Get ready to rev your engines and relive the glory days of NASCAR gaming, because NASCAR 25 is here, and it’s a full-circle moment that’s been two decades in the making. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a game truly capture the magic of NASCAR’s golden age while appealing to both hardcore sim racers and casual console gamers? Let’s dive in.
The world of NASCAR video games has a storied history, spanning over four decades and countless platforms, from the pixelated tracks of Richard Petty’s Talladega on the Commodore 64 to the modern masterpieces of the early 2000s. And this is the part most people miss: the early 2000s weren’t just a good era for NASCAR games—they were the golden age. Titles like NASCAR 2003, Dirt to Daytona, and NASCAR Thunder 2004 set the bar for racing excellence, and fans still debate which one reigns supreme. As Matt Lewis, director of production for iRacing, puts it, ‘If you ask anybody what their favorite NASCAR game is, you’re going to get one of those three.’
Fast forward to today, and the teams behind those legendary games have reunited to create NASCAR 25, the first NASCAR-licensed console game in over four years. Available now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S, this game isn’t just a sequel—it’s a love letter to the genre. But what makes it truly special? For starters, it’s the first console title produced by iRacing, the online racing simulation powerhouse that traces its roots back to Papyrus, the creators of NASCAR 2003. Add to that the expertise of Monster Games (acquired by iRacing), who developed Dirt to Daytona, and the EA Sports veterans behind NASCAR Thunder 2004, and you’ve got a dream team.
‘It’s this crazy, full-circle deal,’ Lewis explains. ‘We’re combining the multiplayer, physics, and authenticity of Papyrus with the career mode of EA Sports and the progression of Dirt to Daytona. It’s like we’ve finally built the best game on earth.’
But here’s the bold claim: NASCAR 25 isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a groundbreaking fusion of sim racing and console gaming. Console games are all about accessibility, letting players jump in and race within minutes. Sim racing, on the other hand, is about depth, realism, and precision. NASCAR 25 aims to bridge that gap, offering a game that’s both easy to pick up and impossible to put down. And with a projected audience well into seven figures, iRacing is betting big on this hybrid approach.
Controversial question: Can a game truly satisfy both arcade racers and sim purists? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Here’s what else you need to know about NASCAR 25:
Laser-Scanned Realism: For the first time in a console game, tracks and cars are created using laser-scanned assets, ensuring every bump, elevation, and detail is spot-on. Greg Hill, executive vice president at iRacing, explains, ‘Everything is exactly the right size and in the right place. It’s not just an approximation—it’s the real deal.’
A Mammoth Effort: Over 100 artists worked on the track details alone, compared to the 20-person team behind NASCAR 2003. With a total staff of up to 150 people, this is iRacing’s most ambitious project yet.
A Labor of Love: Rich Garcia, senior vice president at iRacing, started designing NASCAR 25 over two years before its announcement. ‘I just knew it was coming,’ he says. ‘We’ve been working with NASCAR engineers and manufacturers to ensure every detail is authentic.’
Star Power: The game’s cover features William Byron, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney, all of whom have been eagerly awaiting the game. ‘It’s not us begging drivers to play it anymore,’ Lewis notes. ‘They’re asking us for demos.’
A Career Mode Like No Other: For the first time, all four of NASCAR’s national series are included, allowing players to build a career spanning decades. With dynamic turning points and a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ narrative, no two playthroughs will be the same.
So, is NASCAR 25 the ultimate racing game? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: it’s a bold step forward that honors the past while racing toward the future. What do you think? Will it live up to the hype, or is it too ambitious for its own good? Share your thoughts below!
