The world’s largest virtual motorsport trade show, SimRacing Expo, is crossing the Atlantic for the first time. With heavyweights like iRacing, Fanatec, and eNASCAR confirmed, and an exclusive “Golden Ticket” linking the digital track to the Coca-Cola 600, May 2026 promises to be the ultimate month for racing fans.
The engines are idling, the lights are red, and the anticipation is at a fever pitch. For over a decade, the epicenter of the simulation racing world has arguably been in Europe, with the SimRacing Expo serving as the annual pilgrimage site for digital drivers, hardware engineers, and esports professionals. But in 2026, the grid is shifting.
Organizers have officially announced the first wave of exhibitors for the SimRacing Expo’s North American debut, taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from May 22-24, 2026.
This isn’t just a trade show; it is a coronation of sim racing as a major pillar of American motorsport culture. By choosing Charlotte—the spiritual home of NASCAR and a city bleeding high-octane history—the expo is bridging the gap between the pixelated track and the asphalt oval in a way never seen before.
With tickets on sale now, including an exclusive package that gets fans into the real-world Coca-Cola 600, the event is shaping up to be the biggest weekend in the genre’s history.
The Heavy Hitters: Who is Coming to Charlotte?
A trade show is only as good as the names on the booths, and for its maiden US voyage, the SimRacing Expo has secured the industry titans. The first round of confirmed exhibitors reads like a “Dream Build” shopping list for any sim enthusiast.
iRacing: Perhaps the most significant confirmation of a US-based show. As the premier motorsport simulation service and a staple of professional esports (including the eNASCAR series), iRacing’s presence is mandatory for an event of this magnitude. With their headquarters relatively close to Massachusetts and their deep ties to real-world sanctioning bodies, fans can expect their booth to be a hub of activity, likely showcasing the latest tire model updates, track scans, or upcoming content features.
Fanatec & Thrustmaster: On the hardware side, the perennial rivals in the peripheral market will face off on the show floor. Fanatec, known for its high-end direct-drive bases and premium ecosystems, and Thrustmaster, which has recently expanded into the high-end market while serving as an entry point for millions of racers, will both be present. For attendees, this is the “try before you buy” opportunity of a lifetime. Sim racing gear is expensive and tactile. Reading a review about force feedback detail is one thing; feeling the grain of the asphalt through a Fanatec ClubSport base or snapping a paddle shifter on a Thrustmaster wheel is another.
Asetek SimSports The Danish innovators at Asetek SimSports have rapidly climbed the ranks from PC cooling experts to top-tier sim racing hardware manufacturers. Their pedals are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. Their presence indicates that the expo will cater not just to the mass market, but also to hardcore enthusiasts seeking that extra tenth of a second through hydraulic brake feel.
eNASCAR & Giants Software The inclusion of eNASCAR reinforces the event’s location. Charlotte is NASCAR country, and the eNASCAR series represents the pinnacle of oval esports. Expect pro driver appearances and perhaps even live competitions. Interestingly, Giants Software is also on the list. Best known for Farming Simulator, they highlight the expanding definition of “simulation.” With heavy machinery side panels and wheels becoming a niche of their own, it shows the expo is embracing the broader simulation community.
From Dortmund to the Queen City
The SimRacing Expo is not a new startup; it is a European institution. For 11 years, the event has grown steadily, evolving from a niche gathering of hobbyists into a global powerhouse.
The 2025 event in Dortmund, Germany, set a high-water mark with over 24,000 visitors and a digital reach of 155 million people on social media. It became the de facto meeting point for the industry—the place where deals were struck, new wheels were revealed, and community rivalries were settled on the virtual tarmac.
Bringing this momentum to North America is a calculated risk, but one that seems destined to pay off. The US market for sim racing has grown rapidly in recent years, driven by the drive-to-survive boom and the increasing accessibility of direct-drive technology.
“The SimRacing Expo perfectly reflects the growth of the SimRacing industry,” the organizers noted. “What began as a niche event with just a few thousand visitors has evolved into a global meeting point for the entire SimRacing industry.”
The Golden Ticket: The Ultimate Motorsport Weekend
While the hardware is the draw, the experience is the hook. Recognizing that they are in Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend—one of the holiest weekends in American racing—the organizers have partnered with Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame to offer something truly unique.
Enter the Golden Ticket.
Limited to 500 attendees, this $299 pass bridges the virtual and real. It transforms a conventional visit into a full motorsport pilgrimage.
The Golden Ticket Package Includes:
- Full Weekend Access: Entry to the SimRacing Expo for all days (May 22-24).
- NASCAR Hall of Fame: Entry to the downtown shrine of stock car history on a day of the holder’s choosing.
- The Coca-Cola 600 Experience: the crown jewel. Ticket holders receive a Pre-Race Track Pass and Turn 4 seating for the iconic Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, May 24.
Imagine spending the morning testing the latest physics model for the Next Gen Cup car in iRacing, and then spending the evening watching the real cars scream around Charlotte Motor Speedway for 600 miles. It is a synergy that only this specific location and date could provide.
“We’re thrilled to offer our attendees such a comprehensive motorsport package – from top-tier exhibitors, to a multi-day stage show and the chance to see the Coca-Cola 600,” said Michael Wamser, CEO of South West Vision USA, the organizers behind the expo. “And the surprises aren’t over. We’ll announce more attendees and experiences in the coming months.”
What to Expect on the Floor
For those sticking to the standard admission (a very reasonable $29), the expo floor promises a density of experiences that goes beyond just looking at boxes.
1. Test the Tech Sim racing is a tactile hobby. The expo floor will feature rows of rigs equipped with the latest bases, wheels, pedals, and motion platforms. Whether you are curious about VR immersion or want to feel the difference between a belt-driven and direct-drive wheel, this is the place to do it.
2. Meet the Pros The line between sim racer and pro driver is blurrier than ever. Max Verstappen runs a sim team; William Byron started on a computer. The expo will facilitate meetings with real-world racing drivers and teams, as well as top content creators from YouTube and Twitch who have become celebrities in their own right.
3. The Stage Show A multi-day stage show will anchor the event, filled with activities, product reveals, and community announcements. This is likely where we will see the “world first” reveals of new hardware or software updates.
4. Legendary Metal It won’t just be pixels. The organizers have promised that visitors will be able to “discover legendary race cars up close,” bringing real-world machinery onto the show floor to complement their digital counterparts.
Get Your Tickets
The race is on. With the event just a few months away and the Golden Tickets limited to 500, early booking is essential for those seeking the full experience.
- Standard Tickets: $29 (Discounts available for students, seniors, and people with disabilities).
- Golden Ticket: $299 (Includes NASCAR race and Hall of Fame access).
Tickets are available now at ticket.simracingexpo.com.
As the sim racing community continues to expand, events like this serve as vital touchpoints. They validate the hobby, drive innovation through competition, and, most importantly, bring people together who typically interact only via text chat and blue flags.
Charlotte, start your engines. The virtual world is coming to town.
For updates, follow the SimRacing Expo on Instagram, Facebook, and X, or visit simracingexpo.com.
