โก Current Setup at a Glance
| Component | Model / Spec | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel (11Nm DD) Verified | ~$1,000 |
| Pedals | Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals (100kg Load Cell) Verified | ~$380 |
| Cockpit | Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition Verified | ~$600 |
| Monitors | 32" Triple Setup Verified | ~$900 |
| Headset | Logitech PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Verified | ~$210 |
| Previous Wheelbase | VRS DirectForce Pro Former | โ |
| Previous Pedals | Heusinkveld Sprints Former | โ |
| Original Setup | Logitech G29 2019-2021 | โ |
๐ The Sim-to-Real Philosophy
Suellio's story is unique in sim racing โ he proved you don't need expensive equipment to develop elite-level skills. Starting with a Logitech G29 on a wheelless office chair, he reached 7.4k iRating, won multiple F3 championships, and built a coaching business that funded his transition to real racing. His approach emphasizes technique over equipment.
"I started coaching in 2019 to pay my university's tuition. Back then I was 5.4k iRating, champion in the F3 Overall season twice, and I used a G29. I was coaching drivers with DD even though I had never tried one."โ Suellio Almeida, Reddit AMA (2021)
"5 years ago, I sim raced with the equipment from picture 4 of this post. Now, I use the Logitech G PRO equipment as my sim racing setup, and I race in real life, in cars I would never even dream of."โ Instagram (August 2024)
Suellio's journey proves that seat time and intentional practice matter more than hardware. His "Light Hands Technique" โ letting the force feedback make micro-corrections โ has helped thousands of students improve, regardless of their equipment level.
๐น๏ธ Core Driving Controls
[Wheelbase] Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel Verified Sponsored
The Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel features an 11Nm TRUEFORCE Direct Drive system. As the official Logitech G Sim Racing Coach, Suellio uses this as his primary wheel. He previously used a VRS DirectForce Pro and before that, reached elite levels with a G29. Suellio recommends at least 10Nm for his "Light Hands Technique" to work optimally.
[Pedals] Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals Verified Sponsored
The Logitech G PRO Racing Pedals feature a 100kg load cell brake and Hall Effect sensors. Suellio previously used Heusinkveld Sprints which he highly rated. He emphasizes that load cell pedals are the most important upgrade for consistency: "As soon as you get good load cells and a decent DD, anything higher will be very marginal."
๐ช Cockpit & Displays
[Cockpit] Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition [Buy] Verified Sponsored
The Playseat Trophy Logitech G Edition is a collaboration between Logitech G and Playseat. Coming from humble beginnings โ Suellio's first "rig" was a wheelless office chair with pedals held in place by objects โ this represents a massive upgrade. However, Suellio emphasizes that equipment matters less than technique: you can reach 6-8k iRating with budget gear.
[Display] 32" Triple Monitors Verified Current
Suellio runs a triple monitor setup for maximum immersion and peripheral vision โ essential for the multiclass racing he does in IMSA. Triple monitors provide better spatial awareness than a single ultrawide, particularly for mirror usage and side-by-side racing.
[Audio] Logitech PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED Verified Logitech G
Wireless 7.1 gaming headset with Bluetooth, part of the Logitech G PRO ecosystem. The wireless design is essential for streaming and coaching sessions where Suellio needs to communicate clearly while demonstrating techniques.
๐ Previous Equipment (Pre-Sponsorship)
[Former] VRS DirectForce Pro + Heusinkveld Sprints 2021-2023
Before the Logitech G sponsorship, Suellio used a VRS DirectForce Pro wheelbase with Heusinkveld Sprint pedals. This was his "serious" setup that he used while building his coaching business and winning championships. He emphasized that this high-end equipment wasn't necessary โ most of his skill development happened on the G29.
[Original] Logitech G29 โ The Legend Where It Started
The G29 is where Suellio developed his elite-level skills. At 5.4k iRating with this wheel, he was already coaching drivers who had direct drive setups. He won F3 championships and proved that technique matters more than equipment. His humble setup โ G29 on an office chair without wheels, pedals held by household objects โ is legendary in the sim racing community.
๐ The Sim-to-Real Journey
Suellio's path from bedroom sim racer to IMSA driver is one of the most documented and inspirational in motorsport. No karting background. No wealthy family. Just thousands of hours of intentional practice, a coaching business built from scratch, and relentless determination.
Started coaching iRacing to pay university tuition while studying classical piano (he has a master's degree). Logitech G29 on an office chair. Reached 5.4k iRating. "I started in 2019 and I have over 1100 coaching sessions done so far." The foundation of technique-focused teaching was built here.
Pandemic hits. Sim racing explodes. Suellio's coaching becomes full-time: "I found myself doing 35 coaching sessions a week." Won F3 Overall championship twice. iRating peaked at 7.4k. Created the Motor Racing Checklist online course which "blew up."
Upgraded to VRS DirectForce Pro + Heusinkveld Sprints + 32" triples. Over 1,300 coaching sessions completed. Invited by ApexV2R (Virtual to Reality) to test real race cars. Won Canadian Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge โ prize was driving a real 992 Porsche. "I bought a race car" with coaching income.
First real-life race invitation. Podium on first ever start. ApexV2R invites him to race full season in Super Production Challenge Canada (14 races). "I'm a sim racer. I have more than a thousand races done in iRacing, several overall championships in F3, 7k+ iRating... but I never raced in real life."
Won first real-life racing championship in Radical US Championship. Signed as official Logitech G Sim Racing Coach and sponsored driver. Racing Academy reaches 7,000+ registered students. YouTube channel grows with telemetry breakdowns and "Drive to Win" masterclass series.
Joined Bryan Herta Autosport for full 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season. Racing Hyundai Elantra N TCR โ the same car his team laser-scanned for iRacing. Practices in the exact car/track combos in iRacing before each real race. "This IMSA opportunity with Bryan Herta Autosport is a dream come true."
๐ Suellio's Training Academy
With 7,000+ students and the Motor Racing Checklist course, Suellio has become one of the most influential sim racing coaches in the world. His methodology emphasizes converting knowledge into feeling โ understanding the physics behind every input.
"Study 20% of the time, practice 80% of the time. Never just do 1000 blind laps!"โ Suellio's core training philosophy
Academy Challenge Progression (20 Car/Track Combos)
| # | Track | Car | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snetterton 100 | Formula Vee | Fundamentals |
| 2 | Oulton Park Fosters | MX-5 | Trail braking intro |
| 3 | Summit Point | GR86 | Weight transfer |
| 5 | Laguna Seca | F1600 | Open wheel control |
| 6 | Tsukuba | Porsche Cup | Rear-engine dynamics |
| 10 | Lime Rock Park | Radical SR8 | High downforce |
| 11 | Spa | LMP2 | Prototype speed |
| 15 | Nordschleife | Radical SR8 | Rain challenges |
| 20 | Nordschleife | Ray FF1600 | Final exam |
Key Techniques
- Light Hands Technique: Let FFB make micro-corrections. "Only works well if there is enough force on the steering to make it happen!" Requires 10Nm+ FFB.
- Trail Braking: "Build up the rotation all the way until the throttle application point. Then smash the throttle straight to the traction limit to keep the car rotating."
- Knowledge โ Feeling: "You have to convert KNOWLEDGE into FEELING. Feeling what the car is telling you and understanding that it consists of something that you KNOW about is crucial."
- SHUT UP AND DRIVE: Suellio's slogan. 90% muscle memory training, 10% analysis. Don't overthink โ execute.
๐ Suellio's Recommended Upgrade Path
Based on coaching 7,000+ students, Suellio's advice is counterintuitive: don't rush to upgrade equipment. Most of what makes you fast is technique, not hardware.
Start Anywhere (~$300-500)
"You can definitely climb up to 6, 7, 8k with a G29 if you know what to focus on." Suellio reached 5.4k iRating and won F3 championships on a G29.
Load Cell Pedals First (~$400-600)
"As soon as you get good load cells and a decent DD, anything higher will be very marginal." Pedals matter more than wheelbase for consistency.
Direct Drive When Ready (~$1,000+)
For Light Hands Technique: "I really like having at least 10Nm FFB to communicate with the car more directly." But only after mastering fundamentals.
Coaching / External Info (Priceless)
"When you're lost, you need external information." Suellio credits teammates, books (Tune to Win by Carroll Smith), and coaching for his development.
๐ฐ Cost to Copy Suellio's Setup
Current Logitech G Setup
The "Suellio Origin" Setup
What he used to reach 5.4k iRating and win championships:
Proof that technique > equipment.
โ Suellio Almeida Setup FAQ
What sim rig does Suellio Almeida use?
What wheel did Suellio use when he started?
What is the Motor Racing Checklist?
What is Suellio's "Light Hands Technique"?
How did Suellio transition from sim racing to real racing?
What iRating did Suellio achieve?
Does Suellio recommend expensive equipment?
What car does Suellio race in IMSA?
What is Suellio's background?
๐ Key Resources
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Racing Checklist | Suellio's comprehensive online course (7,000+ students) | Website |
| YouTube Channel | Telemetry breakdowns, track guides, technique videos | YouTube |
| Drive to Win Series | Logitech G partnership masterclass | Watch |
| Tune to Win (Book) | Carroll Smith book Suellio recommends for setups | Amazon |
| Discord Community | Coaching info and community | Join |
๐ Sources & Verification
Primary Sources (Tier 1)
- Suellio Almeida YouTube Channel โ Setup tours, coaching content
- Logitech G Drive to Win Series โ Official ambassador content
- Motor Racing Checklist โ Official course and coaching
Secondary Sources (Tier 2)
- IMSA official announcements โ Bryan Herta Autosport signing
- Porsche Esports coverage โ Canadian Sprint Challenge victory