The Vision
Built From a Shared Passion for Racing
GTR Simulator began with a friendship, a passion for motorsports, and a shared belief that a realistic racing experience should be within reach of more people.
Our story started in 2002, when Howard Yang founded Abtivan Corporation. What began with sourcing performance parts for his own race vehicle grew into a business supplying reliable automotive components to fellow enthusiasts.
Howard’s longtime friend, professional racing driver Kevin Chen, later joined him as a business partner. Together, they brought complementary perspectives to the company: Howard’s experience in automotive products and business development, and Kevin’s firsthand understanding of racing and the demands placed on a driver.
That partnership would become the foundation of GTR Simulator.
From the Racetrack to the Simulator
For Kevin, racing simulation served a practical purpose: more time behind the wheel when a real racetrack was out of reach.
As his racing career progressed from touring cars into formula racing, consistent practice remained essential. Simulators offered a way to continue training without the travel, equipment, and expense of a full track session.
But the simulator cockpits available at the time often came with compromises. Some lacked stability, others had seating positions that felt unnatural, and many were priced beyond the reach of everyday enthusiasts.
Kevin and Howard saw an opportunity to build something better.
Drawing on Kevin’s driving experience, Howard’s automotive background, and input from professional drivers, engineers, and fabricators, they set out to develop a cockpit that combined realistic driving ergonomics, a stable platform, and an accessible price.
The development process involved studying performance vehicles, measuring seating positions, evaluating materials, and refining the details that help a simulator feel natural behind the wheel.
From that shared effort, GTR Simulator was born.
Professional Simulation Made Accessible
Since 2010, GTR Simulator has offered racing simulator cockpits and simulation solutions for first-time racers, dedicated enthusiasts, professional drivers, schools, businesses, and commercial facilities.
Our range has grown beyond the cockpit to include complete setups incorporating direct-drive steering systems, pedals, multi-monitor displays, high-performance gaming computers, motion systems, and flight simulation equipment.
Whether we are helping someone build their first home simulator or planning a complete turnkey installation, the principles behind our earliest products still guide us: realism, durability, thoughtful design, and value.
Today, our products reach customers throughout North America and international markets, including Europe, Australia, and Asia. Every setup carries forward the idea that brought Howard and Kevin together: making an engaging simulation experience accessible to more people.
A New Chapter: The GTR Simulator Sim Center
In 2026, we opened our first GTR Simulator Sim Center in Ontario, California, bringing the GTR experience directly to the community.
The center gives visitors the opportunity to experience racing simulation without owning a complete setup at home. It also serves as a showroom, training space, and place for enthusiasts to connect.
With linked racing simulators and motion and non-motion systems, guests can explore different setups, practice their driving, and share the excitement of racing with others.
The center also brings us closer to the people who use our equipment. Feedback from beginners, experienced sim racers, and professional drivers helps inform how we develop our products and improve the experience behind the wheel.
It is a continuation of the hands-on approach that shaped GTR Simulator from the beginning: learn from drivers, pay attention to the details, and keep improving.
A Passion We Share
From Howard’s early days sourcing automotive parts to Kevin’s pursuit of more practice time away from the track, GTR Simulator has always been driven by people who love motorsports.
That passion connects us with everyone who uses our products—whether they are chasing a faster lap, preparing for competition, building a home setup, creating a commercial simulation facility, or discovering racing for the first time.
Our goal is to give more people a place behind the wheel and a reason to keep coming back.
No race license. No team sponsorship. No helmet required.
Welcome to the GTR Simulator family.
We’ll see you on the track—virtual or otherwise.
FAQs
Who founded GTR Simulator?
GTR Simulator was founded by
Howard Yang and professional racer Kevin Chen, growing out of Abtivan, an
automotive performance parts business Howard started in 2002.
Is GTR Simulator part of a larger company?
Yes, GTR Simulator is a product
line under Abtivan, which has offered professional-grade sim racing cockpits
since 2010.
Where are GTR Simulator products sold?
GTR Simulator products are sold
across North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan, both directly and through
major retail partners.
Excellent entry level Sim setup , you got a lot for your money here perfect way to get your feet wet also my experience buying from GTR simulator was Top Notch no complaints from start to finish definitely a good company
— steven savino
I upgraded from a budget rig that constantly moved during races. The GTA Revolution changed everything. It’s ultra-stable, and the design is so thoughtfully engineered. The seat compatibility was a big plus for me—I used my own bucket seat without any hassle. The optional quad monitor stand is also a must if you want full immersion. It’s an investment, but one you won’t regret.
— Kevin Lubard
After weeks of research, I went with the GTA Revolution and I’m so glad I did. From the heavy-duty brackets to the fully adjustable wheel and pedal plates, everything feels premium and built to last. I was impressed by how compatible it is with all my gear (Fanatec, Heusinkveld pedals, etc.). This rig will take your sim racing to a whole new level. Five stars all the way!
— Simon Muller
