This MPI-DP-13 steering wheel was in rough shape when I received it. A Super Late Model driver from Georgia had used it since 2014 in an Asphalt series. He thought it was shot and listed it on eBay for $70. I snagged it!
This is an awesome steering wheel. Many of your favorite Nascar drivers use this exact steering wheel every Friday, Saturday, or Sunday in the race. Usually in a 15-inch variation, but there are 13,14,15, or 16 available in this same steering wheel.
Now this steering wheel was very dirty, but not lost. When I unboxed it, my initial impressions were, “wow, this dirty” “this guy must of had oil and bearing grease caked in his hands each time he drove”. So, I started to get to work. The 10-2 location was the worst part. It was heavily soiled with grime and most likely grease. It would appear the driver used gloves on some occasions, but perhaps not all. None the less, I started to scrub the outer half of the steering wheel with a MPI-A-SB Steel Steering Wheel Brush. Once I was able to get the initial surface to bristle a little, I grabbed my can of Sonax Alcantara Cleaner and a couple of clean and dry microfiber cloths.
1st – Lightly apply the Sonax Alcantara Cleaner to the outside portion of the wheel.
2nd – Use warm water and get one of the microfiber cloths wet. Ring it out so it is not dripping wet. Take the damp cloth and wrap it around the steering wheel where you applied the Sonax. With the cloth wrapped around the wheel, and your hand gripping the cloth and wheel, move your hand in a back and forth motion. This will help start to lift the Alcantara fibers and expose the dirt that is hidden underneath. You will start to notice the cloth getting dirty. You can either rinse it out or move on to a cleaner cloth. Keep repeating this process until the cloth is no longer displaying dirt after you have completed the above process on the steering wheel. Once you are satisfied with the results, move on to the next section of the wheel that is dirty and repeat the process.
3rd – After you are satisfied that the wheel is clean, wait for it to dry and take the MPI-A-SB Steel Steering Wheel Brush and use the rubber side to bring back the memory of the Alcantara. You may have to lightly use the steel side to get it started. You’ll notice that the smaller 13″ wheel on the left is lighter colored now after cleaning. This is due to the heavy soiling the wheel experienced prior to cleaning. If your wheel has been only used indoors for Sim Racing. Chances are, it won’t turn light gray as did this 13″ MPI wheel.
That is, it. Your Alcantara wheel is ready for its new journey. Check out the links below to the products used in this article. These links help support SK Sim Racing, and our continued efforts to bring Sim Racing content to you, The Sim Racer.
Note: These are recommendations. Not all wheels will require this intense of a cleaning process. Your wheel may require a more or less intense cleaning. Always read the instructions on cleaning products or tools prior to use. SK Sim Racing is not responsible for damage to wheels caused by these recommendations. Use good judgement. Safety glasses are recommended when using liquid chemical agents.
In the fast-evolving world of sim racing, where precision, quality, and innovation are paramount, Fanatec has long been a trusted name for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Known for their high-performance steering wheels, pedals, and accessories, Fanatec has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual racing. Now, the company is making waves again—not just with cutting-edge technology, but with a customer-focused initiative that’s set to redefine the shopping experience for sim racers worldwide.
Free Shipping: A New Standard for Sim Racers
Fanatec has announced an exciting update that’s already turning heads: free standard shipping is now the default on their website, effective immediately. This change comes on the heels of an overwhelmingly positive response to their limited free shipping initiative during the 2024 holiday season. By making this a permanent feature, Fanatec is addressing one of the most common pain points for online shoppers—unexpected costs at checkout.
For sim racers, this means no more guesswork when calculating the final price of their dream setup. Whether you’re upgrading your rig with a new steering wheel or investing in a complete system, the price you see is the price you pay. This move not only simplifies the purchasing process but also demonstrates Fanatec’s commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.
However, there are a few key details to keep in mind:
Free standard shipping is available for mainland destinations, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of customers.
Express shipping remains an option for those who need their gear faster, with standard rates applied. (Note: Some remote destinations may not be eligible for standard shipping.)
Exclusions apply: Free shipping does not extend to repair service shipping quotes or returns, so be sure to factor this in if you’re planning on servicing older equipment.
To ensure you’re seeing the updated pricing and shipping options, Fanatec recommends logging out of your account and back in again. This simple step will refresh your account settings and reflect the new changes.
QR2 Transition and Pricing Adjustments: A Step Forward
Alongside the free shipping announcement, Fanatec has also implemented significant pricing updates across their product range. These adjustments are the result of several factors, including a major milestone reached in December 2024: the transition to QR2 (Quick Release 2) as the default system for all Fanatec steering wheels.
The QR2 system represents a leap forward in sim racing technology, offering enhanced durability, precision, and ease of use. By making QR2 the standard across their steering wheel lineup, Fanatec has ensured that every customer benefits from the latest advancements in wheel base connectivity. However, this transition has necessitated pricing updates to reflect the improved technology and the associated production costs.
But the pricing revisions go beyond the QR2 upgrade. Fanatec has also factored in the introduction of free shipping and long-overdue operational price corrections. While some products may see a slight increase, the inclusion of free shipping effectively balances the overall cost for customers. In essence, Fanatec is doubling down on their promise to deliver the best price-performance ratio in sim racing, ensuring that every dollar spent goes toward top-tier quality and innovation.
A Commitment to the Community
What sets Fanatec apart isn’t just their cutting-edge products—it’s their dedication to the sim racing community. From professional drivers to casual enthusiasts, Fanatec’s user base is as diverse as it is passionate. By listening to customer feedback and responding with initiatives like free shipping, Fanatec is reinforcing their role as a brand that truly understands and values its audience.
The decision to make free shipping the default is particularly noteworthy in an industry where shipping costs can often deter potential buyers. Sim racing equipment, with its intricate components and substantial weight, isn’t always cheap to ship. By absorbing these costs, Fanatec is removing a significant barrier to entry, making their products more accessible to a broader audience.
Moreover, the transition to QR2 and the accompanying price adjustments reflect Fanatec’s forward-thinking approach. Rather than resting on their laurels, they continue to innovate and refine their offerings, ensuring that customers always have access to the latest technology. This commitment to progress is what keeps Fanatec at the forefront of the sim racing industry.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Sim Racers
For current and aspiring sim racers, Fanatec’s latest updates are a win on multiple fronts. The introduction of free standard shipping simplifies the buying process and eliminates hidden costs, making it easier than ever to invest in high-quality gear. Meanwhile, the transition to QR2 ensures that every new steering wheel delivers the best possible performance, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Of course, these changes also come at a time when the sim racing community is growing rapidly. As more people discover the thrill of virtual racing, Fanatec’s focus on accessibility and innovation positions them perfectly to welcome new enthusiasts into the fold. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer building your first rig, Fanatec’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a brand worth investing in.
Final Thoughts
Fanatec’s latest announcement isn’t just about free shipping or price adjustments—it’s about setting a new standard for the sim racing experience. By removing cost barriers and embracing cutting-edge technology, Fanatec is ensuring that their products remain the gold standard in a competitive market. For sim racers, this means more value, more transparency, and more opportunities to elevate their passion for racing.
As we move further into 2025, one thing is clear: Fanatec isn’t just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading the charge. So, if you’ve been eyeing that new steering wheel or dreaming of a complete rig overhaul, now’s the perfect time to take the plunge. With free shipping and the latest QR2 technology, the future of sim racing has never looked brighter.
Thanks for taking the time to read our article. Throughout you’ll find highlighted links or photos that link to the Fanatec site. These are affiliate links, that will allow us to earn a small commission to continue to bring you great content.
Fanatec has introduced the ClubSport GT Cockpit, a revolutionary sim racing rig designed to deliver comfort, versatility, and performance for both seasoned racers and beginners. Its innovative design, premium materials, and broad compatibility make it an unbeatable value for sim racing enthusiasts.
Key Features of the ClubSport GT Cockpit
Racing for All
Whether you’re a veteran driver or just starting out, this cockpit caters to every level of experience. Its highly adjustable design allows you to enjoy an immersive racing experience at a competitive price point.
Broad Peripheral Compatibility
Engineered to pair perfectly with most Fanatec products, the cockpit also supports a wide range of third-party sim racing peripherals, making it versatile and adaptable for any setup.
Quick, Tool-Free Adjustable Seating
Effortlessly adjust your seating position to suit your driving style. Transition from an upright road-car position to a semi-reclined Formula-style posture with ease, enabling optimal comfort and control for various racing scenarios.
Stay Cool Under Pressure
The Fanatec ClubSport Seat (sold separately) provides ultimate comfort with ultra-breathable fabric, which is four times more ventilated than the competition. It ensures you remain comfortable even during long endurance races.
VESA-Compatible Onboard Monitor Mount
Compatible with 100x100mm VESA monitors, this mount supports screens from 32″ to 49″, including ultra-wide options, for an unparalleled immersive experience.
Sturdy, Flex-Resistant Steel Frame
Constructed with 50mm diameter round steel tubes, the frame minimizes flex and withstands the forces of high-torque wheelbases and heavy-duty pedal sets, ensuring stability during intense racing sessions.
Fast Self-Assembly
Spend less time assembling and more time racing. The quick and clear assembly process is designed for simplicity, letting you hit the track in no time.
Built by Sim Racers for Sim Racers
Designed with decades of experience, the cockpit offers maximum adjustability, comfort, and strength, ensuring hours of uninterrupted racing enjoyment.
Integrated Cable Management
Keep your setup clean and sleek with cable management openings and a ventilated power brick holder built into the heel plate.
Customizable
Add optional accessories like multi-monitor stands, shifter mounts, and more to tailor your cockpit to your specific needs and preferences.
Specifications
Dimensions:
Length: 1675mm
Width: 775mm
Height: 725mm
Available Finishes: White or Matte Black
Compatibility:
Supports most Fanatec and third-party racing wheels, pedals, shifters, and handbrakes.
VESA mount supports 100x100mm screens.
What’s Included
ClubSport GT Cockpit
Tools and Hardware for Assembly
PDF QuickStart Guide
Optional Accessories
PC Tray
Upper Accessory Mounts
Shifter Mount Kit
Keyboard Tray
DD Front Mount Bracket
Inverted Pedal Mount Brackets
Monitor Stands (single, overhead, or triple expansion kits)
Pricing and Availability
Priced competitively, the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit is positioned to provide exceptional value for its feature set. Customers should check Fanatec’s website for pricing in their region and availability. Additional costs may include taxes and duties based on your location.
Why Choose the Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit?
The ClubSport GT Cockpit stands out due to its balance of quality, adjustability, and affordability. With features like tool-free seating adjustment, integrated cable management, and exceptional compatibility, it’s a worthy investment for any sim racing enthusiast.
Thanks for taking the time to read our article. Throughout the text, you’ll find links to the ClubSport GT Cockpit. If you decide to purchase via these links we’ll make a small commission from it. Thank you again, and Happy Sim Racing!
NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50 Series, powered by the revolutionary Blackwell architecture, has ushered in a new era of computing with unparalleled advancements in AI-driven neural rendering, performance efficiency, and graphical fidelity. Unveiled at CES 2025, these GPUs and laptops promise to transform gaming, creative workflows, and AI applications.
Key Features of the RTX 50 Series
Neural Rendering with DLSS 4: Delivers up to 8X faster frame rates through Multi Frame Generation and superior image quality that surpasses native rendering.
Blackwell Tensor Cores: FP4 precision enables faster AI model processing with reduced memory usage.
RTX Neural Shaders: Enhance lighting, textures, and compression with neural networks embedded in programmable shaders.
Ray Tracing Enhancements: New RT Cores double ray-triangle intersection rates and improve memory compression for unprecedented realism.
Next-Gen Connectivity: PCIe Gen5 and DisplayPort 2.1b support up to 8K 165Hz displays.
GDDR7 Memory: Achieves 30 Gbps speeds, providing up to 1.8 TB/s of memory bandwidth.
RTX 50 Series Graphics Cards Overview
Model
CUDA Cores
VRAM
Memory Bandwidth
DLSS Performance Increase
Price (USD)
GeForce RTX 5090
21,760
32GB GDDR7
1.8 TB/s
2X over RTX 4090
$1,999
GeForce RTX 5080
16,384
16GB GDDR7
960 GB/s
2X over RTX 4080
$999
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
12,288
16GB GDDR7
896 GB/s
2X over RTX 4070 Ti
$749
GeForce RTX 5070
10,240
12GB GDDR7
672 GB/s
2X over RTX 4070
$549
Performance Benchmarks
The RTX 5090 and 5080 demonstrate extraordinary performance gains, particularly in graphically intensive titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Alan Wake 2:
Highlights:
The RTX 5090 achieves 4K 240 FPS with full ray tracing and max settings.
AI tasks such as generative image creation are completed 2X faster on the RTX 5090 compared to the RTX 4090 using FP4 precision.
AI Advancements for Creators
The RTX 50 Series revolutionizes creative workflows:
DLSS Ray Reconstruction and Neural Shaders: Enable cinematic-quality textures and advanced lighting.
9th Gen NVENC Encoders: Boost HEVC and AV1 encoding efficiency by 5% while supporting 4:2:2 color formats.
Generative AI: FP4 optimization in tools like Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.1 reduces processing times by over 60%.
RTX 50 Series Laptops
The GeForce RTX 50 Series laptops debut in March, featuring:
Advanced Max-Q Technologies: Deliver up to 40% better battery life.
Slim Designs: As thin as 14.9mm while maintaining top-tier performance.
Model Highlights:
RTX 5090 Laptop GPU: 24GB GDDR7, 10,496 CUDA cores
RTX 5080 Laptop GPU: 16GB GDDR7, 7,680 CUDA cores
Starting Price: $1,499
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series represents a monumental leap forward in GPU technology. Whether for gamers seeking the ultimate performance or creators needing AI-accelerated workflows, these GPUs and laptops deliver unmatched capabilities. The future of immersive gaming and content creation is here, and it’s powered by NVIDIA Blackwell.