NASCAR Fans, Rejoice! After Four Long Years, a New Racing Title Finally Hits the Track – But Is It Worth the Wait?
October 12, 2025 8:25 PM EDT
Highlights
- iRacing’s four-year overhaul delivers a remarkably authentic experience with stunning visual upgrades.
- Immersive career mode packed with sponsorships, vehicle upgrades, and a dynamic social reputation system.
- Extensive customization options for cars, helmets, and racing suits.
- Intense, chaotic, and ever-evolving online racing scene.
- Minor technical hiccups and wheel responsiveness issues prevent it from achieving perfection.
It’s been a long, dusty road for NASCAR fans since the last official game release. Many of us were starting to wonder if our controllers—or those cobweb-covered racing wheels—had been permanently retired. But fear not, because NASCAR 25 has roared back onto the scene, arriving fashionably late but with a bang. It’s loud, confident, and surprisingly polished—a welcome sight for anyone craving high-octane action.
Gameplay & Presentation: A Slick, Modern Experience
From the moment you boot up the game, the tone is set. A sleek main menu greets you with options for Career, Quick Race, Online, and Championship modes. But it’s the soundtrack that immediately grabs your attention. With a surprisingly diverse lineup of artists—think System of a Down, Killer Mike featuring Anthony Hamilton, and Jelly Roll—the game strikes a perfect balance between modern coolness and the sport’s southern roots. It’s a refreshing change that keeps the energy high and the races feeling authentic.
And this is the part most people miss... Once you hit the track, the difference is night and day. The car physics feel grounded, with each vehicle hugging corners and fighting for grip in a way that’s more alive than any recent NASCAR title. Quick Race mode is the perfect gateway, offering a warm-up lap and letting you experiment with different series, drivers, and tracks.
The visuals are equally impressive. Evening races showcase stunning lighting reflections off the track and car panels, creating an immersive sense of speed. Even minor collisions leave visible dents and scrapes on your vehicle, adding a layer of realism without overdoing it. It’s a fine line between authenticity and visual polish, and NASCAR 25 walks it expertly.
But here's where it gets controversial... While collisions feel realistic, with each bump affecting your car’s handling, some of the bigger crashes can still feel buggy. It’s a reminder that even the best simulations aren’t flawless. Still, the AI’s human-like mistakes—overshooting corners or losing grip—add an unpredictability that keeps races tense and exciting.
Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly, with no noticeable frame rate drops even during chaotic moments. The sound design is top-notch, from the roaring engines to the realistic tire squeals that immerse you in the racing atmosphere. And the environments? From the lush greens of Lime Rock Park to the polished grandeur of Daytona International Speedway, each track is a visual treat.
Career Mode: A Nostalgic Journey with Modern Depth
Career Mode kicks off with a heartfelt tribute to Dale Earnhardt Jr., setting a nostalgic tone that blends heritage with ambition. After entering your name, you’re thrown straight into the action—no lengthy tutorials, just pure racing. While driver customization is limited to your name and avatar, the real fun lies in customizing your car, suit, and helmet. The options are vast, with countless colors, decals, and patterns to make your ride truly yours.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Does NASCAR 25’s focus on car customization over driver personalization limit creativity, or does it perfectly capture the sport’s essence? Unlike F1’s preset driver options, NASCAR 25 channels its creative energy into the car, offering tools that rival F1’s livery system. It’s a fitting choice for a sport where the car defines the driver’s identity.
Your shop becomes the heart of your journey. Choosing your manufacturer (Chevrolet, Ford, or Toyota) and series (ARCA Menards, Craftsman Truck, Xfinity, or Cup) helps define your team’s identity. Managing sponsors, paint schemes, and crew hires adds depth, while the extensive color palettes turn your car into a canvas of self-expression.
But it’s not just about racing... Reputation plays a crucial role. Clean, consistent driving earns respect, while aggressive moves can make you a target. The progression can feel grindy for casual players, but hardcore fans will relish the challenge. In-game social media interactions, repair costs, and Work Points (WP)—earned after each race and used for upgrades—add layers of strategy and immersion.
Championship Mode: Pure Racing, Simplified
For those who prefer a more streamlined experience, Championship Mode lets you chase a title without the management complexities of Career Mode. Compete in condensed or full seasons across all series, with authentic drivers, cars, and tracks. Customize your season length and track selection for a tailored experience that caters to both casual and competitive racers.
Settings & Difficulty: Fine-Tuned for Every Player
NASCAR 25’s settings menu is a detail-oriented racer’s dream. Adjust everything from transmission type to AI difficulty, damage settings, and even cockpit visibility. The difficulty presets are particularly impactful, with Expert mode offering a raw, demanding experience that truly tests your skills.
Online Multiplayer: Chaotic, Competitive, and Evolving
Online play is where NASCAR 25 truly shines—and occasionally stumbles. Live events, ranked leaderboards, and varying lobby settings keep things fresh, but matches can be unpredictable. Some players race clean, while others turn it into a demolition derby. Server stability is generally good, but fan feedback highlights issues like inconsistent wheel feedback and strict track-limit penalties. Still, the foundation is solid and improving with updates.
Final Verdict — 8.5/10
NASCAR 25 is a triumphant return to form, blending realism, customization, and fan passion into a cohesive experience. While minor bugs and online quirks remain, they’re outweighed by the game’s authenticity and depth. It captures the thrill of speed, the tension of close finishes, and the satisfaction of seeing your custom ride cross the line first.
For racing fans, the wait was worth it. But what do you think? Does NASCAR 25 live up to the hype, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Reviewed on PS5
More Sports Video Game News
About the Author
Prince is a 30-year combat sports and video games enthusiast with five years of content creation experience. Specializing in fight breakdowns, fighter performances, and MMA/UFC news, he brings a unique perspective to the world of sports gaming.
