Must-Race Venues
One of the thrills of NASCAR 25 is its variety of tracks — from superspeedways to short tracks, road courses to historic returns. Each venue brings its own personality, challenges, and iconic moments. For fans new to NASCAR games or veterans looking to relive classics, these are the must-race venues in NASCAR 25.
[MAP PLACEHOLDER: Track dots map]
Daytona International Speedway – The Great American Race
No NASCAR game is complete without Daytona. As the site of the Daytona 500, it’s where legends are made and seasons begin. In NASCAR 25, expect:
- Pack Racing Chaos: 40 cars drafting inches apart at 200+ mph.
- Photo-Finish Potential: Just like in real life, races often come down to the final lap.
- Historic Atmosphere: Victory Lane at Daytona feels different — it’s the crown jewel.
Talladega Superspeedway – Bigger, Wilder, Faster
If Daytona is prestige, Talladega is pure chaos. With its longer straights and steeper banking, it’s the wildest superspeedway on the calendar.
- Three- and Four-Wide Racing: Endless drafting lanes mean endless drama.
- The “Big One”: Multicar crashes are almost inevitable.
- Fan Favorite: Talladega has built its reputation as NASCAR’s rowdiest track.
Together, Daytona and Talladega offer the quintessential superspeedway experience.
Martinsville Speedway – The Paperclip
Known as “The Paperclip” for its unique shape, Martinsville is NASCAR’s oldest and shortest track.
- Bumper-to-Bumper Racing: Contact isn’t just likely — it’s expected.
- The Famous Hot Dogs: No Martinsville race is complete without its iconic concession.
- Strategy Battles: Brakes, patience, and timing pit stops make the difference.
Bristol Motor Speedway – The Coliseum of Chaos
Few venues match the atmosphere of Bristol under the lights. It’s a high-banked half-mile bullring where tempers flare.
- Non-Stop Action: With laps under 15 seconds, there’s no time to breathe.
- Beating and Banging: “Rubbin’ is racin’” was coined for tracks like this.
- Fan Noise: Known as “The Last Great Colosseum,” the crowd energy is unmatched.
Martinsville and Bristol together form NASCAR’s short-track backbone — and in NASCAR 25, they’re must-play chaos generators.
Watkins Glen International – The Road Course Classic
Watkins Glen is one of the most beloved road courses in NASCAR, combining speed with technical challenge.
- Flowing Layout: Elevation changes and high-speed esses make for thrilling laps.
- Overtaking Opportunities: Multiple braking zones allow dive-bomb passes.
- Historic Prestige: From Formula One to NASCAR, the Glen has hosted it all.
Sonoma Raceway – West Coast Road Finesse
On the other side of the country, Sonoma provides a completely different road racing vibe.
- Tight Corners & Elevation: Drivers wrestle their cars uphill and downhill through winding turns.
- Tire Management: Hot California asphalt eats tires alive.
- Driver Skill Showcase: Only the smoothest can stay quick here.
Together, Watkins Glen and Sonoma prove that stock cars can shine on road courses too.
Chicago Street Course – NASCAR in the City
The newest addition to the NASCAR schedule, the Chicago Street Course made headlines as the first-ever Cup race on city streets.
- Urban Backdrop: Skyscrapers, Lake Michigan, and city streets set the stage.
- Tight & Technical: Concrete walls leave no margin for error.
- Modern Experiment: A showcase of NASCAR’s willingness to evolve.
Its inclusion in NASCAR 25 makes it one of the most unique tracks in the game.
North Wilkesboro Speedway – The Historic Return
Perhaps the most sentimental venue on this list, North Wilkesboro is a revival story. Once a forgotten relic, the track was restored and returned to the NASCAR schedule in 2023.
- Throwback Vibes: A classic short track with modern renovations.
- Fan-Powered Revival: Its comeback was driven by grassroots passion.
- Perfect Fit for Career Mode: Race here early in ARCA, then come back as a Cup driver.
North Wilkesboro embodies NASCAR’s connection to its roots — and in NASCAR 25, it connects past and present.
From the prestige of Daytona to the chaos of Bristol, the finesse of Sonoma, and the history of North Wilkesboro, NASCAR 25’s must-race venues offer something for every fan.
Whether you crave pack racing, short-track tempers, road-course precision, or urban spectacle, these tracks prove that NASCAR’s variety is one of its greatest strengths. And thanks to iRacing’s laser scanning and attention to detail, every bump, bank, and braking zone will feel as close to real life as possible.
