NASCAR 25 alcohol paint schemes are officially off the table — and fans are not thrilled about it. iRacing has confirmed that no alcohol-branded liveries will appear in NASCAR 25, even behind an age verification system. The news has sparked frustration among longtime NASCAR gamers who hoped to finally race with realistic sponsor sets.
According to multiple players who contacted iRacing support, the decision applies to all cars and modes. That means no Busch Light for Ross Chastain, no throwback Budweiser schemes for Dale Jr., and no Coors designs on classic cars. The move mirrors iRacing’s long-standing PC policy, which bans alcohol and tobacco branding from official content.
Realism vs. Restrictions
Many fans argue this decision hurts the realism that NASCAR 25 was supposed to bring. Alcohol sponsors are visible every weekend in real NASCAR races, so removing them from the official game feels inconsistent. Players note that even track signage featuring brands like Busch Light has been replaced or removed.
“We see these cars on TV every Sunday,” one fan wrote. “If it’s fine there, why not in the game?”
Others pointed out that past console titles, such as NASCAR Heat 5, managed to include these designs behind simple age-verification gates. That makes the total removal feel like a step backward.
Why the Change?
From a business standpoint, the reason is likely related to ESRB ratings and international regulations. Alcohol logos can push a game into a higher age category, affecting both marketing and retail placement. By keeping them out, iRacing ensures NASCAR 25 stays rated for a general audience.
While that decision may make sense legally, players feel it sacrifices authenticity for caution. As one fan put it, “We grew up watching those cars. We didn’t know what the brand was — we just knew it was Dale Jr.’s red car.”
Customization May Save It
There’s a silver lining. NASCAR 25 will feature an upgraded paint booth system, giving players a deep level of customization. While official NASCAR 25 alcohol paint schemes won’t appear, creative players plan to rebuild them manually using custom uploads or similar color layouts.
If the booth supports livery sharing — similar to Gran Turismo 7 or Forza — fans may still recreate and share their favorite looks without directly using trademarked logos. That feature could become one of the most important parts of the entire game.
What It Means for Fans
For some, this is a minor loss. For others, it’s a dealbreaker. Many fans say they’ll wait for reviews before preordering, while PC players are already speculating that mods might bring back the missing designs. Console players, however, won’t have that option.
The decision also highlights the broader debate between authenticity and accessibility. iRacing may want to appeal to a wide audience, but hardcore NASCAR fans value realism above all else.
Looking Ahead
If NASCAR 25 performs well, future updates or sequels might revisit this restriction. For now, though, it’s clear that official NASCAR 25 alcohol paint schemes won’t make the starting grid. The community will have to decide if the new customization tools are enough to fill the gap.
