SimRacingExpo Charlotte 2026 has confirmed its first wave of exhibitors as the event prepares for its North American debut from May 22 to May 24 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The announcement marks the first time the long-running sim racing trade show will be staged in the United States.
The exhibitor list includes several of the industry’s most recognisable hardware manufacturers and software platforms, signaling a strong launch lineup for the inaugural Charlotte edition.
SimRacingExpo Charlotte 2026 Confirms Initial Exhibitor Lineup
Organisers have announced the following companies as confirmed exhibitors:
Asetek SimSports, eNASCAR, Fanatec, GIANTS Software, iRacing and Thrustmaster.
The announcement represents the first official exhibitor reveal for the Charlotte event. Additional brands, partners and programming details are expected to be announced closer to the show.
The expo will take place over three days in Charlotte, a city widely regarded as the heart of American stock car racing. The 2026 edition represents an expansion of the European-based show into the U.S. market.
Charlotte Debut Follows Dortmund Growth
SimRacing Expo has been held annually in Dortmund, Germany, where it has grown into one of the largest dedicated sim racing trade shows in the world.
According to the event’s published figures, the 2025 Dortmund edition attracted more than 24,000 visitors. Organisers also reported a social media reach exceeding 155 million across event coverage and related content.
Bringing the show to Charlotte positions the event within a major motorsport hub. The city is home to multiple NASCAR teams and sits near Charlotte Motor Speedway, further reinforcing the crossover between real-world and virtual racing communities.
Ticket Options Include Coca-Cola 600 Tie-In
Ticket sales are already live for SimRacingExpo Charlotte 2026, with multiple tiers available.
Standard entry tickets are priced at $29. Discounts are available for students, seniors and attendees with disabilities, according to the event announcement.
A premium “Golden Ticket Experience” is limited to 500 attendees and priced at $299. The package includes full expo access as well as entry to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a track pass at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Turn 4 seating for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24.
The scheduling places the expo weekend alongside one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, creating a direct link between the sim racing industry showcase and live motorsport.
What This Means for the U.S. Sim Racing Market
The launch of SimRacingExpo Charlotte 2026 signals a formal expansion of the event beyond Europe. With confirmed participation from brands such as Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Asetek SimSports, the exhibitor lineup reflects both hardware manufacturers and competitive racing platforms.
The inclusion of iRacing and eNASCAR highlights the connection between professional esports competition and consumer-facing sim racing technology. GIANTS Software’s presence also broadens the exhibitor mix beyond traditional circuit racing simulations.
Further exhibitor announcements and programming details are expected in the coming months. Organisers have not yet released a full schedule of panels, stage events or competition formats.
For the North American sim racing community, the Charlotte edition represents the first opportunity to attend the event without international travel. With ticketing now open and exhibitor confirmations underway, the countdown to May is officially in motion.
