Well, I realize that, of course. You have to factor that in when you're looking at them. I meant more in high speed straightaway situations.

Say, for instance, I get a good drive off the last (hairpin) turn at AS6R and the guy I'm chasing is at the edge of the hover name range. If I'm gaining on him down the straight, the name will get stronger until we both max out on top speed. Unless, of course, the gearing is different enough that either he or I make significant time on the other at top speed.

...which is itself another good use (to tell how the other guy's geared).

This isn't to say it's something I use all the time, or that's entirely reliable, but I do find it useful on occasion.

Names on so I know who I'm apologising too after I hit a wall or spin on a corner and cause a 5 car pile up behind me...

I regonize other racers by their driving style

Realism is good to have, however I do have small map as it makes it easier to look from there if I'm joining to traffic at bad moment or not, turning head would be realism choice, but I don't have VR equipment here