This is the first glimpse of iRacing’s NASCAR 25 video game

No, it’s not gameplay, or an extended hands-on session, but the first in-engine, work-in-progress, peek of the all-new NASCAR game has been showcased.

NASCAR 25 will be the first dedicated game of America’s premier stock car series under the stewardship of iRacing, after it purchased the licencing deal from Motorsport Games at the end of 2023.

The Monster Games team, who recently created the World of Outlaws game, is tasked with combining its physics technology with iRacing input and assets (such as laser-scanned track models) and placing them within the Unreal Engine graphics system.

Until now, we’ve only heard about the lofty targets and ambitions for the project, but footage or images have been absent.

That changes with the second development update video, which shows a very brief shot of a pit garage. A car is being worked on, with animated characters discussing (presumably) an upcoming race.

How this scene is used within the final game, remains to be seen.

Differences between iRacing and the NASCAR game

Alongside a lengthy discussion about the benefits of detailed track recreations, there’s also a discussion about how the NASCAR 25 game is differentiated from the iRacing simulation.

There is talk about authenticity, but also a clear divide between this console game and the PC-only simulation.

“As we approached the console vehicle model, we’ve got a wealth of knowledge and history to draw from with the much more complex iRacing vehicle models,” said Steve Reis, Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer on the project.

“We’re looking to provide the user with changes in weight, tyre characteristics, horsepower, aerodynamics – all that to give the user the most immersive experience possible.”

No release window has been issued yet for the Minnesota-developed game.