With iRacing at the helm and all four NASCAR series included, fans are buzzing after the first gameplay reveal
The wait for a true next-gen NASCAR experience may finally be over. After years of players joking that the most exciting thing in a NASCAR game was trying not to fall asleep on a long green-flag run, the first gameplay reveal of NASCAR 25 has fans wide awake. The preview featuring Anthony Alfredo delivered enough polish, authenticity, and detail to jolt even the most skeptical players, with early reactions calling the game everything from ‘straight cinema’ to ‘the best NASCAR game of all time.’
The excitement comes as iRacing and NASCAR announced that NASCAR 25 will launch October 14, 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC release via Steam set for November 11. Developed by iRacing, the studio long regarded for producing the most realistic racing simulation in the world, the title carries high expectations. Importantly, this marks iRacing’s first standalone NASCAR console title, a milestone that highlights the historical significance of the release. Some of the developers now at iRacing previously worked on fan-favorite classics such as NASCAR Racing 2003 Season (Papyrus) and Dirt to Daytona (Monster Games), bringing that legacy forward into this new project.
Fans were quick to praise subtle touches such as distinct engine notes between the Cup and Xfinity cars, realistic sun glare, and improved AI behavior. ‘Two minutes in and I’m confident this’ll be the best NASCAR game of all time,’ one fan wrote, while another added, ‘Finally a NASCAR game we can be proud of.’ Still, some are reserving judgment until they see features like crash damage, plate racing, and full caution systems.
Key features confirmed so far include:
- Launch Dates: October 14, 2025 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S; November 11, 2025 on PC via Steam.
- Developer Pedigree: Created by iRacing, known for its authentic motorsport simulation and developers behind classics like NASCAR Racing 2003 and Dirt to Daytona.
- Series Coverage: Includes all four premier NASCAR series — Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series (making its standalone debut).
- Career Mode: Deep management layer with contracts, staff, money, and facilities, plus on-track performance to climb toward a Cup championship.
- Gameplay Modes: Quick races, full seasons, and online multiplayer support.
With these additions, fans are optimistic that NASCAR 25 could deliver the most complete NASCAR console experience in decades. Still, while everything looks promising in previews, the real test will come when players finally get hands-on with the game. Launch day will ultimately determine whether NASCAR 25 lives up to the hype and cements itself as the next great chapter in NASCAR gaming history.
Related: EA FC 26 Game-Changing Settings to Update Immediately
Related: EA Drops Fresh Batch of Rookie Face Scans in Madden 26 — But One Big Name Is Missing
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the Sports Video Games section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Read the full article here