Nascar 25 Brings iRacing’s Realism to Consoles This October

Nascar 25 launches on October 14 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, marking the first traditional console game from iRacing. It features the ARCA Menards Series for the first time, a massive roster of real-world drivers, and tracks modeled with laser-scanned accuracy. The game aims to deliver an authentic driving experience shaped by decades of simulation expertise, with both current stars and rising talents represented.

It has been four years since fans had a new Nascar video game, but that gap is about to close. Developed by iRacing, the long-running PC simulation giant led by founder Steve Myers, Nascar 25 promises a more faithful representation of the sport than previous console entries. Myers’ development team has worked together for 25 years, dating back to Papyrus Racing Games in the ’90s. Their last console-era Nascar title, Nascar Racing 2003 Season, still has a strong reputation among fans.

Myers explained that their advantage comes from nearly two decades of working directly with Nascar to create realistic simulations. Many professional drivers use iRacing to prepare for actual races, making the step into a mass-market console game a logical next move.

In October 2023, iRacing acquired the rights to develop the next Nascar title, taking over from Motorsport Games after its collapse. Nascar’s gaming rights have shifted between multiple publishers over the years, including Sierra, EA Sports, Eutechnyx, and 704Games. Fans have often been left underwhelmed by the results, but iRacing intends to change that pattern.

The new game will include more real-world drivers and paint schemes than any previous Nascar title, along with the full ARCA Menards Series. The complete driver roster has already been revealed ahead of release, giving players a clear picture of who they can race against.

Myers stated:

"The driving experience is going to be an authentic experience for the game we are trying to make. There’s never been more drivers and paint schemes in a game than I can remember. Your first swing of the bat – you want to have a great product – but you also want to think about what you can do next."

iRacing itself debuted in 2008 as a PC racing simulator covering multiple motorsport disciplines. It quickly gained a reputation for realism, allowing players to race against professional drivers from Nascar, IndyCar, and even Formula 1. Notable examples include William Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 champion, and Ty Majeski, both of whom began their careers on iRacing before reaching the professional stage.

The platform became even more prominent during the Covid-19 pandemic, when live racing was suspended. Nascar on Fox partnered with iRacing to host virtual races featuring actual drivers, including Jeff Gordon. These events drew large audiences and showcased how simulation could keep fans engaged when real tracks were closed.

Beyond its entertainment role, iRacing has directly influenced real-world Nascar. The company uses laser scanning to replicate tracks with high precision, and during the pandemic, they helped design the Chicago Street Course. That project involved scanning Chicago’s Grant Park and surrounding streets, which later became the blueprint for the real-life race. iRacing also consulted on plans for Auto Club Speedway’s reconfiguration and the L.A. Coliseum event.

As Myers put it:

"We are part of the fabric of motor sports."

The interface for Nascar 25 is cleaner and more modern than previous titles, reflecting iRacing’s attention to detail. The goal is not just to recreate the feel of the sport but to present it in a way that is approachable to new players while still satisfying the demands of veteran sim racers.

For many fans, the key question will be how faithfully Nascar 25 captures the thrill of real-world racing while still functioning as an accessible console experience. With iRacing’s deep background, its track record for accuracy, and its ability to integrate real-world data, expectations are high.

The release of Nascar 25 will be a milestone for both the franchise and for iRacing’s expansion beyond its simulator roots. After years of watching the official games struggle to capture the essence of the sport, players now have reason to believe the upcoming title could set a new standard.

Nascar 25 launches October 14, 2025, bringing iRacing’s simulation expertise to consoles and aiming to deliver the most authentic Nascar gaming experience to date.