On the one hand, as others have pointed out too: People I know who are serious about car racing use games to develop their skills. The games are faithful enough

On the one hand, as others have pointed out too: People I know who are serious about car racing use games to develop their skills. The games are faithful enough simulations to be useful for that. On the other hand, driving/cycling/skiing simulations are just simulations. I'm happy to just have a power meter on an indoor cycling trainer. But some people have fancy setups that can tilt for inclines and lean for turns. "Enough realism" is an interesting game design consideration.