Review on Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0

As sim racing continues to gain popularity, more peripherals are needed to improve the driving experience and meet the needs of users. While some will shell out for a full cockpit, others either don’t have the money or space to spare for a full rig. Thankfully, Next Level Racing (NLR) has it figured out with the release of Wheel Stand 2.0, and today we are going to test it in this review.

Combining the durability of the DD Wheel Holder with the portability of the original Wheel Holder, the latest release from NLR could be just what any simulation racer is looking for. It’s a stable stand that makes you feel like you’re behind the wheel of your favorite car while keeping clutter to a minimum.

Easy assembly

Putting together the NLR 2.0 Wheel Bracket is simple enough. The instructions are clear and everything is arranged for you. The position of the pedals and gear lever is entirely up to you. You may find yourself with a bit of trial and error to get the best position, so be prepared to take a little extra time to make things right.

The 2.0 wheelbase has a maximum height of just over 31 inches when fully extended. The pedal holder can be tilted up to 15 degrees for the best position. As for the gearshift mount, it rests on an extension of the wheel deck, allowing it to be as high or low as you like, obviously depending on the height of the wheel deck.

It looks difficult, but the assembly is not difficult at all.

I think the best part of putting the rack together is that, unlike the other offerings, the kit includes washers and M6 bolts. Instead of having to find or buy your own, NLR gives you everything you need to mount your wheels, gearshift, and pedals into the 2.0 Wheel Bracket for the safest setup.

One of my criticisms of fitting the Wheel Rack 2.0 together is related to grease. Each screw is heavily lubricated, which is good for assembly. Not good for clothes. I made the mistake of wearing a white shirt while building it, meaning it wasn’t white by the time I finished piecing it together. It’s more annoying than anything, but still something to be aware of.

This is not going anywhere

Once built, the solidity of the Wheel Base 2.0 is immediately noticeable. Due to the carbon steel frame, you never have the feeling that the stand is tilting or sliding. Never have I felt so loose while racing, even in the most extreme racing environments that required quick gear changes and slamming brakes.

To help you get the feeling it’s the cradle and chair included. It’s a great addition anyone will appreciate, as the crib allows you to position the front wheels of the seat right into it to reduce any movement. This helps a lot when braking hard. Now, it doesn’t eliminate motion entirely, but man, does it make a world of difference. Finally, the bassinet can also be adjusted for people with different leg lengths.

Between uses, the Wheel Stand 2.0 allows for simple folding. Simply unfasten the pedal holder and loosen the two side latches. After you do that, fold it up, screw back the latches, and put it away. When folded, the 2.0 Wheelbase measures 29.5 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and about 47 inches high. That allows for storage even in the tightest of spaces.

Advice for the savvy, when fully assembled, the stand weighs just over 48 lbs. Add your pedals, wheels, and shifter(s), and you’re looking at over 50 lbs. So it’s not the easiest to move freely. But that’s the compromise you make when you want the most reliable documentation possible.

Wheel Stand 2.0 Review Verdict

It’s been over a decade since Next Level Racing released the original Wheel Rack. And, while good, it’s not a great choice for more serious riders. For $249 USD, the Wheel Stand 2.0 takes all that was great of the original and improves on it in every way.

It’s easy to assemble, durable for even the best mid-range racing hardware with direct drive, and portable enough to stash away when not in use. The Next Level Racing Wheel Stand 2.0 is truly a tool for all professions. With the option to expand it into a full cockpit with GT Seat add-on, anyone who wants to enter right away sim racing ecosystem wouldn’t be able to do better than Wheel Rack 2.0.