Thrustmaster a synonymous game controller manufacturer, has now come out their most affordable wheel in their NASCAR series line the NASCAR Sprint. Priced under $70, the NASCAR Sprint has Formula 1 paddles for the shift chores, four buttons, new clamping system and a pedal unit, you can be sure that Thrustmaster's reputable quality is very present.

The NASCAR Sprint is the first wheel I have used since Thrustmaster redid their racing wheel models. The last wheel I used from Thrustmaster was the T2. So it has been awhile since I used a Thrustmaster racing system. Though I shouldn't compare the T2 to the NASCAR Sprint since they were both were in designed in different price ranges. As a matter of fact, the T2 is in more comparison with the NASCAR Pro.


CONTENTS

Given in Thrustmaster fashion, you get a delightful and graphically detailed box denoting NASCAR all over it. I mean what do you expect? This wheel is part of the NASCAR Series line, right? Inside the box, you will find an well-organized packaging. Though, at times, it could be thought of as a puzzle when the time arises to stow away the unit.

With the T2, there was no needed software to install that has changed here. The software is ThrustMaster's Motorsports Software that is designed for, of course, Thrustmaster's line of wheels. It helps you configure your wheel in Windows 95/98 games. There is a setup guide containing several games to help you get up and running in no time. Also included is the new clamping system and manual.


INSTALLATION

Read the instructions, you do that don't you? Installation of the NASCAR Sprint was a breeze. I did notice that the pedal connection now looks like a PS/2 connection instead of the lumpy gameport connect to the wheel unit. From there the wheel connects to your gameport; for which I opted to install onto the Lightning 4 game card. The only manual labor in the terms of assembly to the unit is its clamping system. Which involved two screw-in pieces and two clamps. The screw-in pieces went into the wheel housing and the clamps slid onto the screw-in pieces. After tighten the unit matted onto my desk as if it was a part of it! This clamping is big improvement over the T2's system. This is a very sound design.

The next step involved booting up the computer and installing the software. Installation of the software was painless, as no errors occurred. The software recognized the NASCAR Sprint and now I was on my way to some racing.


OPERATION

Using the NASCAR Sprint at times was a bit of a chore. For the good side of it, I have always like F1 paddles on a steering device. They were in easy reach when I want to pull a shift or downshift. The wheel was a bit smaller than I was accustomed. I am use to the size of a MOMO wheel. I did love the rubber cushion located at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Also the lock-to-lock was a bit small that I was use to. You are only given 90�. This is going to hurt in those tight turns. Wheel tension is very tight and offers a good feel for the road. The four buttons were also in easy reach when the occasion arose to depress one of them.

The pedals, well, they are just too small. The pedals are too close together and there was an awkward angle to them. I don't know if the NASCAR Sprint pedals were designed for the younger crowd. There were times my feet got tired after a couple of hours of use. The base of the pedals needs to be larger as the unit kept moving about regardless if it was the floor or carpet. The pedals are only available on same axis. There is no possibility of using them a separate axis. The pedals are the weakest point of the NASCAR Sprint.


HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY

There were no compatibility problems encountered.


SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY

All software during used found the unit with no problems at all.


BOTTOMLINE

With its pedals not staying in place the NASCAR Sprint is still a great value for its price. For hard-core racers, you might want to look at their the NASCAR Super Sport as it comes with a bigger pedal unit. The NASCAR Sprint also does not take up a lot of space.