The new Trak Racer TR40S takes a swipe at the price of aluminum profile simracing chassis. With a starting price of €299, it’s a rigid, upgradeable cockpit solution that’s still affordable. So what can we expect from this chassis? Let’s find out!
Deliveries and prices Best Values
Delivery-wise, the brand sometimes tends to be a bit unpredictable. For example, frames arrive in multiple packages spread out over several days (or even longer in some cases). We’ll see how deliveries of this new model go over time and with the first customers.
TR40S technical specifications
| Chassis construction | Extruded aluminum sections. |
| Seat | Optional seat or backet. |
| Dimensions | Footprint excluding seat: 121x66cm Widest point with shifter support: 75.6cm Height: 72.6cm |
| Rider size | NC |
| Options | Seats, slides, harnesses. Gearbox and handbrake supports. Castors, adjustable offset feet. Screen supports. Various supports for Direct Drive bases. Various haptic systems and brackets. |
| Price | From €299 incl. VAT |
Let’s see how this rig is built
First, a word about the structure of the Trak Racer TR40S. The lower section is made of 40x40mm aluminum profiles . Sufficient for most situations, unless you intend to install jacks. In that case, I’d prefer 80x40mm sections. But keep in mind that the rigidity of the sections will also depend on the degree to which they are filled. The more a section is hollowed out, the lighter and “cheaper” it will be, but the less physical strength it will offer.
In the case of the Trak Racer models, as I said, 40x40mm sections will suffice if you don’t intend to install jacks. Especially as the lower structure is in two parts along its length. The first part supports the seat, and the second part supports the base and pedalset. These two sections are then assembled.
The seat also sits on 40x40mm, but on this part, no problem, it’s more than enough. It’s worth noting that you can add slides and choose a seat from the models offered by the brand, or go and find one (much cheaper) on the second-hand market or in a garage.
The uprights that will support the base plate are in 80x40mm sections. This is great for preventing any bending, whatever the power of your base, and will also allow you to install, why not, a screen mount without fear.
The Direct Drive base support
Let’s get down to the base. As standard, the Trak Racer TR40S comes with a drilled steel support on which most of the bases on the market can be mounted. Owners of Trak Racer chassis are familiar with this bracket, which has been fitted to many of their models for years.
It is adjustable in depth and inclination. However, when adjusting, make sure the plate stays straight when you tighten the bolts. It would be a shame to end up with a crooked steering wheel. I’ve been there, done that on this bracket, which is also fitted to my TR8.
The TR40S bottom bracket
The bottom bracket is screwed onto two independent plates, which can be set as far apart as necessary, depending on your pedal model. These plates are made of steel with perforations for your screws. And you can change both the pedalset’s position forwards and backwards, as well as its inclination.
If you ask me, I’d have preferred to place the pedalset on 40x40mm profiles to be sure of no flexion. Steel plates can cause this kind of problem in some cases. But having not yet tested this chassis myself, I can’t say whether it’s a problem or not on the TR40S.
So what do I think of the Trak Racer TR40S?
To put it simply, it sounds like an interesting proposition! After all, an aluminum profile offers the promise of being able to upgrade your equipment throughout your entire simracer life without having to change chassis along the way. The price is attractive, and so are the options. And once you’ve had a taste of the ease and amplitude of adjustment offered by profile cockpits, you simply won’t go back. So I see this TR40S as good news, and if the opportunity arises Flo and I will be delighted to test it and give you a full and definitive review 🙂
In the meantime, don’t hesitate to ask us your questions in the comments, and I’ll be happy to answer them
Deliveries and prices Best Values
Delivery-wise, the brand sometimes tends to be a bit unpredictable. For example, frames arrive in multiple packages spread out over several days (or even longer in some cases). We’ll see how deliveries of this new model go over time and with the first customers.
