iRacing has unveiled exciting details about the Career Mode in NASCAR 25, its inaugural standalone NASCAR game for consoles and PC.  NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr., serving as executive producer, offered a glimpse into the game's features in a recent developer diary video.

Arriving four years after Motorsport Games' NASCAR 21: Ignition, NASCAR 25 boasts all four major NASCAR series: the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series.  Each series, featuring real-world NASCAR drivers, plays a significant role in the Career Mode and other game modes like quick races, full seasons, and online multiplayer.

In the third developer diary video, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the development team provided an in-depth look at the Career Mode progression.  Players begin their journey in a humble backyard garage, customizing their car and preparing for their debut in the ARCA Menards Series.  This starting point provides a grounded and relatable entry into the world of professional NASCAR racing.

Within the ARCA Menards Series, players hone their skills, negotiate contracts, earn money, hire crew members, upgrade facilities, and make public appearances to build their reputation.  Cultivating a strong reputation and assembling a skilled crew are crucial steps on the path to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series champion, the ultimate achievement in NASCAR 25's Career Mode.

The development of NASCAR 25's Career Mode incorporated feedback from real NASCAR drivers, including 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ty Majeski.  Majeski emphasizes the mode's accurate portrayal of a driver's ascent through the NASCAR ranks, including the strategic decisions involved in vehicle improvement and race preparation.

While NASCAR 25 incorporates simulation elements reminiscent of iRacing, the development team brings a wealth of experience from classic NASCAR game titles like NASCAR Racing 2003, NASCAR: Dirt to Daytona, and the popular NASCAR Thunder series. This pedigree promises a polished and engaging racing experience.

Unfortunately, players hoping to revisit older NASCAR games on current platforms are out of luck. Several titles, including NASCAR 15, NASCAR 21: Ignition, and various NASCAR Heat games, were delisted at the end of 2024.  NASCAR Arcade Rush remains one of the few unaffected titles.