When MS-RT approached us at the start of the summer and asked if we could build them the ultimate rally simulator, the answer was of course yes! MS-RT are a subdivision of Ford who build hot Transits and Rangers that are available directly from Ford dealers across the UK and Ireland. You can check them out here.

As part of a nationwide dealer roadshow to showcase the MS-RT product range they wanted to bring something exciting with them to help activate the promotion and engage customers in the process. Not ones to do things by halves, they decided a full scale rally simulator would be just the ticket!

Malcolm Wilson's M-Sport division stepped up and provided a complete Fiesta WRC car, not a replica - the real-deal and then it was over to us to turn it into a user friendly simulator that would provide customers with the most authentic rally experience possible.....without hacking the very expensive WRC Fiesta to pieces!

To replicate the Fiesta's steering and pedal inputs we would be using the Simucube 2 Pro direct drive servo motor and Heusinkveld ultimate pedals, both tried and tested Motorsport grade components that we regularly spec for professional drivers when building their training simulators.  (We're part of the Billy Coleman young rally driver development program and regularly build rally simulators for clients....albeit not usually in WRC shells!)

Custom fabrication and modified Sim Lab GT1-Evo chassis components were used to mount the powerful direct drive motor and pedals to the Fiesta cockpit, using a series of heavy duty clamps mounted to the roll cage and floor.  The whole system can be unbolted and removed from the car in a matter of minutes. When in place it is ultra rigid and has zero flex, which is critical to ensure the feedback from the wheelbase is transmitted to the driver accurately.

We mounted the hi-spec gaming PC neatly in the boot, along with the monitor for the operator to manage gameplay for the drivers. Back in the main cockpit, the driver sits in a Sparco Circuit QRT wrap around bucket seat and the latest HTC Vive Pro 2 Virtual Reality headset is used to complete the immersive experience.

A modified Cube Controls steering wheel and OMP WRC wheel rim, along with Heusinkveld hydro handbrake complete the setup. As you can see, the driving position is an exact match for the real driving position on the left hand side. A custom fabricated aluminum floor conceals all the electronics and cables as well as a buttkicker system which transmits vibrations though the cockpit and driver's seat to emulate road surface changes and the effect of gear changes. 
All of this, combined with the immersive VR headset and the theater, sensations and smells of sitting inside a real World rally car add up to a very special experience indeed!

Are you looking for a custom simulator solution for your business, race team or home? Contact Digital Motorsports today
info@digital-motorsports.com