It has been more than a decade since NASCAR fans had a truly great console racing game. For years, licensed titles stumbled — either too shallow, too buggy, or too far from the authentic stock car experience fans wanted. That all changes this fall with NASCAR 25, developed by iRacing Studios. Scheduled to release on October 14, 2025, the game has fans buzzing with anticipation.
So what exactly do we know about this long-awaited return? Let’s break down everything confirmed so far — from release dates and platforms to career mode details, car rosters, track lists, and multiplayer features.
Release Date and Platforms
NASCAR 25 is officially launching October 14, 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC release via Steam is confirmed for November 11, 2025.
Unlike past titles, this is a current-gen only release. Don’t expect it on PS4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. That’s intentional — iRacing Studios wants to fully leverage modern console horsepower for higher frame rates, better graphics, and larger online lobbies.
The Developers: iRacing + Monster Games
The studio behind NASCAR 25 carries serious pedigree. iRacing is the undisputed king of sim racing on PC, with decades of experience delivering laser-scanned tracks and ultra-realistic physics. In 2022 they also acquired Monster Games, the team behind NASCAR Heat and the cult-favorite NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona.
This partnership combines iRacing’s reputation for authenticity with Monster’s console experience. Add in veteran developers who previously worked on EA’s NASCAR Thunder series, and you have a development “dream team” tasked with finally reviving NASCAR on consoles.
Cover Stars
Three drivers share the cover of NASCAR 25: William Byron, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney. Each represents one of NASCAR’s top manufacturers — Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford.
The symbolism matters. Byron is an iRacing prodigy turned Cup star, Bell is a consistent contender with All-Star success, and Blaney is a Cup Series champion. Together, they represent NASCAR’s present and future — and provide balance for fans no matter which manufacturer they root for.
Career Mode: From ARCA to Cup Glory
Perhaps the biggest selling point is the revamped Career Mode, which aims to be the deepest in NASCAR gaming history.
- Start in ARCA: For the first time ever, the ARCA Menards Series is fully playable in a console NASCAR game. You begin in a humble garage, scraping together resources to run your first season.
- Climb the Ladder: Progress through the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity before reaching the NASCAR Cup Series.
- Management Decisions: It’s not just about winning races. You’ll sign contracts, attract sponsors, upgrade facilities, hire staff, and even make off-track appearances to boost reputation.
- Player Agency: Every choice impacts your trajectory. Chase money early? Stay loyal to a manufacturer? Build your own team from scratch? The mode encourages replayability with multiple paths to success.
This career approach mirrors the real NASCAR driver journey more than any past title.
Series and Rosters
NASCAR 25 features all four national touring series:
- NASCAR Cup Series
- Xfinity Series
- Craftsman Truck Series
- ARCA Menards Series
Across those divisions are 175+ real-world drivers, from superstars like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson to part-time legends like Jimmie Johnson and international guests like Shane van Gisbergen. Even the ARCA roster includes real up-and-comers, giving fans the chance to discover future Cup talent before they make it big.
Tracks: Superspeedways, Short Tracks, Road Courses, and More
Every NASCAR season is defined by its tracks — and NASCAR 25 delivers dozens of them, recreated with iRacing’s laser-scanning technology.
Highlights include:
- Superspeedways: Daytona, Talladega
- Short Tracks: Martinsville, Bristol, Richmond, North Wilkesboro (revived)
- Road Courses: Watkins Glen, Sonoma, Circuit of the Americas, Lime Rock Park
- Street Courses: Chicago Street Race
Notably absent are dirt tracks like Eldora, but the sheer variety — from pack racing chaos to technical road courses — promises endless replay value.
Multiplayer: 40-Car Online Grids
For the first time in a NASCAR console title, NASCAR 25 will support 40-player online races. That’s a full Cup Series field, and it’s a game-changer.
Whether you want quick pick-up races or to run a custom championship with friends, the tools are there. Leagues and esports organizers will especially benefit from having authentic field sizes. iRacing’s proven online infrastructure should help keep the experience smooth and stable.
Graphics and Presentation
Built in Unreal Engine, NASCAR 25 aims for a modern, broadcast-style presentation. Expect:
- Highly detailed car models with realistic damage modeling
- Dynamic lighting and weather effects
- Immersive engine sounds, spotter calls, and crowd noise
- Broadcast-inspired HUD and replay packages
- A licensed soundtrack featuring artists like Whiskey Myers, Jelly Roll, and System of a Down
Together, these elements aim to capture the sights and sounds of a Sunday race day better than any NASCAR game before it.
Why This Game Matters
It’s no exaggeration to say NASCAR 25 carries the hopes of NASCAR gaming fans everywhere. After years of disappointment, iRacing Studios has a chance to restore credibility to the NASCAR video game brand.
With a deep career mode, all four series, real rosters, laser-scanned tracks, and massive online lobbies, this might not just be the best NASCAR game in years — it could be the one that resets the standard for the next decade.
Everything we’ve seen so far points to NASCAR 25 being the authentic, feature-rich NASCAR experience fans have been craving. Of course, the real test comes once players get behind the wheel. But for the first time in over 10 years, casual fans and diehards alike have a NASCAR game worth circling on the calendar.
Mark the date: October 14, 2025.
