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Comment by kirse | Hacker News Reader

DiRT Rally 1 / 2.

I started with controller and moved to a projector & wheel for my setup, but after years of practice the sim was good enough that I eventually bought a rally car, assembled a rally team, and placed runner up to the eventual class national champion in a full stage rally my rookie year.

One of my favorite memories was having an "off" that debeaded and blew out a tire. While driving up to 60mph on the rim to finish the stage I thought "wow the sim was really spot on with this experience"

I sold the car after getting my ARA "pro" license though, they don't simulate how you have to light dollar bills on fire to fund your hobby, nor the very real risks of serious injury or death.

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Had to jump on to my desktop and log in to hn to say thanks for this comment! Its (very subjectively) one of the coolest comments I've ever read on this site. I've often fantasized about doing something very similar. Spending tons of time in DiRT or Assetto Corsa and trying to use that in the real world. I've never actually succeeded but I feel like you've saved me from wondering "what if" too much. I'm still deeply jealous and seriously impressed by what you've done. Congrats!

Same. Hobbyist sim racer but never stepped foot in a racing track. Far too expensive for me right now :)

Had to jump on to my desktop and log in to hn to say thanks for this comment!... impressed by what you've done

Ha thanks, I have to say when I reflect on the experience it was about 10% "me" and 90% "others and the team". After towing the car home on faith that I would figure out the rest (my car maintenance experience was roughly changing tires and checking oil), I reconnected with a mentor who had decades of stage rally experience.

He ultimately invested tons of his time and effort into short-cutting me through many lessons and gotchas, even helping me rebuild the motor when it blew up before my 1st scheduled event. After awhile I called our rally team "God's Grace Rally Team" because the way it so quickly came together and succeeded so well in light of the many overcome issues was really a spiritual experience.

But yes, it can be done. Take that step of faith... reach out and ask for help too!

Look into autocross, if you haven't before. It's probably the most accessible way to get a taste of time-trial racing in real life, and events are held all over the place -- basically anywhere there's a community and a free, empty parking lot. You just need a car (any car as long as it runs and is safe), a helmet (probably the most annoying part), and usually less than $100 for admission.

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