The Wheel Stand V2 in a nutshell

Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Stable support for most entry-level chainstays
✅ Foldable design for easy transport and storage
✅ Upgradeable structure to accommodate a seat
✅ Adjustable bottom bracket and handbrake/shifter bracket
❌ Handbrake/shifter support not very stable
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There are many players on the sim-racing market, with brands that are known worldwide, and others that are much more local. For example, in France at least, the Fanatec brand is well known in the sim-racing peripherals segment for its high-quality, premium products. And in this same segment, we have Simagic, which is a major player in the industry, but in France, the latter is not really popular on configs for reasons of image and representation.
As you probably know, a sim-racing setup consists of several peripherals, including a base, steering wheel and pedals. But many racers also use chassis and cockpits to mount their peripherals. These cockpits are especially popular with racers with high-end configurations whose usefulness is more than necessary.
Except that if you’re a manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals, or of any other product for that matter, your main objective is to offer a solution to all possible customers, and not to target one category of person. The simplest example is Apple with its iPhone SE: sure, the Cupertino firm is premium, but it’s still selling an “entry-level” product at €500. This applies to everyone, and for sim-racing and its cockpits, we have the same thing with Next Level Racing and the Wheel Stand V2. This NLR product is a solution for those who can’t afford a full cockpit, or for racers who don’t have the space for a rig. In what follows, I’m going to introduce you to this steering wheel stand and give you my opinion on it.
Main and technical features of the stand
- Sturdy, folding metal frame
- Very easy to assemble, can be done in half an hour
- Fully adjustable steering wheel and pedal bracket
- Includes gearshift/shifter holder
- Dimensions: 92.5 x 57.5 x 78.5 cm
Wheel Stand 2.0 design
Next Level Racing is a major player in the sim-racing cockpit industry, and its stylistic code shows on its products. For the Wheel Stand V2, we’re treated to a sober, all-black design, with a few brand logos on various elements and supports.
For its structure, the Wheel Stand V2 uses square metal tubes for everything, and it’s this choice of materials that makes this stand one of the strongest on the market and in its class. All in all, it’s a real beauty, in the tradition of Next Level Racing products.

Manufacturing and finishing
As I just mentioned, the Wheel Stand V2 uses square carbon steel tubing for the entire structure. So, not only is it solid, it’s also very well finished, thanks to laser-cutting.
It has to be said that the brand has many years’ experience in chassis manufacturing, and the Wheel Stand V2 inherits all Next Level Racing’s know-how. The matt black paintwork is of the finest quality, and very premium both to the touch and to the eye. All parts of the Wheel Stand V2 are superbly machined, with no burrs, either in cutting or assembly. Superbly finished in every respect.
What’s more, and this is where we see that the brand has a certain edge over the competition, we have a plate that accommodates the wheels of a gaming chair, preventing it from moving in all directions during sim-racing sessions. It’s a really clever design, and I love it, especially on a product that’s not really expensive.
Stand assembly
You’ve probably guessed that the Wheel Stand V2 comes disassembled, and that’s to be expected. However, it’s very easy to assemble and should take no more than half an hour, without any help whatsoever.
Next Level Racing’s instructions are simply one of the best I’ve ever seen or read: absolutely everything is clear on them, and very easy to read and understand. Just clear some space around you to be comfortable assembling the Wheel Stand V2, and that’s it.
As for mounting your sim-racing peripherals on it, it’s a quick operation thanks to the various holes and mounting points on the Wheel Stand V2, which can also accommodate numerous Direct Drive bases. And the same goes for adjusting the driving position to suit your needs: very quick to do, and without too much fuss.
All in all, you’ll spend about 1 hour doing everything from assembling the Wheel Stand V2, to installing the sim-racing peripherals, to adjusting your riding position. And once assembled, this stand folds and unfolds very quickly too, so no problem there either.
Use of the stand
This stand can be used for many sim-racing disciplines, such as GT, rally and so on. You can use it for F1, but the driving position won’t be immersive, but it’s possible all the same.
The many adjustments available on the stand, from the pedal support to the base, will give you an excellent riding position, whatever your height (up to 2m10), and even your riding preferences too. It’s clear that Next Level Racing has put all its know-how into this stand.
Sensation in play
As far as in-game sensations are concerned, I can assure you that it’s pure bliss. It’s extremely stable, even with Direct Drive bases and Load Cell pedals.
This stand should not be seen as a toy for entry-level bases and peripherals from Logitech and Thrustmaster. The Wheel Stand V2 supports Direct Drive bases with up to 5 nm of torque, which isn’t bad at all when you consider that this product isn’t a cockpit as such.
As for stability, it’s really solid, even with a Fanatec CSL DD sending out all its torque, and the Wheel Stand V2 takes it all in stride. And it’s the same story for the cranksets, but I wouldn’t advise you to get one with a heavy-duty Load Cell, at the risk of having a lot of flex on the plate. Don’t venture out with overly powerful chainstays either, as the whole stand is liable to rock.
However, there is a slight problem with this Wheel Stand V2, and it’s to do with the shifter mount: it moves around a lot for my liking. If you want some advice, avoid manual shifters or handbrakes. Use only a sequential shifter to avoid ending up with the whole bracket in your hands.

Wheel Stand V2 compatibility
On paper, the Wheel Stand V2 is compatible with virtually everything Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec offer in terms of pedalboards and bases. This leaves you with a wide choice of sim-racing peripherals from these three major brands. For other players, the Wheel Stand V2 should take them into account, but be prepared to make some adjustments or tinkerings to get it to fit.
Value for money
The Wheel Stand V2 retails for €230 on the manufacturer’s official website and through retailers. As far as I’m concerned, this stand offers excellent value for money, especially when you consider that the entire structure is made of steel, the arms are telescopic and the brackets highly adjustable. And that’s not counting compatibility with virtually the entire product catalog from Logitech, Thrustmaster and Fanatec.
My verdict on the Wheel Stand 2.0 from Next Level Racing
While I’m all for getting a real cockpit for sim-racing, high-level or otherwise, I fully understand that this isn’t possible for everyone, if only for financial reasons. If you have the means and the space, treat yourself to a cockpit from Next Level Racing, Trak Race, Playseat or even a chassis from Fanatec, for example.
But if not for either of these two reasons, the Wheel Stand V2 remains an excellent alternative for racers who are in a rather entry-level segment with bases under 5 nm. If you’re looking for more powerful peripherals, Next Level Racing offers virtually the same stand, but designed to take on beefier DD bases. In any case, I approve.
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