There is a chance this project may continue with UDK, here is the same scene in UDK.
Even so, the tracks will still probably be created with DarkGDK, I will also be writing a small fbx converter using GDK so I can use media I have in dbo and x.
Here is a pro/con list.
UDK
pro - Good looking graphics with minimum effort
pro - Kismet visual scripting could speed up development
pro - Easier to implement AI
pro - Easier to implement(inherit) vehicle sounds.
con - Can't create editor for users to design own tracks.
con - Locked in to engine, may come across limitations you would not have with DirectX/GDK
GDK
pro - Can create track designer for users
pro - No lock in, almost every problem/feature can be resolved with GDK, if not, raw DirectX.
pro - Complete control over PhysX vehicle handling.
con - Game will take longer to make and probably wont look quite as good, and may never be finished
Any input is welcomed.
EDIT: I should add that the GDK version looks slightly better than the original screenshots, I will post a pic when I next run it.