iRacing’s NASCAR 26: Everything We Know (So Far)
What’s Happening? Last year, iRacing Studios delivered the first multi-platform NASCAR console game since 2021. But just as fast as NASCAR…
After months of waiting, NASCAR fans finally got a brief, but in-depth look at iRacing’s second NASCAR console game, NASCAR 26, on Wednesday.
Though the gameplay trailer sat at less than a minute in length, there was plenty for fans to take away, including first-ever looks at new tracks like St. Petersburg, San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, a few new features, and the iRacing NASCAR series’ first new manufacturer, RAM.
The trailer kicked off with some quick b-roll shots of drivers entering their cars, an animation first shown off in the game’s recent Dev Diary episode.
This was followed up by quick cuts of racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Naval Base Coronado, followed by another mention of the game’s new “Dynamic Track” system, which will develop a track’s racing style throughout a race weekend.
Another notable addition teased in the gameplay trailer is a new training mode that features NASCAR TV analyst and former Crew Chief Steve Letarte.
This mode seemingly helps you master a track with data and instruction for meeting specific marks, though there is still little confirmed information about the game mode as of press time.
After showing off post-race burnouts (something previously announced by the studio), the trailer then provided a quick cut of new features in this order:
While some of these were previously announced, there are several major new notes to pick up on from this list; some, like the new Trophy Room, are understandable. In contrast, others, like Team Facility Upgrades, will likely be expanded on in future uploads before the game’s September launch.
Of the notable additions to this list are some fan requests from NASCAR 25, such as an updated render (and possibly new layout) of COTA, road course penalties, DNFs, and the pit road option for left side tires only.
For the most part, fans have received this trailer well, with it supplying fans with much-needed updates while also keeping some of the mystery alive regarding new features, meaning that players will keep an eye out for news in the coming weeks.
Alongside the gameplay trailer, NASCAR 26’s pre-orders opened on the XBOX, PlayStation, and Steam stores on Wednesday, giving players a chance to look at some early in-game screenshots.
The Standard Edition of NASCAR is set to launch on September 18, though players who buy the Gold Edition will have 72 hours of early access beginning on September 15.
For more on NASCAR 26, make sure to check out the story linked below.
What’s Happening? Last year, iRacing Studios delivered the first multi-platform NASCAR console game since 2021. But just as fast as NASCAR…
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