netKar is a free racing sim, available on the 'net. It's one of the most realistic, visually pleasing, and the cars handle beautifully as well.
The most recent version (0.99) has just been released, and it now features multi-player over the Internet.
I have to say - I've not had so much fun in a racing game since the days of 2-player Stunt Car Racer on the Amiga with a serial cable!
Have a look at
www.nkzone.com - the place to get all the downloads and general information about the game. Also, there's a forum on RaceSimCentral about the game.
The game's still in its infancy, but already it's very very playable (aside from a few bugs) and looks to be the most promising all-round racing sim!
For anyone that's not played it, or not played recently, I urge you to download the game and have a go with some of the cars. The "Newbury" circuit (fictional) is quite easy to learn, and easy cars to learn are the Mini (BMW), and the Formula Renault. The 360 Modena is faster than the Mini, but similarly road-car ish, and brilliant fun to
drift around corners. Then you've got faster cars such as the Pagani Zonda, BTCC MG, F3000, JGTC Supra, and the painfully difficult Ferrari GTO - those will take time to master, but they al have their unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.
At first, you'll be slip-sliding around all over the track, but persevere - it's a bit different to a lot of driving games and is very rewarding once you do things right.
Here's a bit of a "tutorial" for Newbury in a Mini.. Follow the 'racing groove' like in GPL :
First corner out of pits is 90 deg. right hander, take it in 2nd. Short straight up to the second corner, which is like the first but more open on the exit. 2nd again, until you've got the hang of things, then you can take it in 3rd at low revs.
Then there's a bit of a straight - move to the right of the track and be ready for another 2nd gear 90 deg. corner, this time to the left. Brake at the 50 yard marker, monster the kerb on the apex, and try not to run too wide. Quick blast of the throttle, but keep in 2nd, then there's a hairpin right, 2nd gear, low revs, follow the 'racing groove' and accelerate out when you're near the exit kerb.
Another short straight before a 90 deg left hander. Brake at 50 yds - 2nd gear again, although you can do it in 3rd with low revs but you run the risk of sliding wide. Accelerate into 3rd along straight, and there's a right hand sweeping corner - back off the throttle before entering to get the front of the car turned in. Go over the apex kerb as much as possible here.
Now a long straight. Stay left because there's a hairpin right at the end. Brake at 50 yard marker again, grab 2nd (probably from 4th), and turn early to hit the apex. Bury the throttle from the Apex and avoid hitting the outside kerb.
Now the tricky part. Head over to the right side of the track, whilst accelerating into 3rd gear. Follow the groove. When you touch the pit entry lines, just where the grass stops, turn sharp left (for the 80 deg left corner onto the start/finish) from there and back off the throttle. Aim to go over the kerbs and floor it. This takes practice to get right, but is important for a good lap as it leads onto the start/finish straight. At the end of the straight, brake between the 100 yard board and the 50 yard board, and get into 2nd for the first corner.
A good time is under 1:20. 1:16 is about the best I have seen.