Growing up it seemed like racing games made up a greater percentage of titles than they do today. Which ones did you like pre Gran Turismo? Super Sprint is a classic.
Bump N' Jump Firebird
Bump N' Jump Firebird
Matchracer on the Atari 800.
A few slightly newer ones...
Supercars 1 & 2 on Amiga.
Lotus Turbo Esprit Challenge 1 & 2 on Amiga.
And also liked the console MicroMachines racing games.