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…
iRacing Studios’ next NASCAR console game, NASCAR 26, is right around the corner, and with lessons learned from last year’s game, fans expect even more features for iRacing’s sophomore effort.
What’s Happening? Last year, iRacing Studios delivered the first multi-platform NASCAR console game since 2021. But just as fast as NASCAR…
iRacing’s NASCAR Console gaming debut, NASCAR 25, was a hit, with the game featuring more features than most fans would have expected for a debut title.
Still, there was room for improvement, with plenty of indication that iRacing Studios will step it up again in its next game, NASCAR 26. In fact, rumors of new features began circulating as early as last fall, shortly after the release of NASCAR 25.
Make sure to check back in here throughout the game’s launch cycle for more on what’s new with NASCAR 26.
Burnouts
Alongside the launch of NASCAR 26’s cover, featuring Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson, the game’s official social media accounts announced that post-victory burnouts will be a new feature in NASCAR 26, marking the first new feature in iRacing’s line of NASCAR console games.
What’s Happening? iRacing Studios is adding post-race burnouts to its next NASCAR Console Game, NASCAR 26, after the feature was absent…
Crossplay
NASCAR 25’s online mode left a lot to be desired, especially regarding crossplay, or at least the lack of crossplay in the game.
While there is no official confirmation of crossplay for NASCAR 26, the NASCAR 26 social media account seemingly teased this in mid-June following the release of the game’s cover.
What’s Happening? A recent social media post has NASCAR gamers asking if a long-requested feature is finally making its way to…
Ram
Ram will likely be included in NASCAR 26, as missing out on a manufacturer, let alone the newest one in NASCAR, would be a major downer for the game.
Still, iRacing has yet to announce its inclusion. On the other hand, in early 2026, iRacing launched a Ram Truck model for its PC online sim-racing service, with fans hoping that model will be the one used in NASCAR 26.
San Diego Street Circuit
While this one might feel like a given, the major disappointment with NASCAR 25 was the lack of select tracks from NASCAR’s National Series at launch.
By far, the three most important of these were Bowman Gray Stadium for the Cup Series, Portland International Raceway for the Xfinity Series, and Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for each of those series.
While the game eventually added PIR as a single-player and online mode exclusive, the former two tracks were never added.
This time around, the game could very well feature all tracks, with a specific focus on NASCAR’s street course at Naval Base Coronado. iRacing launched the track for its PC online sim-racing service in early June, and in NASCAR 25, that service’s track scans were used for the tracks in the game.
What’s Happening? Ahead of next weekend’s race at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, iRacing users can now race on a digital…
Song Selector/Jukebox
NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. hand-picked the songs for NASCAR 25 and is doing so for NASCAR 26.
While the songs had a wide range of genres and popularity among artists, everyone has their own taste. In a post on X during the early development of NASCAR 26, Earnhardt teased that he was working with developers to add a song selection menu to the game.
As of publishing, this feature has yet to be confirmed for NASCAR 26.
What’s Happening? NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr says that he currently has 19 songs selected and new features for the soundtrack…
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