If I have the solution, I would use a tv tuner output. Tape it via VHS, then record it
back once the game is running.

It is just because I am special enough and love to complicate doing stuff.

A licensed version of Fraps is not that hard to find though and it works pretty much out
of the box. Barely any need to mess around with settings etc.
Do keep in mind recording gameplay footage taxes your CPU and harddisc quite a bit more
than just playing nf though so don't try it unless your pc can handle the extra load.

Another decent free alternative would be Xfire btw. Not as good as Fraps but saves you the
fuss of editing and recoding the footage.

Either FRAPS or Camtasia. Gamecam also would seem to be a worthwhile alternative.
However there are inherit limitations with the unlicensed versions of FRAPS particularly
the watermarking and the limit of the frame duration.