Why not just recommend a proper version of MAME from mamedev.org. Source: about 1 year ago

If you're using an official MAME build from mamedev.org then there's no logical reason why something would fail in the middle of writing out the NVRAM files, leaving them in a corrupt state, unless you've done something really stupid like write protected some corrupt files in there? Source: over 1 year ago

I tried running the .wav file from the download link you gave in MAME 0.249 using the ti99_4a driver. The command "takpie" is recognized, and other six-letter commands, like "sayelv, are deemed invalid and bring up statements like "INCORRECT STATEMENT" and "I DO NOT KNOW". The game does not appear to crash, so it might just be an issue with your copy of MAME. I recommend getting the latest version from... Source: over 1 year ago

Get the latest release of MAME from https://mamedev.org/. Source: over 1 year ago

You can use any PC (I recommend an i5 or newer so you can go back 10+ years easy for a junker). To set it up, all you need to do is install MAME (just unzip the file you get from mamedev.org) and install your front end of choice (I am using MaLa on my DK but I also like Attract Mode and Gamelauncher). Point the front end to mame.exe and make sure your games are in the roms folder (that is in the mame zip file). ... Source: over 2 years ago

I'm getting more Nitronic Rush/Distance vibes. The "Neon Rush" sign makes me think that may have been the inspiration. Source: about 1 year ago

Distance is a game following the original sudent project Nitronic Rush. Source: about 1 year ago

Nitronic Rush (2011) has the honor of being my favourite game released in 11/11/11. As an end-of-degree project for a DigiPen university student team, it is COMPLETELY FREE (official download page). It's a survival racing driving game with unabashedly TRON-inspired aesthetics and fitting music. Gameplay-wise, inspiried by the Rush and Trackmania series. Also has a completely functional custom track editor. Has... Source: about 2 years ago

Do you mean Nitronic Rush? http://nitronic-rush.com/ If so, these are the same devs, Distance is their follow-up game, polished and touched-up. Source: almost 3 years ago

I haven’t gotten to play Distance yet, but its precursor was Nitronic Rush an amazing student project from a few years ago and it is free but I think discontinued now. Distance is a much expanded and commercial release of that concept game. Source: over 3 years ago