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Bringing an MPI Alcantara Steering Wheel Back to Life.

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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.

Affiliate Links to products used. 

MPI-A-SB Steel Steering Wheel Brush  https://amzn.to/3ea5WUQ

 Sonax (206141) Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner – 8.45 fl. oz. https://amzn.to/2Ps1bvs

MPI MPI-LM-15 Steel Wheel Suede Grip https://amzn.to/3eav5Pf

MPI MPI-MP-14-OE Steel Wheel Suede https://amzn.to/3sNek0H

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Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit: Ultimate Sim Racing Experience with Unmatched Performance

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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!

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NVIDIA RTX 50 Series Unleashed: AI Powerhouse Redefining Gaming and Creation

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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

ModelCUDA CoresVRAMMemory BandwidthDLSS Performance IncreasePrice (USD)
GeForce RTX 509021,76032GB GDDR71.8 TB/s2X over RTX 4090$1,999
GeForce RTX 508016,38416GB GDDR7960 GB/s2X over RTX 4080$999
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti12,28816GB GDDR7896 GB/s2X over RTX 4070 Ti$749
GeForce RTX 507010,24012GB GDDR7672 GB/s2X 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.

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iRacing has unveiled its 2025 Season 1 update, introducing a suite of new cars, tracks, and features that elevate the sim racing experience. Here’s a breakdown of the latest additions:

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New Cars:

  • Ferrari 499P LMH: This Le Mans Hypercar, celebrated for its back-to-back 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, brings a 3-liter V6 hybrid drivetrain to iRacing, marking the platform’s first LMH-class vehicle.
  • Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22: Featuring a 520 HP twin-turbo engine, this GT3 car enriches endurance racing series with its dynamic performance.
  • BMW M2 CSR: Designed for rookie-level racers, this car provides a balanced step up in power and handling, and is available as free base content for all iRacing members.
  • Supercars Gen 3 Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang: The latest generation of Australian Supercars debuts, offering enhanced physics modeling and graphical fidelity.

New Tracks and Updates:

  • Thruxton Circuit: Known as the fastest circuit in the UK, Thruxton is meticulously recreated using drone-captured photogrammetry, offering racers an authentic high-speed experience.
  • Huset’s Speedway: This 3/8-mile dirt oval in South Dakota adds to the dirt racing venues, reflecting its real-world revitalization.
  • Track Refreshes: As part of the “NASCAR Refresh” initiative, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been updated to meet current quality standards, enhancing realism and visual appeal.

New Features:

  • Debris Refresh: The dynamic track system now includes realistic debris accumulation, such as gravel and mud, affecting vehicle handling and strategy. This lays the groundwork for future features like tire puncture damage.
  • AI Behavior Enhancements: AI drivers exhibit more lifelike behaviors, including headlight flashing in multiclass racing scenarios, with plans for further individualistic actions.

These updates reflect iRacing’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and immersive racing simulation, catering to both novice and seasoned racers. The 2025 Season 1 build is available now, inviting the community to explore and master the new content.

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