Trak Racer built the TR160 V5 directly from feedback gathered off thousands of owners of the previous MK4 version, a rare case where a cockpit’s redesign is genuinely driven by what actual users flagged as weak points rather than a marketing refresh.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Frame material | Aluminum profile, 160 x 40mm brackets |
| Wheel mount | Side-mounted uprights, heavy-duty brackets |
| Rated braking force | Hundreds of kilograms without flex |
| Price | Around $730, frequently discounted |
Rigidity Built Around a Real Problem
The V5’s thicker aluminum profile walls and 160x40mm brackets at the wheel uprights aren’t a cosmetic upgrade, they’re a direct response to flex complaints on earlier models. The result, according to owner feedback, is a frame that can withstand hundreds of kilograms of braking force without noticeable flex, a meaningful claim for anyone running high-torque direct drive hardware paired with load cell pedals.
What Owners Actually Notice
One detailed review described the components as heavy duty and well-constructed, with nothing feeling flimsy or undersized for the job. Rigidity throughout the build was specifically called out as evident in real use, with very little movement through the cockpit even under hard inputs. That kind of specific, use-based feedback tends to carry more weight than general praise about build quality.
Worth Knowing: This level of rigidity matters most once torque climbs into direct drive territory. Our guide on fixed rig vs wheel stand covers when this kind of investment actually pays off versus when a simpler mount is still enough.
Built to Grow With a Setup
The aluminum profile design means mounting points for wheels, pedals, and accessories like a shifter or handbrake can be adjusted and repositioned as hardware changes over time, rather than being fixed at purchase. For anyone planning to upgrade a wheelbase down the line, this kind of flexibility avoids needing to replace the whole cockpit alongside it.
Pros and Cons
What stands out
- Exceptional rigidity, specifically engineered around real flex complaints from earlier models
- Adjustable aluminum profile frame grows with future hardware upgrades
- Heavy-duty build quality confirmed consistently by owner feedback
What gives pause
- Priced well above entry cockpits and wheel stands
- Permanent footprint, not designed for portability or storage
FAQ
1. Is the TR160 V5 rigid enough for high-torque direct drive?
Yes, this is specifically what it was redesigned to handle, with owner feedback confirming minimal flex even under strong force feedback.
2. Can I adjust the TR160 V5 as my hardware changes?
Yes, the aluminum profile design allows mounting points to be repositioned rather than being fixed at purchase.
3. Is this cockpit worth it for a first direct drive setup?
It can be overkill for entry-level torque, but it’s a strong choice for anyone planning to grow into higher-torque hardware over time.
Final Take
The TR160 V5 succeeds specifically because it was built to fix known problems rather than chase a redesign for its own sake. For drivers serious about rigidity and long-term flexibility, it’s one of the stronger cockpit options in its price range.
- The V5’s thicker aluminum brackets were redesigned specifically to address flex complaints on earlier models.
- Owners consistently report minimal movement even under hard braking and strong force feedback.
- Its adjustable profile design lets the cockpit grow alongside future hardware upgrades.
- It’s priced well above entry cockpits, best suited to drivers planning a long-term setup.
This review is based on manufacturer-published specifications and independent reporting as of publish date.
