I have not taken any formal training, And I'm sure that would be an advantage. But I have done track days and raced different things for years. At PRI last year I came across this online simulator that is Flat out awesome. It is called Iracing.com. You pay 13 bucks a month and can race with other guys online any time. I hate video games because they are not even close to real. But this was developed for drivers to get track time at different tracks. They have Laguna Seca, Daytona road course, Road America, Sebring, VIR, Barber Motorsports park, Lime Rock, Road Atlanta, Watkins Glen, and a few more road courses, They have a ton of Oval tracks. There are tons of cars and tons of tracks. You can practice by your self, or in a group, you can time trial, you can qualify and then race.
What I have found is Training is great, But practice is just great also. This teaches you, your apexes and car control for braking, getting off the gas and back on for different cars. I have really learned alot in the 8 months I have been racing. The base model steering wheel is about 250 bucks and it comes with pedals and shifter. It is called the Logictec G25.
I know James Shipka has a subscription , Tyler B has raced on it at my house. John Lim, Novanutcase has raced on it, Brian Mc has raced on there also, It is not a video game in any way shape of form. It is amazing how nervous you can get lining up with 50 other guys to race online in your living room. I race 3-4 times a week, it is a blast.
You might check that out also. If you have more questions, let me know. If you sign up let me know, and enter my email so I get some credit.
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Rodger