Dave Kaemmer started this up and was the main player in developing the NASCAR, Grand Prix Legends, and INDY CAR simulation series for Papyrus software way back when. Sierra later bought Papyrus and then later EA Sports monopolized all NASCAR software licensing and turned it into an arcadish POS. Arcade games appeal to the masses $$$ while simulators are for the devoted few.
I raced a few times a week in online NASCAR leagues for 5 years starting in 1998, also beta tested for several years. I've run many laps with a few major players, most notably Dale Earnhardt Jr. Yes, he is an aggressive maniac in the simulation too.
EDIT: Speaking of steering wheel/pedals, this manufacturer had the cats pajamas for all the years I raced. Not sure of what's out there currently. I paid $600 in 1997 for my ECCi setup. You really don't want plastic crap if you are going to get serious. Many participants had entire lifesized cockpits. I didn't get to that extreme.
http://ecci6000.com/consumerhome.htm