Veteran racer Tim Brown recently got behind the wheel of the Ford Performance Center simulator, but it didn’t take long for the experience to turn sour. Just 15 seconds in, Brown felt the effects of motion sickness, a problem that’s surprisingly common for drivers who aren’t used to the high-tech sim rigs.
A Challenge Even for Experienced Drivers
Brown, a seasoned driver with years of real-world racing experience, admitted that the transition to the simulator environment was tougher than expected.
“It didn’t take long—maybe 15 seconds before I started feeling it,” Brown said. “Motion sickness is something a lot of drivers deal with when they first use these rigs.”
Unlike a real car, where the body naturally adjusts to movement and forces, simulators rely on visual input and limited motion feedback, which can create a disconnect between what a driver sees and what their body actually feels. This sensory mismatch often triggers nausea and dizziness, even for those accustomed to high-speed racing.
Why Sim Rigs Can Cause Motion Sickness
While simulators are designed to replicate real-world conditions as closely as possible, there are key differences that can cause discomfort:
• Lack of true G-forces – Drivers feel movement on-screen but don’t experience the full body forces they would in a real car.
• Visual dominance – The brain relies heavily on what the eyes see, which can conflict with inner ear balance signals.
• Sudden changes in perspective – High-speed turns and quick camera shifts can intensify disorientation.
Many drivers who use simulators regularly eventually adapt, but for those unaccustomed to the environment, the effects can be immediate and overwhelming.
Can Drivers Overcome It?
The good news? Motion sickness in simulators isn’t permanent—most drivers can train their bodies to handle the disconnect. Techniques like gradual exposure, focused breathing, and adjusting screen positioning can help reduce symptoms.
For Brown, his first experience may have been rough, but if he continues using the sim, he might just find a way to overcome the challenge—just like he does on the track.
