Heidi Bandisch on Racership & Sean Patrick McDonald on SimCraft Innovation
This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith deliver a powerhouse double-header focused on the future of motorsports networking, driver development, and high-fidelity racing simulation.
First, Heidi Bandisch, founder and CEO of Racership, returns with updates on her soon-to-launch platform designed to unite racers, mentors, brands, teams, and industry insiders into one trusted digital ecosystem. Heidi explains how Racership streamlines sponsorship matchmaking, provides vetted community connections, supports youth racers with strict safety-driven features, and creates a central hub where drivers can post results, upload decks, join mentoring sessions, and expand their visibility in the motorsports world.
Then, Sean Patrick McDonald, cofounder of SimCraft, joins the show to share the extraordinary origin story behind one of the world’s most advanced racing-simulator companies. Sean talks about developing motion platforms with his father, translating real-world physics into simulator movement, and how modern iRacing APIs allow ultra-realistic feedback. He breaks down what new drivers need to prepare for real track time, explores differences between load-cell and hydraulic brake pedals, and explains how today’s direct-drive wheels, motion chassis, and wraparound displays recreate professional-level race feel—even in a home office.
Presented by SpeedSport, Redline Ace, Schaeffer Oil, and America’s Christian Credit Union.
SpeedSport: speedsport.com | speedsport1.com
Redline Ace Racing Graphics: redlineace.com
Schaeffer Oil: schaefferoil.com
America’s Christian Credit Union: americaschristiancu.com/pits
Racership (launch info): racership.com
SimCraft: simcraft.com
Heidi Bandisch – Founder & CEO, Racership
Sean Patrick McDonald – Cofounder, SimCraft; simulator innovation leader
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