I think you guys are missing the point of this [FREE GAME]. I'm not so sure the developers were going for an all out simulation here. I'de be very surprised if their main goal was realism and not just a fun alternative from everyday Sims(which tend to be alot more demanding and less about the fun and visual factors). Its fairly evident by the keyboard controls that this game is extremely "acrade" friendly. Kind of reminds me of the Toca Touring or V8 Supercars series, the feel and even the handling.
If your gonna play it, play it for what it is... a free, fun, multiplayer arcade type racer for the average joe. You dont have to have a wheel or be a everyday hardcore realism simmer to enjoy it and just have some fun.
I myself own LFS s2, Rfactor, GPL etc as I keep to my norm of loving realism in all its simulation glory and have now for over 15 years still looking for the "White Whale". That said, Ive already had countless games at Uni with friends(who arent as sim crazy) in class over the wireless network there. The Lan also worked flawlesly. My point being when I had LFS installed on my friends laptops, we barely ever played it as much as we do this. Usually they'd giveup on LFS after trying to make a couple of laps[understandably I made it look easy as compared to them with no knowledge of the sim].
I can also state that the immediate gripes my friends had with the game related to, no damage(which faded quicly) and not enough tracks or cars. Which they quickly reinterated... still better then that other game you had. Ofcourse they are more then happy to play an arcade game... right now for what it is and what it provides... so am I.
Just incase anyone got the wrong idea, im not saying this game is better then LFS, or something. I still have LFS on my laptop ofcourse but I play it personally and use DS2 for multiplayer with friends.