Hello
Can you give us more information about the mode - size, does it have any motors mounted on it or any other gear (some pictures will be helpful). If I was going to make such kind of simulator i would use stepper motor for the propulsion and a servo motors for turning. You can easily control the stepper motor's speed and direction.
P.S. Props to your dad very nice idea
Edit: maybe this can give you some ideas How To Control Your Cheap RC Car With A Computer | Hackaday