NASCAR 25 driver ratings were unveiled with the early access release of NASCAR 25 on October 10, revealing which real-world racers are the top virtual competitors in the new console game from iRacing. Only three drivers received the rare perfect score, highlighting outstanding performances across NASCAR’s top series as the game hits Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, with wider launch set for October 14.
NASCAR 25 Launches with Anticipated Driver Ratings System
As excited players explored NASCAR 25’s new features both online and offline following the Gold Edition early access, much of the attention turned to the release of the official driver ratings. These ratings, reminiscent of the famous system seen in the Madden NFL franchise, dictate how NASCAR and ARCA racers perform inside the virtual tracks of NASCAR 25. The new game marks iRacing’s debut as developer for NASCAR’s console offering, aiming to deliver a more immersive and competitive racing experience for fans.
The game covers four NASCAR touring series and features about 176 real-world drivers. Driver ratings are generated by an undisclosed formula, factoring in performances at six unique track types: Superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, Speedways such as Michigan and Pocono, Intermediates referring to 1.5-mile tracks, Short Intermediates covering smaller ovals, Concrete tracks like Bristol and Dover, and challenging Road Courses. This diverse system seeks to mirror the actual abilities and versatility of each competitor.
The Select Few With a Perfect 100 Rating
Among dozens of drivers across multiple NASCAR series, three individuals achieved the elite 100-overall driver rating at launch. Leading the way is William Byron, who pilots the No. 24 for Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Byron not only graces the cover in the center of the game’s official artwork, but also becomes the first driver from the NASCAR Cup Series to earn a perfect 100 in iRacing’s new NASCAR title.
Joining Byron in the prestigious “100 Club” is Connor Zilisch. Zilisch, a standout in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and a part-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, received a 100 driver score within the Xfinity subseries thanks to his ten victories this season. Notably, Zilisch’s Cup Series rating stands at 63, illustrating the game’s differentiation by series and track record.
The third member of the 100 rating group is Corey Heim, who competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Heim has set a new benchmark this season with an all-time series record of ten wins, and heads into the final stretch as the clear championship favorite. Heim holds a seven-point edge in rating over the next highest full-time Truck Series driver, with several NASCAR Cup drivers such as Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain also rated in the upper 90s for this category.
How Ratings Vary Across Series and Drivers
While Byron, Zilisch, and Heim stand atop their respective series, each NASCAR discipline sees standout performers. In the ARCA Menards Series—which makes its console debut in NASCAR 25—Brenden Queen, who clinched the 2025 championship with Pinnacle Racing Group and notched eight wins, leads the division with an impressive 99 rating. Close behind is William Sawalich, a regular in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and part-time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, with a 97.
The approach to rating reflects diverse achievements, as the formula rewards those with consistent success at specific types of circuits, mirroring the unique skills each series requires. This comparison and measurement system ensures no one driver dominates all series categories based purely on reputation, highlighting the nuances of results and performance over the season.
Community Reaction and What’s Ahead for NASCAR 25
Players already using early access are testing the boundaries of the new ratings, with online lobbies and the expansive career mode providing a proving ground for both virtual racers and the credibility of the ratings formula. As NASCAR 25 opens for all players with its Standard Edition release on October 14, more feedback is expected on how well the ratings capture real-world prowess and how these virtual representations affect gameplay, particularly in competitive scenarios.
The game offers fans a chance to play as their favorite drivers, from William Byron and Connor Zilisch to Corey Heim, experiencing their top-tier statistics across a variety of challenging tracks. NASCAR 25’s ratings system is poised to help define career modes and multiplayer competitions, building anticipation for how future updates and real-world results might impact these numbers over time.
NASCAR 25 will be available for standard edition purchasers on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on October 14, with a Steam release for PC users following on November 11. Fans can look forward to accessing a more deeply simulated NASCAR experience, where the driver ratings elevate head-to-head competition and reflect a new era of game realism.
