The countdown to NASCAR 25’s release on October 14 is well underway, and fans are buzzing after RFK Racing dropped a small but impactful teaser. The team posted a screenshot of the game giving players a first look at the new user interface. The image instantly sparked speculation about everything from driver rosters to gameplay realism, while excitement continues to build thanks to iRacing’s involvement in the project.
Key Highlights
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NASCAR 25 launches October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with a PC release to follow on Steam.
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Developed by iRacing, promising realistic physics, laser-scanned tracks, and deeper career gameplay.
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RFK Racing’s “expert mode” screenshot teases game UI and sparks fan discussion.
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Players debate possible roster inclusions, tire and fuel strategy features, and frame rate performance on consoles.
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NASCAR 25 is the first console release since the much-criticized NASCAR 21: Ignition.
Roster Speculation Builds After RFK Teaser
One of the main talking points from RFK’s screenshot was the possible scope of the NASCAR 25 driver roster. Fans are hopeful the game will cover all four major series—Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA—while also including up-and-coming talents.
“Zilisch being in the game makes me wonder if Legge is in too,” one fan noted, referencing the growing ARCA and part-time driver pool. Another added, “Given that ARCA roster they released, I’d be surprised if they weren’t including anyone who’s been in an included NASCAR vehicle at any level in the past like 18 months.”
For many, the idea of a fully updated and expansive roster would set NASCAR 25 apart from its predecessors, which were often criticized for missing popular drivers or limiting series representation.
“tried out expert mode today 🎮 (it’s tricky)” – RFK
tried out expert mode today 🎮
(it’s tricky) pic.twitter.com/02j2HduAxY
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) July 29, 2025
Fans Want More Realistic Strategy Options
Beyond the roster, several comments focused on gameplay realism, particularly tire and fuel strategy. Many fans said they want NASCAR 25 to avoid giving players overly exact information.
“I hope there’s an option to change how fuel and tires are presented someday. I don’t want exact laps and percentages. I want guesstimates. I want to gamble my tires and fuel,” one fan wrote. Another chimed in, “Would be nice if there’s a random factor thrown in. Like if you take tires too far you risk blowout.”
This type of immersive, unpredictable racing experience is high on the wish list for longtime NASCAR gamers, and fans hope iRacing can deliver it on console for the first time.
Performance Concerns Surface for Console Gameplay
While the graphics shown in the screenshot drew praise, some fans are worried about how well the game will perform on next-gen hardware. The main concern: frame rate.
“I like the UI elements. Visually the game looks good. I am still concerned it might only run at 30 FPS on consoles,” one fan commented. Others countered that expectation, saying, “They’d have to be extremely bad developers for something this simple, and looking like this, to run at 30. F1 looks lightyears ahead graphically, is more complex, and manages 120 on performance mode. Hell, even Spiderman manages 120.”
With racing games so reliant on smooth responsiveness, fans are watching closely for confirmation that NASCAR 25 will reach 60 FPS or higher on performance mode.
Why iRacing’s Involvement Raises Expectations
NASCAR 21: Ignition left a sour taste for many players after bugs, poor AI, and lack of features plagued the game. NASCAR 25 aims to wipe the slate clean, leaning on iRacing’s respected reputation in sim racing to deliver a polished console experience.
The game will feature:
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Full-tier series from ARCA to Cup
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A career mode with contract negotiations, facility upgrades, and staff management
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Laser-scanned tracks for authentic racing lines and surfaces
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Physics adapted from iRacing’s core simulation for realistic handling
NASCAR 25 Launch Day Announcement
The virtual engines fire on October 14th, 2025! pic.twitter.com/Cn7zWfGXjn
— NASCAR 25 Game (@Nascar25Game) July 24, 2025
With NASCAR 25 compared by some fans to the hype around College Football 25, expectations are sky-high. The RFK teaser only added fuel to the anticipation.
News in Brief: NASCAR 25 Hype Builds After RFK’s Screenshot
NASCAR 25 releases October 14 for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with a PC version following later. Fans reacted to RFK Racing’s “expert mode” screenshot with excitement and debate, discussing potential roster depth, improved strategy features, and frame rate performance. Developed by iRacing, the new title promises realistic physics and a deeper career mode as NASCAR aims to make a major comeback in the gaming world after years without a successful console release.
ALSO READ: Ryan Preece’s Breakout Season: Can RFK Racing’s Rising Star Secure a Playoff Spot in 2025?
