Discover the extraordinary journey of Cam Ebben, a 14-time iRacing champion and professional MX5 driver who shatters the myth that expensive gear is necessary for sim racing success. From his first laps at age 11 using a Logitech Wingman wheel bolted to a desk, to reaching the elite 10,000 iRating milestone and winning real-world championships, Cam's story is a masterclass in racing development.

Growing up near Road America with racing in his family's blood, Cam turned to iRacing when he was too young for real motorsport. Using nothing more than a basic wheel and a laptop that struggled to maintain decent frame rates, he developed fundamental skills that would later translate perfectly to the real track. When he finally began karting at 15, Cam immediately demonstrated exceptional ability, eventually winning the Wisconsin State Championship and setting track records in Spec Miata.

What separates Cam's approach from many others is his profound understanding of racing psychology. After plateauing around 8,000 iRating, he completely transformed his mindset – focusing on smarter decision-making, recognizing when aggression is warranted, and understanding that positioning yourself to avoid trouble is just as important as raw speed. This mental shift propelled him from 6,500 to 10,000 iRating in just two months.

Cam offers invaluable insights on the relationship between sim racing and real-world competition, explaining which skills transfer perfectly and where the experiences diverge. As he prepares to move up to professional IMSA racing while maintaining his elite status in the virtual world, Cam represents the new generation of driver developing simultaneously in both realms.

Whether you're a sim racer looking to improve your virtual performance or dreaming of making the leap to real motorsport, this conversation provides the blueprint for success from someone who's mastered both worlds. Follow Cam's journey as he continues to prove that talent and mindset will always outweigh fancy equipment.

Follow Cam Ebben at:

https://www.instagram.com/camebbenracing

https://www.tiktok.com/@camebbenracing

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at thechicanepodcast@gmail.com

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

What separates elite sim racers from the rest of us? In this revealing conversation with Jared Bridwell, a 4K iRating driver from Impact SimSport, we uncover the journey, mindset, and techniques behind high-level sim racing performance.

Jared walks us through his evolution from playing Forza with a controller in 2017 to competing in elite iRacing leagues today. Unlike many who jumped into sim racing during the pandemic, Jared's organic path through Assetto Corsa and into iRacing showcases the dedication that preceded his current success. His hardware journey—from a Thrustmaster T300 bolted to a wooden platform to his current aluminum rig with Simucube direct drive and Asetek Invicta pedals—mirrors the progression many aspiring racers follow.

Most valuable are Jared's insights on technique and improvement. Rather than focusing on late braking, he emphasizes mastering corner exits first and maintaining consistent mid-corner speeds. "Don't push the car into the corner because it's going to overheat," he advises, revealing the counterintuitive approach that helped him climb to 4K iRating. His emphasis on self-honesty and data analysis cuts through the excuses that hold many racers back.

Beyond driving, Jared represents the engineering side of sim racing, designing and 3D-printing custom steering wheels based on Picorny Engineering designs, with plans to develop button boxes and display units. This DIY spirit exemplifies how sim racing bridges various skills—from driving technique to engineering and fabrication.

Whether you're struggling to break 2K iRating or pushing for elite status, Jared's practical advice on hardware investments (pedals before wheels!), racing mentality, and community engagement provides a roadmap for improvement. Listen now to gain insights from someone who's made the journey from casual gamer to elite sim racer through dedication, skill, and a constant pursuit of improvement.

Follow Jared Bridwell at:

https://www.instagram.com/jared_bridwell/

https://www.instagram.com/jb_innovations/

https://www.youtube.com/@TheJaredbridwell

https://jbinnovations.org/

https://impactsimsport.com/

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at thechicanepodcast@gmail.com

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube

There's something magical about meeting people you've known online for years—that surreal moment when virtual connections transform into genuine friendships. This is exactly what happened when the Chicane Podcast team converged on Chicago for the first-ever North American Sim Racing Expo, an event that exceeded everyone's expectations.

What began as uncertainty about who would attend evolved into a groundbreaking gathering where industry giants like Simicube, SimLab, and VPG brought their A-game, setting up displays more impressive than those at established European expos. The expo wasn't just about hardware—it was about the passionate individuals behind these companies. We discovered that nearly every sim racing manufacturer began with a simple thought: "I like this product, but wish it could do this one thing better." That spark of innovation, coupled with specialized skills and driven personalities, has created an industry built on passion rather than corporate interests.

Motion platforms dominated conversations throughout the weekend, with setups ranging from modest four-actuator systems to $175,000 professional simulators. After testing numerous configurations, we reached a surprising consensus—motion doesn't slow you down as many fear, but instead offers valuable physical feedback about what the car is doing. It's roughly "80% immersion, 20% information," making it worthwhile for those seeking deeper connection with their virtual vehicle while remaining optional for competitive racing.

The expo's true magic happened after hours, as attendees gathered at SimRacing South Barrington, a dedicated bar featuring multiple motion rigs running iRacing. There, amid friendly competition and flowing drinks, the community spirit flourished. As one participant joked, "What a bunch of sickos we are—we go to the expo for eight hours of sim racing, then go to dinner talking about sim racing, then find a bar to do more sim racing!"

For anyone considering future expos, our advice is unanimous: don't miss it. No video or description can capture the experience of putting your hands on different wheels, feeling various motion systems, and connecting with people who share your passion. The inaugural Chicago Gaming Expo wasn't just an event—it was the beginning of something special for North American sim racing.

Support the show

Please e-mail the show for any questions, comments or stories/experiences at thechicanepodcast@gmail.com

TGSR/Chicane Podcast Merch Store!: https://trackghost-shop.fourthwall.com

Watch the show in video podcast form on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TGSsimracing

All my links: https://linktr.ee/tgssimracing

Affiliates and Discount Codes

trophi.ai | Use promo code CHICANE12 to save 12% on your membership https://my.trophi.ai/get-trophi?via=CHICANE

Moradness by Daniel Morad I Use promo code CHICANE15 to save 15% off your order. https://moradness.com/

Intro/Outro Rights below:
Song: Low Mileage - Hold You [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/holdyou
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/holdyouAT/youtube