A direct-drive system designed for running in circles

This bundle hits the mark. It offers true direct-drive force feedback in a compact package, featuring a round, NASCAR-licensed steering wheel that will immediately appeal to oval-track fans. Rather than just throwing together a bunch of products, Fanatec has bundled the CSL DD base, an Xbox-compatible NASCAR steering wheel mounted on a hub, and the CSL pedal set. Unbox it, screw it together, plug it in, and you’re ready to race that very night without having to hunt down three missing accessories.

The CSL DD base—the true heart of the pack

That’s what really makes the whole experience special. Switching from a gear- or belt-driven system to this direct-drive setup completely changes how the car feels. The engine is quiet, clean, and surprisingly refined for its class. Going into a turn, you feel the front end lighten up, the texture of the track comes through in your hands, and the moment the tires start to slip is clearly predictable rather than coming as a surprise. Even without pushing the torque to its limit, there’s plenty to keep you engaged with the car over a long stint, and the aluminum chassis dissipates heat without a fan—and thus without any extraneous noise. For those new to direct drive, the driving experience is crisp and exhilarating.

NASCAR Steering Wheel and QR2 Mount

The round rim is well-suited to oval-track use and feels comfortable in the hands during long stretches of laps, where you maintain a stable position turn after turn. The build quality leaves no doubt about its durability, even though this is an entry-level rim rather than a collector’s item. The real joy in everyday use comes from the QR2 quick-release mechanism, which locks the steering wheel in place with a simple flick toward the base. Changing rims takes just a second, with no tools required—which is a big plus when you want to swap in a GT or Formula rim alongside your NASCAR steering wheel.

The CSL pedal set: decent, but quickly feels cramped

The pedal set is a great place to start. The steel construction inspires confidence, the throttle offers a long, responsive travel, and the brake relies on a foam damper that simulates progressive resistance rather than a simple spring. For the first few hours, it’s more effective than you’d imagine. The limitation becomes apparent when you really start to apply the brakes hard: you’ll find yourself looking for a firmer stop and finer control than these two pedals can provide. This is the first component you’ll want to upgrade, and the ecosystem makes it possible to replace it without having to discard the rest of the setup.

Xbox and PC, Plugged In and Up and Running

The bundle is designed for Xbox and PC, and integration works seamlessly on both platforms. The steering wheel hub supports Xbox recognition, so there’s no need for any workarounds to get it recognized by the console. On PC, you open the Fanatec utility, adjust a few settings, and fine-tune the behavior to your liking. One thing to keep in mind before buying: this bundle isn’t compatible with PlayStation; you’ll need to stick with the Xbox and PC ecosystems.

For whom, and how far can we go?

This bundle is designed for riders who want to switch to direct drive without breaking the bank, featuring a genuine oval drive belt. It costs a little more than a standard starter kit, but it saves you the frustration of having to replace everything six months later. The base system gets a power boost with the Boost Kit 180, the steering wheel can be swapped out using the QR2, and the pedal set gets an upgrade as your skill level rises. It’s a solid starting point that supports your progress rather than holding you back.