Tucson has its first simulated racing experience, and the family behind it is betting the city has been waiting for something like it.

Located at 5460 E. Broadway Blvd., Ignition Sim Racing features ten purpose-built full-motion bays, each equipped with pedals, wheels and three display monitors to put drivers in the cockpit of a virtual race car.

Sim racing uses high-fidelity software and hardware to replicate the experience of driving a real race car, from the resistance of the steering wheel to the feedback of the road beneath it.

The family-owned business opened in February. It is operated by Isaiah Yonas, his brother and father, who have been planning the racing lounge for close to a year.

They originally started with one rig they brought to car shows and recreational events, eventually expanding to a full storefront for anyone to enjoy.

Simulated racing has been a longtime passion of Yonas and his brother.

"We've always been into gaming, always been into cars and just kind of seeing the appreciation for the sim when we would take it out, we thought it would be a good idea to open one of these in Tucson," he said.

Their goal was to create something everyone in the community can enjoy.

"We think that Tucson definitely needs more stuff to do overall and that's what's great about sim racing is it covers such a broad spectrum of people," Yonas said. "It's one of those things where no matter what background you have, competition is most likely in you. This is just something new and exciting that everybody can get into, at all experience levels of driving or gaming."

Ignition Sim Racing has prioritized accommodating anyone, especially people with no racing experience.

The business offers track and vehicle options for every skill set, from beginner-friendly layouts to advanced modes tailored to specific car classes like Formula 1 and GT3.

Newcomers can work with staff to learn the basics and improve their lap times. Yonas said beginners start with five laps on an open track, which may seem short but is usually enough for things to click.

"By the fourth or fifth lap they're thinking, 'How can I get faster?'" he said.

Ignition Sim Racing offers hourly sessions, allowing participants to drive as much as they want during their allotted time. Memberships are also available for those who want to use the bays for personal practice.

"These rigs that we have, you're not going to find them in a home setup," he said. "So this is an opportunity for you to be on the best of the best rigs."

The lounge also hosts monthly race nights, with qualifying sessions held throughout the month. Yonas said the events draw all ages, with competitors in their last race night ranging from 14 to 60 years old.

In the lounge's short history, it has already partnered with organizations like Pima Community College's men's soccer team and FC Tucson to showcase sim racing's "overlap with sports."

The business is also looking to expand into flight simulators, including dogfighting and runway practice experiences, which Yonas believes will resonate with Tucsonans given the city's connection to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Yonas said the support he and his family have received since opening is more than they could have imagined.

"It's been really great because Tucson's a very supportive tight knit town," he said. "We're doing our best to bring people out of the house and also introduce new people to the sport too."

Ignition Sim Racing is open Tuesday through Sunday and will hold its official grand opening May 24.

Elias Bonilla is a journalism and political science major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at ebonilla1500@gmail.com.

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