Autosport International 2025: Is It Worth Attending for Sim Racers?

The Autosport International (ASI) Show 2025 kicked off today at the NEC in Birmingham, running through to Sunday. Promoted as Europe’s largest motorsport show, ASI has been a staple in motorsport calendars for decades. However, the show today is a shadow of its former self.

Having attended ASI last year and in the 1990s, the contrast is stark. Back then, Formula 1 teams were a major draw, showcasing their cars and even bringing along drivers. While this year’s "F1 75" display adds a touch of nostalgia with more F1 cars, the overall experience remains underwhelming compared to its golden years.

Sim Racing Presence at ASI 2025

For sim racers, there is a growing but still modest footprint. While ASI won’t rival dedicated events like the Sim Racing Expo, there are several noteworthy setups and activations worth highlighting:

• Overclockers UK: This retailer brings six simulators to the show, showcasing both PC and console setups. Their rigs feature Nitro Concepts gear alongside offerings from Moza and Next Level Racing. It’s refreshing to see a gaming retailer adopt an inclusive approach, catering to all levels of sim racing enthusiasts.
  
  

• Williams F1 Esports: A standout 20-rig installation powered by Fanatec gear in partnership with SimStaff offers a professional racing experience. Alongside the simulators is a modern F1 car on display. While there’s an enticing mega prize for participants, a lack of clear advertising makes it easy to overlook.
  
  

• Motorsport UK Esports: Partnering with Base Performance Simulators, this setup features iRacing and F1 24. This year, Motorsport UK’s esports area stands apart from their main hub, offering prizes for hotlapping challenges.
  
  

• RaceSim UK: A dedicated sim racing retailer from London, RaceSim UK delivers high-end experiences, including a Porsche 919 at Monza on Assetto Corsa. While there’s a small fee to race, participants get access to premium rigs and a sneak peek at new products from the up-and-coming brand Conspit.
  
  

• Army Esports: Supported by AK Esports, this two-rig setup uses Fanatec equipment running ACC. The friendly atmosphere is a bonus, with a chance to race army-liveried McLarens at Donington Park. My own 1:32.3 lap time was easily beaten!
• IntentsGP: Unexpected but welcome, this luxury F1 camping provider offers a two-rig setup wrapped in iconic Mansell Williams and Senna McLaren liveries. It’s a testament to sim racing’s expanding reach into other sectors.
  
  

These setups, mainly clustered in a more deliberately curated esports area, provide entertainment and variety for sim racing enthusiasts.

Is It Worth the Trip?

If you’re a sim racer debating whether to attend, the answer depends on your expectations. If you’re nostalgic for ASI’s glory days, you might be disappointed. However, if your goal is to explore simulators, try out various setups, or connect with the sim racing community, there’s enough here to keep you engaged.

While ASI 2025 lacks the vibrancy of its past, the mix of sim racing setups offers a decent day out for enthusiasts. It’s a chance to experience high-end rigs, see some classic F1 cars, and catch up with familiar faces. Just temper your expectations and don’t anticipate an event on par with a dedicated sim racing expo.

Conclusion

Autosport International 2025 offers a modest but growing presence for sim racing fans. While it won’t blow you away, it’s worth a visit if you want to test different rigs or enjoy a day surrounded by motorsport and esports culture. If nothing else, it’s a chance to experience the evolving role of sim racing in the wider motorsport landscape.

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