I think Sega Rally made me a better driver. I ruled that game. When MkII came out with the handbrake it was all over.
I remember once I went to Seattle's Spaceneedle and they had an arcade at the bottom and one was set to time attack. If you played well you just got extra time. I sat there for over an hour just nailing it. I had to walk away before the girlfriend got pissy.
I should really own that over a stargate game.