Racing is just like any other work in the world except it's much fun too. This may seem strange but it's true. So first you have to create your ideal work environment! You need a racing wheel. It not only adds a great deal to the fun factor, it makes playing a lot easier. It also improves your real life driving skills even if these games are far from realistic. It can teach you a lot of things about the behavior of a car through the "force feedback" feature. Playing with keyboard just teaches you how to play with keyboard. Nothing else. (Now theres a useless knowledge!) I have a Logitech Formula Force Ex which is perfect and relatively cheap. Hardcore gamers would probably advice you to get the Logitech G25 wich is in my opinion too serious for a video game. It has cluth and a stick shift. Anyways, if you want to learn using a stick shift (which is very common in Europe) in a safe environment and without damaging a car, go G25.