take part in the race series. All you need is enough height for seat and belt plus the minimum age of 14. Learner drivers also use the driving-school models to prepare for real traffic.

What is the minimum age to drive a simulator?

ACTORACER simulators can be used from the age of 14, because seat position, belt and pedal distance can be set safely from that body size on. Younger guests drive only by arrangement with the center and accompanied by an adult. Seat, belt, wheel position and pedal distance are adjusted to the driver before every session. Motion intensity can be reduced for beginners.

Can beginners drive?

Yes — beginners drive the ACTORACER without any prior experience; center staff brief you before the session and enable driving aids such as ABS, traction control and steering assist if needed. Car and track are chosen to match experience, for example a touring car on a straightforward circuit instead of a GT3 on the Nordschleife. The platform's motion intensity can be reduced so the first session stays calm. Anyone who wants more steps up car class and track difficulty session by session.

What should I wear?

Sports shoes with a thin sole are recommended, because the hydraulic pedals require a fine feel for brake pressure. Clothing should be sporty and comfortable too — driving the simulator is physical work and you will sweat, especially in longer sessions. High heels, stiff boots and loose jackets get in the way of pedal work and belt fit. A helmet or race suit is not needed.

Can several people race against each other?

Yes — in the sim race centers several ACTORACER rigs are networked to race against each other, with a starting grid, race control and live lap times on the leaderboard. This is the format of the AbA eSport Series, run on identical full-motion hardware in over 40 centers. For corporate events and birthdays the centers put together race formats with qualifying and a final. How many simulators run simultaneously depends on the location.

Can you give a racing simulator session as a gift?

Yes — the sim race centers issue vouchers for ACTORACER sessions, typically for 15, 30 or 60 minutes or as a race format for groups. Vouchers are booked directly with the chosen center, because date, price and validity are set there. Popular options are two-person packages with qualifying and a race, including a briefing by the staff. Locations and contact details are listed in the center overview on actoracer.de.

Your own sim race center

How do I open a sim race center?

A sim race center starts with suitable premises, at least six full-motion simulators and enough capital for fit-out and hardware — ACTORACER supplies simulators, software, training and the operating concept from one source. We review floor area, ceiling height, power supply and visitor flow up front, based on your floor plan and location data. Then come delivery from Windeck, on-site installation, staff training and connection to the center network with over 40 locations in nine countries. Proven concepts from the network are shared as references.

From how many simulators does a sim race center pay off?

A sim race center pays off from six simulators, because only then do race formats with a starting grid, qualifying and a final work properly. With six rigs you can serve groups, corporate events and league racing in parallel instead of processing guests one by one. Smaller installations with two to four simulators work as an add-on to a karting track, gym, car dealership or leisure park. ACTORACER recommends identical hardware across the fleet so lap times stay comparable and spare parts stay uniform.

How much floor space does a sim race center need?

Besides the area per simulator including its safety zone, a sim race center needs reception, a waiting area, a leaderboard zone and, depending on the concept, catering — floor space required for six simulators: on request. Sufficient ceiling height for the platform motion, a level load-bearing floor and separate circuits per group of rigs are essential. Existing centers in the network sit in industrial units, shopping centers, karting venues and car dealerships. ACTORACER reviews the floor plan, height and power layout before quoting.

How large is the investment and when does it pay back?

The investment for a sim race center with six ACTORACER simulators is in the low to mid six-figure euro range including fit-out, depending on model choice, build-out and location. Part of it can be financed through leasing so the instalment is covered by driving revenue. Operators base the payback calculation on session price, utilisation per simulator and weekly opening hours; typical payback period: on request. ACTORACER provides figures from existing centers for the business plan.

Is there territorial protection?

ACTORACER coordinates new locations with the existing centers nearby so catchment areas do not devalue each other. The centers are independent businesses, not a franchise system with territory fees; the arrangement is agreed contractually at project start. Exact scope and radius of the agreed territorial protection: on request. During the site review we look at population, neighbouring centers and transport links together.

What is AbA certification?

AbA certification identifies a center as an approved venue of the AbA eSport Series — a place where race series are run on identical full-motion hardware. It requires ACTORACER simulators in a comparable setup, trained staff and an operating routine that guarantees reproducible lap times. That makes results comparable across more than 40 centers in nine countries and usable for league standings. Detailed audit criteria and certification process: on request.