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…
As iRacing nears the release of its latest NASCAR console game, NASCAR 26, one question is on the mind of many fans: What will they do about Kyle Busch?
Of course, the NASCAR legend started off what was set to be a make-or-break year with Richard Childress Racing. In a tragic turn of events, on May 21, Busch passed away from an abrupt and unexpected illness.
Busch’s passing, like many others before him, did not slow the industry. Just as they did with the passing of Dale Earnhardt Sr., RCR found a substitute driver and number for the rest of the season.
While some of the industry-related issues have been settled, such as who would take over his ride and who would take over his part-time efforts for Spire Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR fans have continued to ask if Busch will appear in the new NASCAR 26, which is set to release on September 18.
Well, prior to this weekend’s race at Iowa Speedway, iRacing executives shared during a Discord Q&A that, alongside tributes to Busch, Rowdy will be a playable driver in NASCAR 26, though he will be a player-only selectable driver, and not one that will appear as an AI (or CPU) driver during races.
This means that fans will be able to pilot the No. 8 in NASCAR 26, but will not see the car on track in quick race, season, or career mode.
One comparison that fans have made throughout this trying moment in NASCAR history is to that of Dale Earnhardt Sr. Of course, the comparisons are easy to make, and Earnhardt is a good example of how NASCAR gaming has treated a driver’s sudden, in-season passing.
Earnhardt was absent from the roster on EA Sports’ NASCAR: Thunder 2002, as well as NASCAR Heat 2002, the first two games to release following his passing.
While Earnhardt would appear in later titles in the EA Sports series, making his final appearance in NASCAR 07, this was solely as an unlockable driver, though he would appear as a CPU driver in races.
In another case, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Adam Petty, following their deaths in May and July of 2000, were still a part of the roster for EA Sports’ NASCAR 2001, which was released in late 2000, but did not appear in later NASCAR titles like Earnhardt did.
Much like Busch in NASCAR 26, neither Irwin nor Petty would appear in races as a CPU driver.
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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