By Mario Boucher
John Di Costanzo had a vision: Driving fast cars in a high-octane environment using state-of-the-art sim racing. The dream became a reality when Apex Racing Lab opened just over a year ago. “Racing has always been a passion of mine, growing up in Connecticut. I used to go to Lime Rock Park, which is one of the oldest road courses in the country.”
Di Costanzo bought a track car and raced at the Virginia International Raceway (VIR). Over the years, racing became a preoccupation. “All I could think about was car racing while in a meeting. That became my therapy. When I needed to decompress, I would go to my garage to work on a car.”
A Turning Point
After 27 years in the IT world, Di Costanzo found his new opportunity during a visit to a sim center in Asheville. On the way back, he came up with the name: Apex—a term in motorsports that refers to the midpoint or neutral section of a turn—Racing Lab, which began as a 24-foot trailer with four simulators.
Di Costanzo previewed it at the VIR event and found plenty of interest. Subsequently, he participated in Cars and Coffee in Morrisville and at Hendrick dealerships. “It showed that the concept worked.”
Apex Racing Lab combines Di Costanzo’s passions for IT, racing, and simulation. Racing simulation has only been around for a few years, but it is rapidly growing, thanks in part to the popularity of Formula One in the U.S.
The Triangle’s Sim Center
With 5,000 square feet of space, Apex Racing Lab opened in Cary’s MacGregor Village in June 2024. One of only three sim centers in the state, the facility features 16 state-of-the-art racing simulators—with more on the way—offering formula-style and stock car–style racing in an immersive, adrenaline-pumping experience. There is also a private lounge available for parties, a premium craft cocktail bar, and a kitchen area in the planning stage.
Using Formula One and NASCAR tracks, races feature precise simulation of vehicle physics, tire wear, aerodynamics, weather conditions, and track surface. Racing leagues are available on some evenings. “We are trying to build a racing league like a bowling league,” added Di Costanzo. “We’d love to run two leagues at different times. We’re always open to adjusting based on client demand.”
Di Costanzo is planning to launch a second trailer, providing one for sim entertainment and one for pizza catering. “For a birthday party, we can show up with two trailers with catering and entertainment.”
And the vision doesn’t stop there: “We are actively looking for our second location, possibly in Asheville, Leland, or Morrisville. Think of us as a sports bar for motorsports.”
Individual memberships are $100 a month, which includes two hours of sim time and 20% off any additional hours. Cost is $40 for half an hour and $75 for an hour.
Apex Racing Lab is located at 107 Edinburgh S Dr., Suite 106E in Cary. For more information, visit apexracinglab.com.
For more racing fun, check out our article on kart racing here.
