Podium 1 Racing
SimRacing Expo Charlotte proudly welcomes Podium 1 Racing, a Nashville-based company revolutionizing the sim racing industry with world-class racing simulators. Founded by passionate real-world track drivers, Podium 1 Racing brings authentic racing experiences to enthusiasts across North America through innovative technology and exceptional craftsmanship.
About Podium 1 Racing
Podium 1 Racing was born from a group of track enthusiasts who discovered the competitive thrill of sim racing when the real-world racing season ended. Co-founders Steve Paladino and Chandler Welling recognized that too many companies were offering substandard products at premium prices. Their mission became clear: deliver exceptional sim racing systems at fair prices while maintaining the quality standards they would demand for themselves.
The company operates from their headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, where they also run an Experience Center. What sets Podium 1 Racing apart is their hands-on approach to every simulator they build. The dedicated production team carefully assembles, configures, and tests each system before delivery, ensuring customers receive equipment that meets rigorous performance standards.
By establishing direct relationships with major brands in the sim racing industry, Podium 1 Racing secures premium components at competitive prices. This business model allows them to pass savings directly to customers while maintaining uncompromising quality. Their philosophy centers on creating close-to-life racing experiences that capture the competition, adrenaline, and nerves of real track racing.
Revolutionary Sim Racing Systems
At SimRacing Expo Charlotte, visitors will discover Podium 1 Racing’s comprehensive range of sim racing solutions designed for every skill level and budget. From entry-level non-motion systems to professional-grade simulators with advanced motion platforms, the company offers complete turnkey packages that arrive ready to race.
Turnkey Racing Simulators
The turnkey simulator systems represent Podium 1 Racing’s flagship offering. Each system includes everything needed to start racing immediately: gaming PCs, monitors, monitor stands, chassis, peripherals, accessories, and surge protectors. Every component arrives pre-installed, configured, and thoroughly tested.
These custom-built simulators are tailored to individual customer specifications. Whether upgrading components or reconfiguring layouts, Podium 1 Racing works directly with customers to create their perfect racing environment. The modular design philosophy ensures systems can evolve as racers advance their skills, with motion platforms and premium peripherals easily integrated later.
Non-Motion Turnkey Systems
For newcomers to sim racing, the non-motion turnkey systems provide an excellent entry point. These complete packages deliver authentic racing experiences without motion platforms, keeping costs accessible while maintaining high performance standards. The modular architecture allows racers to add motion systems as their skills progress and budgets expand.
Motion Racing Simulators
Podium 1 Racing offers multiple tiers of motion-enabled simulators that transform virtual racing into physical experiences. The motion systems replicate real-world vehicle dynamics, translating track details into sensory feedback.
The 3DOF motion systems feature 2-inch to 4-inch travel ranges, delivering movement across three degrees of freedom: pitch, roll, and heave. These platforms provide fundamental motion feedback that enhances immersion significantly beyond static systems.
Advanced racers can select 4DOF and 6DOF motion platforms with 4-inch to 6-inch travel capabilities. The 4DOF configuration adds surge to pitch, roll, and heave, creating front-to-back acceleration feedback during braking and acceleration. The premium 6DOF systems capture all six axes of movement, including sway and yaw, delivering complete realism that translates every track detail into physical sensation.
Professional-Level Simulators
The pinnacle of Podium 1 Racing’s offerings includes professional-level simulators equipped with 6DOF motion systems. These platforms replicate movement across surge, sway, heave, pitch, roll, and yaw, providing the ultimate realism for serious racers. From subtle weight transfers during cornering to aggressive transitions under hard braking, these systems capture every nuance of high-performance driving.
Premium Chassis Options
Podium 1 Racing features several high-quality chassis platforms designed to provide rigid foundations for sim racing equipment. The chassis selection includes options for various budgets and performance requirements.
The P1 FF 4 chassis starts at an accessible price point while delivering solid construction suitable for direct drive wheels and premium peripherals. For racers seeking enhanced rigidity, the P1 FF 6 chassis offers upgraded structural integrity at a moderate price increase.
For motion simulator enthusiasts, Podium 1 Racing offers Qubic motion platforms. The QS-V20 4DOF motion system provides an integrated chassis designed specifically for motion racing. The premium QS-S25 6DOF motion platform represents the ultimate choice for professional racers demanding complete realism.
Virtual Reality Integration
Podium 1 Racing recognizes virtual reality as potentially the most immersive racing experience available. The company offers cutting-edge VR headsets that transport racers into fully immersive environments, blending physical cockpits with virtual racing worlds.
The Pimax Crystal VR Headset stands as an industry-leading virtual reality device featuring the highest pixel count of any consumer VR headset. With advanced technology delivering stunning visual clarity and lifelike graphics, the Crystal provides unprecedented immersion. The latest Pimax Crystal Super sets new benchmarks with retina-level resolution of 50 PPD, delivering unmatched clarity for sim racers.
These VR solutions integrate seamlessly with Podium 1 Racing’s simulator platforms, allowing racers to choose between traditional multi-monitor setups and fully immersive virtual reality experiences.
Flight Simulation Systems
Expanding beyond racing, Podium 1 Racing offers flight simulation systems built with the same quality standards that define their racing products. These turnkey flight simulators provide aviation enthusiasts with complete, custom-configured systems ready for takeoff. Like their racing counterparts, flight systems arrive fully assembled, tested, and optimized for immediate use.
Brand Partnerships and Quality Components
Podium 1 Racing maintains direct relationships with premium brands throughout the sim racing industry. These partnerships ensure customers receive authentic, high-quality components backed by manufacturer warranties and support.
The component selection spans industry-leading brands including Fanatec, Simucube, Heusinkveld, Asetek, Cube Controls, Trakracer, Recaro, and many others. By working directly with manufacturers, Podium 1 Racing secures competitive pricing while guaranteeing authentic products.
Recent additions include the BDH Active Shifter and H1 Sequential Shifter, representing the latest innovations in sim racing peripherals. These partnerships demonstrate Podium 1 Racing’s commitment to offering cutting-edge technology as soon as products become available.
iRacing Partnership Benefits
Podium 1 Racing enhances customer value through a promotional partnership with iRacing, the premier online racing simulation platform. Customers purchasing turnkey systems receive complimentary one-year iRacing subscriptions, while sim gear purchases over $250 include three-month subscriptions for new members.
This partnership allows customers to access professional-grade racing simulation immediately upon receiving their equipment, with access to officially licensed cars and tracks from around the world.
The Podium 1 Racing Team
Behind every Podium 1 Racing simulator stands a dedicated team of professionals passionate about sim racing excellence. Co-founder and CEO Steve Paladino oversees company operations alongside President Chandler Welling, while Director of Operations Wade Kloeblen ensures smooth production workflows.
The sales team, led by Sales Manager Kathy Gutierrez, guides customers through product selections and customization options. The production team, including Tech Lead Ian Robinson, Production Lead Trey Kreid, and Warehouse Lead Jake Caston, meticulously assembles every simulator to exacting standards.
Team members including Nathaniel Thorpe, Drew Lesueur, Zach Ball, Hunter Dreher, Jake Freshwater, and Pete Jeji bring hands-on expertise to every build. This experienced crew ensures quality control throughout the manufacturing process, testing systems personally before shipment.
Experience Centers and Showrooms
For customers wanting hands-on experience before purchasing, Podium 1 Racing operates Experience Centers where visitors can test various simulator configurations. The Nashville location showcases different chassis options, motion platforms, peripheral setups, and VR systems.
These centers allow potential customers to experience the difference between non-motion and motion systems, compare direct drive wheel bases, test different pedal sets, and evaluate VR versus traditional monitor configurations. Knowledgeable staff members provide guidance based on individual preferences, budgets, and racing goals.
Custom Configuration Services
Understanding that every racer has unique preferences, Podium 1 Racing specializes in custom configurations. Customers can adjust every aspect of their simulator systems, from chassis selection and monitor arrangements to peripheral choices and aesthetic details.
The company maintains flexibility throughout the build process, accommodating specification changes and component upgrades. Whether starting with a standard package and adding enhancements or designing a completely custom system from scratch, Podium 1 Racing works collaboratively with customers to achieve their vision.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Every Podium 1 Racing simulator undergoes rigorous testing before leaving the Nashville facility. The production team assembles systems with meticulous attention to detail, verifying cable management, component installation, and structural integrity.
Technical staff configure software, calibrate peripherals, and optimize system settings for peak performance. Gaming PCs receive thorough testing to ensure stable frame rates and reliable operation. Motion platforms undergo extensive validation to verify smooth operation and proper integration with simulation software.
This comprehensive quality assurance process ensures customers receive simulators that perform flawlessly from the moment they arrive, minimizing setup hassles and maximizing immediate enjoyment.
Visit Podium 1 Racing at SimRacing Expo Charlotte
SimRacing Expo Charlotte attendees will have exclusive opportunities to experience Podium 1 Racing’s impressive lineup firsthand. The exhibit will showcase various simulator configurations, allowing visitors to test motion platforms, experience VR integration, and explore different chassis and peripheral combinations.
Knowledgeable representatives will be available to answer questions about specifications, customization options, pricing, and delivery timelines. Whether visitors are considering their first sim racing purchase or upgrading existing setups, the Podium 1 Racing team will provide expert guidance tailored to individual needs and preferences.
For more information about Podium 1 Racing’s products and services, visit their website at www.podium1racing.com or contact them at 1-888-LAPTIME. Follow their social media channels on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook at @podium1racing for the latest updates, product announcements, and racing content.
Discover why Podium 1 Racing has become a trusted name in sim racing, delivering world-class simulators built by drivers, for drivers.
