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…
Ahead of NASCAR 26’s September 18 release, iRacing Studios revealed all 19 songs that will feature in the game’s official soundtrack, while also making the playlist available on Spotify weeks before launch.
Earlier NASCAR titles became memorable because they coupled racing with rock, country, and metal tracks that, in a way, showed the sport’s culture. Many players still associate those songs with late-night races, Career Mode, and split-screen sessions from the EA Sports era.
As a result, every new soundtrack announcement naturally induces discussion about whether the game captures that same atmosphere. With NASCAR 26, iRacing is once again using music to mold the overall experience, making the soundtrack one of the most important features for the fans ahead of the game’s September release.
Besides, the soundtrack was put together with input from Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is taking on the responsibilities of selecting the music and had even asked fans for song suggestions for a second season.
He also said the development team was working on a feature that would allow players to choose which songs play during the game, addressing one of the most common requests from NASCAR 25.
Again, much like last year, instead of focusing on a single genre, the soundtrack blends Southern rock, alternative rock, metal, country, and hip-hop.
Songs such as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Papa Roach’s “Wake Up Calling,” Stone Sour’s “Digital (Did You Tell),” Chevelle’s “Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1),” T.I.’s “Let ‘Em Know,” and DMX’s “Where The Hood At (AXIOMATIC Remix)” sit alongside tracks from Lainey Wilson, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Finch, Alien Ant Farm, Citizen Cope featuring Santana, Angels & Airwaves and others. The complete soundtrack includes:
One song also carries extra nostalgia for longtime NASCAR gamers. “Sweet Home Alabama” returns after previously appearing as the opening theme for NASCAR Thunder 2002 and later featuring in NASCAR 21: Ignition. While bands and artists like Papa Roach, Stone Sour, and Chevelle have been associated with NASCAR games over the years through different songs, their tracks in NASCAR 26 are making their franchise debut.
The Standard Edition of NASCAR 26 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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