globefish23: This is version 1.10 with no community beta 1.2 patch.
Too bad for WeGo/H2 Entertainment, I've already moved on to RVGL with the assets from my original CD from 1999.
Treehugger: Is it necessary for enjoyment to use RVGL, and can it be used with this GOG version?
I'd say so, yes.
It brings up to 12 players in online races and supports 4 player split-screen local races.
Plus all the fixes and features from 20 years of community patching and also supports a full integration of the the Dreamcast exclusive Rooftops track and 14 cars.
Yes, RVGL is just a patch. You need the original game data and music from a legit source like GOG or the original CD.
However, there's still plenty illicit sources, since the game has been in abandonware limbo for 20 years.
Find everything you need here:
https://rvgl.org/
(You'll find the Dreamcast data there as well, since I guess that one is pretty much not available anymore anywhere.)