Always loved CTR growing up, loved the newer one as well but playing online was terrible and the challenges felt way too hard to try and complete them all. Played Trackmania for a bit after that but have since kinda settled into Dirt 5.

Wipeout, ssx, burnout, wreckfest

I'm not as into car games as I used to be, but I have very fond memories of live for speed and richard burns rally.

FH3>FH5>FH4

Partially because I don't see it mentioned, Destruction Derby Arenas

TrackMania, give me those Eurobeats on a high speed modded track playlist with my buddies and I'll be a happy guy

Burnout: Paradise Island (the old version)

Forza horizon 4 was the most fun I’ve ever had in a racing game. Binge played it with a friend and then when horizon 5 came out we did the same. Although something about horizon 4 was slightly more fun

An excellent question, with a somewhat complicated answer. I don’t know how it is for other people, but my absolute favorite varies with time and mood. However, I certainly have favorites per genre of racing:

Arcade: Out Run
Sim/sim-like: Gran Turismo 7
Kart: Mario Kart 8 (switch version)

Permanent favorite non-racing game with lots of car driving involved: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Gmod, there's a certain satisfaction in putting together the most dubious car in existence and rolling through maps.