Chris InglisStepping into the driver’s seat of NASCAR 25 on the Xbox Series X, developed by iRacing Motorsport Simulations, my only previous experience with the sport’s digital counterpart lay buried in the nostalgia of 90s and 2000s arcade cabinets. I was excited to see if a controller could capture the high-speed thrill of oval racing. The answer is a resounding yes, and the game quickly proved it is miles beyond its coin-operated ancestors, delivering a surprisingly deep and engaging experience. The game is out now on consoles and releases on Steam in November.
From the introduction scene showing real life Nascar races and podcast introduction, the game’s graphics are on show. The Xbox Series X handles the action flawlessly, but it is during the night races where the game truly shines. The way the track lights reflect off the polished surfaces of the cars and the faint glow illuminating the grandstands creates an atmosphere of high-stakes racing. The visual quality never detracts from the action, which is a constant, frenetic ballet of tight lines and desperate attempts to squeeze into gaps that rarely present themselves.
The transition from “turn left, go fast” arcade physics to the precise control required here was a steep learning curve. This is a game where I would consider getting a racing wheel as the precision needed to keep you in a turn and accelerating out is critical. The game provided some unexpected amusement when I got it wrong. The post-race social media feed is hilarious, featuring realistic, passive-aggressive comments from the AI drivers whose race I inevitably ruined with my clumsy turning.
As a newcomer to modern Nascar racing, the biggest surprise was the sheer variety of the circuits. I had naively assumed all ovals were the same but discovered a world of difference. Tracks with long, sweeping straights reward drafting and full throttle, while others demand surgical throttle control and flawless entry angles. It is this depth that makes NASCAR 25 more than just a speed challenge – it’s a management simulator of speed, where every lap is a lesson in precision.
Even on normal difficulty, winning is far from a guarantee. The game is a constant battle for mere inches. Every session that includes practice, qualifying, and race day is a relentless fight just to gain a few places. This difficulty, however, is a massive part of the appeal for me. It transforms the racing grind into a focused effort, fostering a desire to genuinely improve my driving technique with each consecutive race.
The championships mode structure supports this journey beautifully. Instead of being locked into a daunting, 30+ race calendar, the variety of championships offers choice and manageable progression. This makes the long-term investment feel more engaging. In career mode, the necessity of car repairs adds a layer of consequence. Having to repair my scratched-up vehicle after each weekend forced me to race smarter to save my points, rather than recklessly abusing the wall. The added ability to hire staff to improve HR and garage personnel also offers satisfying off-track progression, making the success feel earned by the whole team.
While the single-player modes offer a tough but controlled environment, the multiplayer component cranks the tension up another notch. I don’t normally partake in multiplayer racing games of late, mainly due to my Australian lag, but I have bad memories of getting smashed into on purpose which ruins the fun. I was pleased when, for the most part, drivers are honorable and disciplined in the pack in NASCAR 25.
There were moments in multiplayer races where I inevitably encountered more accidental clipping and spinning out with an occasional driver being a bit too aggressive. This unpredictable dynamic makes surviving races a thrilling challenge, thankfully assisted by an initial non-collision period at the start of the race to prevent immediate pileups. A fun element tied to competitive play is the ranking system: your official multiplayer rank class is dynamically calculated based on the results of your last five race finishes, which provides a constant incentive to race cleanly and consistently.
Overall, NASCAR 25 has been a surprise hit for me and successfully bridged the gap between my vintage arcade memories and the demands of a modern racing simulator. The graphics are amazing, and the soundtrack is excellent. It’s an enjoyable and challenging game that provided both a fun experience and gave me a deeper appreciation for the strategy of the sport.
This review utilised an Xbox key provided by Sandbox Strategies and NASCAR 25 is available now on Xbox and PlayStation, and releases on Steam on November 12, 2025.
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