I loved rFactor and at one point had several gb worth of mods for it, but like Paul said, once I got into the simplicity and consitency of iRacing, it was all over for rFactor. With each mod in rFactor came new challenges in controller settings, physics adjustments, graphical tweaking, config changes, etc. I can't tell you how many hours I spent configuring rFactor mods as opposed to playing them. Likewise, even in some of the best mods, the AI was just terrible. Granted, there is no AI in iRacing, but since you can race as a ghost spectator in many sessions, it gives someone the opportunity to be "racing" without the worry of not being ready to race online opponents. All that said, my guess is that I will re-install rFactor if and when the Virtual_LM Prototype C or GTx5 mods are released.
If you want something that is still sim oriented but much more approachable than GPL\iRacing, has decent AI, and a ton of tracks, series and car combinations, the Simbin titles available on Steam are not a bad choice. I just recently repurchased both of these titles below during the holiday steam sales. Sadly, those deals are no longer available, but still not terrible pricing for what you get.
RACE On - $29.99
http://store.steampowered.com/app/8780/ ... _259_103_1
RACE On is the only official game of two of the world’s biggest touring car spectacles: the World Touring Car Championship ( WTCC ) and the Swedish Touring Car Championship ( STCC ). (These games are not included with the expansion)
Not only does RACE On include all the cars and circuits from the 2008 seasons of these championships, it also adds a massive selection of US Muscle cars and circuits to the mix, as well as the 2008 International Formula Masters and the 2008 Camaro Cup Challenge.
The full RACE On bundle including RACE 07 and STCC - the Game, introduces the biggest, best and most comprehensive SimBin racing package ever.
-39 unique car models in 17 different classes
-47 tracks including variations
-Various real life championships including their accurate regulations
-Multiplayer, up to 25 AI or real players online
-Ghost racing against your own lap time or against those of your friends
GTR Evolution - $29.99
http://store.steampowered.com/app/8660/
The most beautiful GT's. Extreme versions of the already spectacular World Touring Cars. Exclusive roadcars from prestigious brands. You will find that and much more in GTR Evolution, including the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, a 20,8km long racetrack in Germany. A racedrivers heaven...
Features:
-Full version bundle includes RACE 07 - The Official WTCC Game
GTR Evolution includes RACE 07, featuring its official WTCC license and all 2006 and 2007 WTCC cars and tracks. On top of that it comes with the most immersive Formula Car action ever seen, including Formula 3000, Formula BMW, and Radical Sports Cars (SR3 and SR4).
-In total 49 Unique cars in 12 classes with over 500 variations
GTR Evolution, with RACE 07, combines the elements of racing with touringcars, GT cars, formula cars and sportscars.
-19 tracks, over 40 different layouts, incl. the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife
From the streets of Macau to the straights of Monza or the Karussell on the Nürburgring Nordschleife; GTR Evolution combined with RACE 07 has them all, closely modelled after their real-life examples.
-GT Championship Frenzy.
26 brand new GT car models in 4 different classes, including a selection of exclusive production cars.
-WTCC Extreme Cars.
Evolution concept cars developed together with the car manufacturers of the WTCC. Rear Wheel Drive, over 600hp in 1000kg cars with extended body-kits; these beasts will give GT cars a run for their money.
