Hi Sean,
There are a number of AU/NZ racing competitions.
This thread is devoted to Monday Night Racing (MNR). Currently it attracts relatively small fields, but the drivers have excellent skills. You can find the current MNR event schedule (times, tracks, cars) I posted for April on the previous page of this thread (see post dated March 26th). All events are at the Pro level.
I don't see why you should not participate using a controller, however, you do need to be aware of the rules. We use the standard GTPlanet.net rules - don't knock people off the track (if that happens accidentally wait for the other driver to regain the track and after the race apologise), preferably make no car contact at all, including no lag nudging.
In very close racing between skilled drivers there can be some harmless contact, but in the first instance I'd avoid any contact at all. Particularly until you see how your speed compares.
You also need to stay on the track, that is, always have at least two wheels on or above the marked track (ripple strips are part of the track). A little latitude is given here, but clear shortcutting is not on.
If you find yourself noticeably slower in a race it is polite to let other drivers through. Most of our events specify a single car, however, in rare races between different cars e.g. say Lotus Elise and Clio on Suzuka the cars perform differently on different sections of the circuit, in that instance, when racing for position it is not necessary to give way, unless the other driver is clearly much faster, lol, in which case you won't have much choice in the matter.
Online racing comps tend to treat participants according to their behaviour, obstruct and bump and you will both find yourself in the sand and be told off in no uncertain terms. Of course AU & NZ drivers aren't like that, we are all very sweet and gentle folk. Seriously, you couldn't want for a more supportive and decent bunch of drivers. Fastas though.
Other drivers may want to add to what I've said above.
Any other questions?
Rob
p.s. There are some very fast people using a controller, however, for 99% of fast drivers a wheel is the go, either Logitech GT, G25 or G27 wheel are the most popular.
You are more than welcome to participate in MNR