Racing simulators and driver education

[ninjabones]

So, I have to admit that I know absolutely nothing about the current state of video games. However, I had a chance to try out a professional type racing simulator while at a Skip Barber school last year.  The device was incredibly realistic (at least in terms of the physics of the car handling, the visual representation of the track details, the sounds, etc).  Obviously, you can't get the seat-of-your pants g-sensing or traction sensing experience from a game. However, it really got me to wondering how useful driving simulators could be in driver development.  I've been reading about how some of the F1 teams use simulators more and more with their drivers and in chassis set-up, so I imagine that it won't be long before these types of sophisticated simulators will be within the grasp of your typical weekend warrior club racer.

So, how developed are the current entry level racing simulators and who has experience actually trying out some of the more popular programs (rFactor, Iracing, and even some of the more developed console games like  Forza Motorsport for the Xbox360)? 

Also, I thought I'd create another outlet for this obviously bored forum since we just broke 5 pages on a ridiculous thead about el pres cutting off some Hyundai driver in his GT3.