Start first-time drivers in a light, moderately powered car that forgives small mistakes: a Mazda MX-5, a Toyota GR86, or a GT3 race car with its ABS and traction control switched on. Sim platforms start their own rookies in cars like these, and GT3 rules allow the driver aids that keep a first lap on the road. Save Formula 1 cars, and powerful cars with every aid switched off, for drivers who have already put together a few clean laps.
What makes a car beginner-friendly
- Moderate power, so the throttle doesn't spin the rear wheels at every corner exit.
- Driver aids available, such as ABS and traction control, so a hard stab of the pedal doesn't end the lap.
- Predictable balance, so the car tells you it's sliding before it spins.
Most sim software also lets you add assists. Assetto Corsa, for example, has four assist profiles (gamer, racer, pro and a custom profile) so each driver can set the level they're comfortable with (Assetto Corsa on Steam).
Good first cars
1. Mazda MX-5
iRacing describes its Global Mazda MX-5 Cup car as an engaging blend of power and nimble handling, and notes the MX-5 became the world's most raced production car (iRacing). Its MX-5 Cup series is billed as the introduction to road racing for rookies (iRacing). Assetto Corsa includes the original MX-5 NA (Steam).
2. Toyota GR86 (or GT-86)
Another small rear-drive coupe. The GR86 is one of the cars included with an iRacing membership (iRacing), and Assetto Corsa includes the earlier Toyota GT-86 (Steam).
3. A GT3 car with aids on
GT3 cars look and sound like the real race cars guests see on TV, but their rules allow electronic help. The FIA/ACO's 2026 technical regulations for GT3-based LMGT3 cars expressly allow ABS and permit traction control (FIA/ACO LMGT3 Technical Regulations 2026). In a sim, with those aids switched on, a first-timer can brake hard and accelerate early without constant spins.
4. Formula Vee for an open-wheel taste
If a guest wants an open-wheel car, start small. iRacing calls the Formula Vee one of the world's most enduring grassroots, entry-level open-wheel race cars, based on a pre-1963 Volkswagen Beetle, and offers it free as a rookie car (iRacing).
Cars to save for later
A faithful model of a current Formula 1 car is a hard first drive. The FIA's 2026 F1 technical regulations ban traction control and any braking system designed to stop the wheels locking (FIA 2026 F1 Technical Regulations), so with realistic settings every input has to be smooth. The same goes for high-power road cars with aids off. They are great second or third drives once a guest has the basics.
How to use this at an event
- Put everyone in the same easy car for the leaderboard so times are comparable.
- Offer a faster car as a "graduation" drive for guests who post a clean lap.
- Keep assists on for the first laps and let confident drivers turn them off.
Tell us who is coming and we will plan the car choice with you. See the cars page, and pricing: $2,750 per full-motion rig per day, plus tax and insurance.
Call (754) 228-5654, email hello@simsforhire.com, or request a date. We reply within 24 hours and can book with as little as 24 hours' notice.