Frequently Asked Questions
Before you book
Frequently asked questions
Two things worth knowing before you arrive: a 30-minute reservation gives you about 25 minutes of actual racing, and it helps enormously if you're here 10 minutes early.
How much racing time do I get?
A 30-minute reservation gives you around 25 minutes of racing. The other few minutes go on getting in and out of the simulator and loading between race sessions, and we'd rather you knew that now than found it out at the counter.
Can children drive?
Some can. These are full-sized professional simulators, so the two things that matter are reaching the pedals and having a bit of basic car control: knowing how to engage reverse, re-center a steering wheel, and feed the gas in gradually instead of spinning the car.
Under 10 we don't encourage it, simply because they can't reach the pedals. From 10 to under 14, they're welcome to attempt it, and must be accompanied by an adult for the session. From 14 they can take a seat on the same terms as anyone else.
What we can do is set a new driver up to succeed: automatic transmission, extra stability control, a simpler car and circuit to start on, and cushions for comfort and a better reach.
One thing to be straight about: we aren't staffed to teach people how to drive. Our team will show anyone how to use the simulator, but that stops short of talking a driver through reversing out of a barrier and getting back on track after a crash. If your child needs that kind of help, you're very welcome to give it, and that's part of why we ask an adult to stay with them.
Should I arrive early?
Yes please. Aim for about 10 minutes before your slot so we can check you in, go through any car or circuit choices you want, and start you on time.
If you arrive late you'll still finish at your original time. We can't extend a session to cover a late arrival, because it would push into the sessions booked after yours.
Do I need an account to race?
To book online, yes. Booking a session ahead of time needs an account. Walk in and you can race without one. It's worth having either way. With an account your lap times count towards the leaderboards, and you can see your full lap time history across every visit.
Can you accommodate accessibility needs?
Yes. The simulators can be set up to accommodate a range of accessibility needs: hand controls for gas and brake, for example.
Where you can, let us know before you arrive. It gives us time to have the simulator set up and ready for you rather than reconfiguring it while your session runs.
Is there a dress code?
No. Come as you are.
Do I need to bring anything?
No. Everything you need is here. You just turn up and get in the seat.
How big a group can you take?
Any number. The question is how long you need, not whether you fit.
Racers rotate through the simulators in waves, and the planning rule is one racer per simulator per 30 minutes. So an hour suits about twice as many racers as the venue has simulators, and 90 minutes suits about three times. San Ramon runs 12 simulators and Miami runs 8:
- An hour: around 24 racers at San Ramon, 16 at Miami
- 90 minutes: around 36 at San Ramon, 24 at Miami
That covers the large majority of what we run. These are planning figures rather than limits: a group a little over the number is not a problem, and the venue will shape the event around whoever turns up.
Want something that does not fit the pattern at all? A six-hour endurance race, a whole afternoon, a format nobody has asked for yet. That is a conversation rather than a booking form, and the answer is usually yes. Talk to the venue.
Can I race for a cash prize?
Yes, in the National Hot Lap Challenge. It is the paid version of our monthly Hot Lap Challenge. You pay an entry fee, which puts you on a national leaderboard with drivers from Shift Arcade venues across the country.
Your sim time is booked separately at the venue's normal session prices, and you can book as many sessions as you like to improve your time. When the challenge closes, the fastest drivers win cash prizes.
Who can enter the National Hot Lap Challenge?
Anyone 18 or over who completes a one-time registration on our website. You do not need to be an Apex Club member.
You join each paid challenge yourself, so booking a session never enters you by accident. Where you can take part depends on location. It is open at our venues in California and Florida.