True-to-Life Adaptive Racing Simulation
The Hand-Control System Built for True-to-Life Sim Racing
Adaptive Controls for Serious Sim Racers
Real Pedals, Hand Control
GripShift doesn’t bypass or disable your pedals. Instead, it physically moves them for you. When you twist the GripShift handle, the system mechanically presses the gas pedal. When you push the handle, it mechanically depresses the brake pedal.
You still steer using your force-feedback wheel (Thrustmaster T598), but GripShift gives you full throttle, braking, and shifting control — all via your hands. Pedals remain connected and functional, delivering authentic pedal feel and resistance.
How GripShift Works
Mechanical Pedal Actuation + Hand Controls
This hybrid approach gives you both the accessibility and control of a hand-based interface — and the realism of actual pedal feel underfoot.
Twist for Throttle → Pedal Responds
GripShift converts your hand input into real pedal motion, giving you true throttle response.
Push to Brake → Pedal Engages:
Brake input is mechanically transmitted to your brake pedal, preserving realistic feedback and feel.
Buttons for Shifting & Controls:
Built-in controls on the hand-unit let you shift gears or activate auxiliary functions without removing your hands.
Full Plug-and-Play setup
Integrates with your rig quickly and simply—with no complicated setup or software.
What You Need to Get Started
GripShift is the only product you purchase from us, but it requires a compatible wheelbase and chassis to complete your simulator setup. We’ve developed custom kits that seamlessly integrate with the following components
Required Chassis:
Playseat
Trophy, Evolution, or Sensation
Provides the mounting and driving position needed
Required Wheelbase & Pedals:
Thrustmaster
T598 steering wheel + wheelbase
Delivers steering, force feedback, and pedal integration
Compatible Chassis's
Playseat® Trophy
The Playseat® Trophy is a statement of quality and delivers an unparalleled sim racing performance from the comfort of your home. Developed in close collaboration with real racing drivers and e-sport athletes, this racing seat is designed to deliver a racing experience that engages all your senses.
Playseat® Sensation PRO
This racing cockpit is your gateway to an extraordinary world of speed, precision, and excitement. The Playseat® Sensation PRO shines with an authentic, replica GT racing seat design, developed with and used by real racing drivers. A design that mirrors the form and feel of seats found in high-performance race cars, giving you the feeling of being in the driver’s seat.
Playseat® Evolution
Make your racing future greater with the Playseat® Evolution. One of the standout features is the authentic, replica GT racing seat design, developed in close collaboration with real racing drivers. The Playseat® Evolution prioritizes the essence of genuine racing, ensuring you will feel every twist and turn as if you were actually on the track.
Next Level Racing F-GTE Lite
While constructed to suit the mid-range category with a “4080” profile, through cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing, combined with unique components, fixtures, and reinforcements, the GTElite Lite is the most rigid mid-range cockpit. Through this innovative process, the GTElite Lite in some cases is stronger than conventional “16040” cockpits seen on the market.
Playseat
Trophy
Details:
The Playseat® Trophy is a statement of quality and delivers an unparalleled sim racing performance from the comfort of your home. Developed in close collaboration with real racing drivers and e-sport athletes, this racing seat is designed to deliver a racing experience that engages all your senses.
Playseat
Sensation
Details:
Built from a rigid steel frame and supportive bucket seat, the Sensation Pro offers rock‑solid stability during intense driving. Combined with Thrustmaster’s direct‑drive‑feel T‑GT II wheel and load‑cell T‑LCM pedals, this setup delivers powerful force feedback and precise braking. Perfect for racers who want maximum realism.
Playseat
Evolution
Details:
The GripShift SIM Kit – Playseat Evo configuration delivers a compact, race-ready setup ideal for drivers who need stability and adjustability in a smaller footprint. It’s the perfect entry point for adaptive sim racers who want an authentic experience without taking up a full rig space.
Next Level
Details:
Built from durable 80/20 aluminum extrusion, this chassis remains rock-solid during intense racing maneuvers. Its exceptional stability and adjustability make it perfect for mounting hand controls exactly where you need them.
Optional Attachments
Wheel Attachments & Accessories
Tri Pin Grip
by Veigel
Developed by adaptive motorsport professionals, the three‑pin configuration locks your hand and wrist securely in place, providing unwavering control through high‑speed corners and technical sections.
Soft Knob Grip
by Veigel
A high‑density foam grip that makes it comfortable for long VR sessions, and its shape helps you orient your steering without ever taking your eyes off the virtual track.
Button Box
By PXN
When racing with hand controls, you need your critical functions within easy reach. This customizable button box can be positioned perfectly for quick access to essential commands, even when wearing VR headsets.
FAQ
Right-hand controls offer several advantages:
- Better ergonomics and reduced fatigue during extended sessions
- Enhanced over-the-shoulder visibility for race awareness
- Natural resting position on the door sill during straights
- More intuitive positioning for throttle and shifter control
Yes! The rig is designed for universal use, making it perfect for teams with both adaptive and able-bodied drivers.
Feedback is everything in racing. Though adaptive drivers may not use their feet, the pedals provide crucial resistance that simulates real-world braking and throttle feel. This enhanced realism makes the rig ideal for developing authentic driving techniques that translate directly to the track.
This is the first sim rig to replicate an adaptive race car experience with the exact same controls used on the track:
- Right-hand grip shifter integrated into professional Veigel Classic hand controls
- Manual gas and brake input connected to high-end sim pedals for realistic feedback
- Fully customizable button commander
- Custom mountings for tri-pin or spinner knob steering input
How do the hand controls function?
- Downshift during braking via the top-mounted button
- Upshift during acceleration via the side button
- Five programmable buttons for pit limiter, radio, and other essential functions
- Turn the handle for gas. Push the handle for brake.
Absolutely. The custom control interface connects via a single USB cable. iRacing automatically detects the input devices, allowing you to assign functions by simply pressing the desired button.
Most sim equipment available for adaptive drivers doesn't accurately replicate real race car controls. The GripShift bridges this gap, allowing adaptive drivers to train effectively at home with controls that translate directly to their track experience.
As a C6 quadriplegic, Torsten lacks finger dexterity. The tri-pin locks in his wrist to allow consistent grip without letting go. For drivers with grip strength (e.g., paraplegics), a spinner knob is also an option. Using either ensures constant control—no palming of the wheel, which can be unsafe.
Adaptive race car driver Torsten Gross of Just Hands Motorsports partnered with Mobility Innovations and Veigel to adapt his real race car hand controls for sim racing, creating a true 1:1 racing experience.
The Story Behind GripShift
From Track to Simulator
The GripShift wasn’t designed in a lab—it was forged on the track. C6 quadriplegic Torsten Gross has earned podium finishes in SCCA, International GT, and World Racing League events using hand controls. Now, those same innovations that put him on real-world podiums are engineered for your simulator. This isn’t theoretical—it’s battle-tested by a racer who refuses to let physics write his story.
Ready to Start Racing?
Order GripShift today and get ready to build your ultimate rig.