Ok I found a way to disable the virtual controllers! (there was another listing in the HID section of device manager I could disable).

However if there is a method for getting the game to pick up on a particular controller that would be great to hear it.

Control Panel > (Hardware and Sound )> Devices and Printers > Game Controllers > Advanced Settings

Select Preferred Device

Thanks teleguy, I gave that a shot but Racer seems to bypass it as it still read in the wrong joystick...