I find an original Speedster that is complete but really rusty, nothing for floor or quarters, etc. I get hold of a nice rust-free Texas ‘55 Champion hardtop, less engine and tranny. I make one out of two, using the shell of the Champion hardtop to build a speedster. Then I hang the Speedster ID plates on it, too, and put the champion ID plates on the rusty body, and send it to the crusher. Now, what I’ve really done is just a body swap (frame as well, if needed), and since I had a Speedster to start with, and end up with a Speedster, I haven’t really created one out of thin air.

If I were ever to build and sell such a car, I’d certainly let the buyer know the facts outlined above.

For the record, I have no Speedsters. I do have a pair of ‘58 Hawks, and will make one of two, but there is no need for me to play games with ID plates.

Here’s my all-time picks.

Best Stock Car: Richard Petty
Best F-1: Ayrton Senna
Best NHRA: John Force
Best Indy: A.J. Foyt
Best overall race driver of all time: Ayrton Senna

The development team at Codemasters seems intent on calling this game a “carPG” to highlight the story elements of this refined racing game. Players assume the role of Ryan McKane who witnessed the death of his father as he was driving in a NASCAR-style race when he crashed (read: was sabotaged) and died. As the story progresses McKane grows from a test driver into a world-class racer. Along the way sibling rivalry may get the better of him, but McKane has to overcome his brother poking fun on his driving skill as he grows.

The purpose of the story is to give you motivation. It also has real-world elements. Various racing managers will approach McKane to enlist his services as a racecar driver, and as you turn McKane into a bonafide racer other teams may try to hire him. I wouldn’t exactly compare the story’s depth to a legitimate RPG, however, a racing game with plot and script is certainly a fun and unique way to give a shot of adrenaline to the genre.

The 58-person development team has previously worked on TOCA racing titles. Pro Race Driver is the fourth racing game the group has embarked upon, so it feels and looks refreshingly smooth.