Why was Gran Turismo popular?

[Insidb]

BraLoD said:

Trunkin said:
I'll never understand the popularity of racing sims. I mean, I understand the appeal for enthusiasts, but the fact that it's such a massive genre just blows my mind, It doesn't seem like the kind of thing that would have mainstream appeal.

Racing is huge in Europe. As Football.
Maybe it's not mainstream on USA, but it really is there.

Here as well, both Racing and, specially, Football are really big things, really mainstream.

NASCAR is insanely huge in the USA...this is from a racing, non-NASCAR fan.