The anticipated Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR video game, produced by iRacing, has garnered strong early reactions from drivers and insiders, but fans remain frustrated as no official gameplay footage has surfaced. Following an extended wait since the last major title, excitement is now mixed with impatience, as the community awaits visual proof of what the next-generation NASCAR experience will offer.
Long Hiatus Since Last NASCAR Video Game Release
NASCAR fans have endured nearly four years without a new video game for their favorite motorsport, ever since the partnership between Motorsports Games and NASCAR ended in 2021. Many enthusiasts doubted that a fresh, officially licensed game would return to consoles anytime soon, leading to disappointment and diminished expectations across the fanbase. The announcement that iRacing, with co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., would take the reins for production brought hope back to the community, promising a product built by those deeply invested in the sport.
Insider Access Offers Promising, Yet Exclusive, Glimpses
Momentum built rapidly last week when several NASCAR drivers previewed NASCAR 25 and enthusiastically shared their thoughts online. Their glowing endorsements quickly spread across social media, but fans soon expressed their dissatisfaction. Despite all the positive buzz, no gameplay video accompanied these reviews, leaving many feeling left out of the excitement. Some in the fan community went so far as to question the authenticity of these early reports, with terms like “paid actor” circulating among frustrated commenters who felt their anticipation was being toyed with.
Podcast Discussion Sheds Light on Realism and Features
The topic gained further traction during a discussion on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, where Andre Kurlan, serving as co-host, provided a rare firsthand account of the unreleased game. Kurlan explained that while Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself had yet to play, Kurlan tested the game at Charlotte, stepping into Justin Allgaier’s virtual shoes. He described the game’s pre-race environment in detail, highlighting immersion factors like the garage areas and the line-up at the start.
Kurlan noted the game’s realistic physics, with noticeable damage affecting cars and features such as tire degradation and the challenge of racing in dirty air. These technical elements were seen as crucial for creating an authentic NASCAR simulation that meets fan expectations.
“I rear-ended Brandon Jones, and you could see the back end of his car was dented in. You could feel the dirty air, tires got worse as it went on. So, I mean, all the things you’d want in the game.”
—Andre Kurlan, Co-Host, Dale Jr. Download Podcast
Frustration Builds as Fans Await Official Look
Despite the credible positive feedback, a sizeable portion of the NASCAR gaming community remains unsatisfied, with the primary complaint being the lack of official gameplay footage. Speculation is mounting about a potential reveal, as rumors suggest that iRacing may finally release visual samples as early as August. With the game‘s official launch still targeted for the fall, the absence of gameplay videos has only intensified anticipation, and some fans are growing weary of waiting for concrete proof that the title can live up to expectations.
As the Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR video game approaches its projected release window, community interest is likely to remain high—especially if iRacing delivers on its promise of realism and immersion. All eyes will be on forthcoming announcements, as fans hope for an official gameplay reveal that will justify the growing buzz and address the growing tension among longtime NASCAR game supporters.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. By 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s net worth is projected to be around $300 million. He built this wealth as a successful NASCAR driver and continues earning as a broadcaster. His influence grows through endorsements, team ownership, and various partnerships.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. race in 2025?
A. On Thursday, it was revealed that another race date has been added to the Late Model schedule for 2025. This includes a fresh-looking car with Sun Drop sponsorship. In October, Earnhardt Jr. will drive the No. 8 car for JR Motorsports at Tri-County Speedway. The zMAX CARS Tour is set to visit this track in Granite Falls, North Carolina, on October 4.
Q. Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. retire?
A. After stopping his full-time NASCAR driving career, he joined NBC as a color commentator in 2018. When his NBC contract ended in 2023, he moved to Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports. This shift was part of new NASCAR TV coverage that began in 2025.
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. still retired?
A. Earnhardt, who is 50 years old, stopped being a full-time NASCAR driver in 2017. However, he has competed in at least one Xfinity Series race annually since then.
