The smell of burning clutches, the scream of tyres pushed to their very limit, the T-shirts bearing the name of famous car brands the spectators will never be able to afford. There's something special about racing, and there's something special about racing games for mobile.
But there's also loads of them, so we've gone ahead and picked the five that we think are the cream of the crop. The best of the best. The games that are always going to be close to the top of the podium when it comes time to work out who's won.
There are download links, there are videos. To all intents and purposes there's everything you need to make a selection. But remember, just like in real racing, you need to follow your gut. So, er, do that.
Grid: Autosport - download for iOS
Yup it's expensive, but this is a full, premium, console-quality racer that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. And it hasn't just been bodged down to fit onto phones and tablets. There are some ingenious concessions for the hardware the game finds itself on. As accessible or as deep as you want it to be, Grid: Autosport is a must for all mobile racing fans.
AG Drive - download for iOS
Do you hate tyres? Well then, this is definitely the racing game for you. Taking its cues from WipeOut, this one is all about piloting a super-futuristic hover rocket down a series of twisting, neon tracks. It looks amazing, but when you're playing the action comes pretty damn close to breathtaking.
Asphalt 9: Legends - download for iOS
The latest addition to the Asphalt franchise is almost certainly the best. It's packed full of cars and courses, and there are a number of different control schemes to suit all tastes. The game focuses on massive jumps, power slides, and raucous racing nonsense. And it pulls it off with swagger and aplomb.
Horizon Chase: World Tour - download for iOS
Sometimes you want the sun, blue skies, and an open-top car. That's where Horizon Chase comes in. It's not as big as the other games on the list, but it's got a welcoming arcade heart, a retro-style that tugs at the heartstrings, and much more beside. One for cruisers rather than boy-racers.
Gear.Club - download for iOS
If you don't want to spend loads of money on Grid, but you still want a fully featured racing game that's closer to a sim than a spin in an arcade cabinet, then this is the one you should be picking. It's serious, it lets you tweak loads of things, and the pedigree of the team behind it means every step it takes it gets just right.
