Welcome to part one of my new sim racing build series! In this series, I’ll take you through the entire process of constructing a full sim racing setup from the ground up. Today, we’re focusing on the star of the show: the Trak Racer TR160S.

👉 Watch the full video review below:

TrakRacer TR160S Options and Pricing

I’ve already been running a blue Alpine TRX rig, and when I saw the TR160S was available in a similar color, I couldn’t resist. The aesthetic match will look great in my sim racing room! Priced at $769, this rig is available in blue or black.

When you are getting ready to purchase the TR160S, you'll be met with a wide assortment of options/accessories to add alongside it. There are four main things to consider.

• Seat: GT-style bucket seat* for a traditional touring car position ($399)
• Wheelbase mount: The TR160S comes with an included "TR One base" mount which is a side-mount option and works for Fanatec DD. However, I'm running a Simucube 2 Pro which is a center-mount, so I needed to purchase the TR One Universal Direct Fit mount for an additional $49. They also offer a bottom mount option and a specific TR One for AseTek wheelbases.
• Pedal mount: I'm going to be installing my Simucube ActivePedals on this rig. I went with the Aluminum Profile pedal mount for added adjustability and rigidity. A pre-drilled option is also available. They both cost an additional $149, and they will both fit the vast majority of pedal sets. Check the TR website for a full list.
• Monitor mount: I never liked chassis-mounted/integrated monitor mounts. The torque that runs through the chassis will definitely affect the monitor and it will vibrate. So it's a free-standing mount for me. I am going to install a massive Samsung 57" ultrawide on this, so I went with the Large Free-Standing Single Monitor Stand (1200mm)
• Shifter mount for manual transmission practice

TrakRacer has continued to improve their website to make adding these options very simple. Unfortunately, you'll quickly see the base price of the TR160S ($769) increase as you add these additional (and pretty much required) parts.

*Since I got my TR160S in 2024, TrakRacer has released a completely new style of bucket seat to add to their lineup. I haven't tested it myself yet, but I will say that it looks awesome. It's $50 more than their previous (and still available) bucket seats. 

Unboxing and First Impressions

Everything arrived within a week of ordering, and I was immediately impressed by the packaging. I'm usually a fan of everything coming in one big box, but that wasn't the case here. I received some of the parts one day, and had to wait another few days for the rest. No big deal, though.

Every box was clearly labeled, and each part was meticulously protected. The finish is top-notch with probably the best paint job I've seen out of any cockpit I've tested. I know it's available in black...but come on, that blue finish looks amazing! It's a must have for me. 

Hardware and Packaging

One of the biggest surprises was how well the hardware was packaged. Each screw and bracket was individually labeled and held onto a cardboard sheet, which made organizing the build process significantly easier than my previous rig builds. Anything that these sim racing chassis manufacturers can do to make the assembly process easier and more organized is a big plus for me!

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Step-by-Step Build Process

Building the Frame

I started with the seat side and used standard T-nuts, which you’ll recognize if you’ve built an aluminum profile rig before. Having prior experience helped, but even if you’re new to this, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. The aluminum profiles are solid but not overly heavy, and they resist scratches well.

Wheelbase Mounting

This part of the rig is critical as it needs to support the strength of the wheelbase, and I'm putting the 25Nm Simucube 2 Pro on this. I spent time leveling it carefully for a rock-solid setup. Even though the kit comes with a universal wheel mount, Trak Racer offers alternative options tailored to specific wheelbases if needed.

Pedal Plate Setup

Probably the trickiest part of the process due to its multiple adjustment points. You’ll want to keep things loose until you have your pedals installed to fine-tune the position. Still, it wasn’t particularly difficult or time-consuming. This 'aluminum profile' pedal plate offers more adjustability than the standard pre-drilled version. Underneath the plate, there are knobs/handles that you unwind, so that you can then slide the plate back and forth. It can also be angled upwards or downwards to your preference. Once it's in place, it's rock solid. Just make sure to securely tighten the knobs/handles once you're done.

Seat and Sliders

I recommend installing the seat brackets on the higher position first. It gives you easier access when bolting the seat to the sliders. While most of the rig can be built solo, having a second person to help align the seat during installation is highly recommended.

Adding the Shifter Mount

This is the part I was most excited about. My current TRX setup doesn’t have a shifter mount, and as someone who enjoys manual driving and tracks in a six-speed car, I’m excited to have a more immersive GT driving position with this setup.

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The Final Build

The final result looks amazing! That metallic blue finish pops and complements my other rig. I can't get over that paint. Here’s what stood out:

• The seat is supportive but my petite body size (I'm 5'2" and 110 pounds) isn't exactly built to sit in this thing. The seat is just too large for me. Obviously, I'm an outlier when it comes to who this seat will work for, so I think most people will be completely fine in it
• The pedal mount is adjustable yet rock-solid once locked in
• The seat slider is buttery smooth and lets you find the perfect position with ease
• I installed the universal wheeldeck for this review but later installed the TR One center mount. The uprights that hold the wheelbase mount are solid as can be.

Build Time and Impressions

The full assembly took about 5–6 hours. That’s surprisingly quick for a full aluminum profile rig, and a lot of that speed came down to how well everything was packaged and labeled. Compared to my old Sim-Lab P1X rig, this one felt far more beginner-friendly.

Tour of the Rig

Here’s a quick tour of the rig now that it's built:

• Color: Metallic blue to match my Alpine TRX rig. Slightly different shades, but they’ll look awesome side-by-side once the room is complete.
• Wheel Mount: Currently using the universal mount, but I’ll be swapping in a front mount for direct drive setups since I’ll be reviewing different wheelbases on this rig.
• Seat: GT style for long, comfortable stints. I’ll share more on this after a few hours in the sim.
• Slider: Easy to adjust, great for finding your exact position in seconds — same mechanism as on the TRX.
• Pedal Plate: This one uses the TR1 mounting system, not the old pre-drilled style. It’s cleaner and fits modern pedal sets better.

What’s Next?

I’m still waiting on the monitor mount to complete the build, but once that’s in, I’ll mount all my gear and post a full setup video. If you’re interested in how this build evolves — from rig to complete racing station — be sure to subscribe to the channel and stay tuned.

Final Thoughts

The Trak Racer TR160S is an excellent profile rig that strikes a perfect balance between clean aesthetics, rock-solid build, and smart packaging. If you're looking for a premium sim racing chassis that’s both sturdy and stylish, this one’s a winner — especially in that blue!

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Looking to buy the TrakRacer TR160S Sim Racing Cockpit? Click here!

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