Dale Earnhardt Jr. is inviting NASCAR fans to help select the official soundtrack for iRacing Studio’s upcoming NASCAR console game, as he did with NASCAR 25, strengthening the connection between the NASCAR community and the development process. The longtime driver, now iRacing Executive Director and NASCAR Hall of Famer, called on his followers this week to submit their music suggestions, focusing heavily on the theme and in-game tracks for what many expect to be titled NASCAR 26.
Earnhardt Encourages Fan Participation in Soundtrack Selection
Building on last year’s successful community-driven approach, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reached out on social media with a personal message:
“Hey all the NASCAR 25 fans, starting to compile ideas for the next game’s soundtrack,”
Earnhardt wrote on X. He followed up with,
“Last year your input was really helpful. Need to know what songs you’d love to see included. Also (maybe more importantly) what is THE song you’d love to hear when you first load up?”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., Executive Director, iRacing Studio
This marks the second consecutive year that Earnhardt has solicited the opinions of NASCAR enthusiasts as the project’s musical identity takes shape. Previously, in November 2024, Earnhardt made a similar request as NASCAR 25 was being developed, revealing a deep commitment to involving the gaming audience in decisive creative choices.
Community Feedback Shapes the NASCAR Gaming Experience
The former Daytona 500 champion made it clear through his efforts that fan engagement is not a mere gesture. Beyond social posts, he discussed the music selection process at length during episodes of his podcast, The Dale Jr Download, in the latter half of 2025, drawing current Cup Series drivers like Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney into the discussion for their musical perspectives. This collaborative effort ensured the game’s soundtrack reflected a true cross-section of fan preferences and industry voices.
The fan-driven process showed its value when NASCAR 25 was released in October 2025, featuring a robust mix of tracks directly inspired by input from the community. For example, Molly Hatchet’s “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” once the theme song for EA Sports’ NASCAR 98, made a return by popular demand, alongside numerous other fan-recommended songs. This resulted in a soundtrack that resonated with players, combining classic rock anthems, country tunes, and callbacks to previous NASCAR gaming experiences.
Early Favorites and Nostalgia-Fueled Recommendations
With the anticipation for the next game intensifying, fans are already sharing their selections and advocating for the return of favorite tracks. “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf remains a common request, and “Flirtin’ With Disaster” is again being suggested for inclusion. Significantly, many voices are calling for the return of the theme song from NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup, which fans consider fitting since the real-world Cup Series recently reinstated the Chase playoff format for its championship.
This influx of ideas showcases the diverse musical tastes within the NASCAR audience—ranging from classic rock staples to nostalgic songs tied to memorable eras of NASCAR gaming history. As suggestions pour in, it is evident that players want music that both energizes their virtual races and honors the franchise’s heritage.
Uncertainty Remains Around Game Title and Release
While speculation grows about the next title being NASCAR 26, Earnhardt has not officially used that name, referring instead to it as “the next game.” This ambiguity leaves room for excitement and curiosity about what naming or new features iRacing Studio or Earnhardt may announce in the months ahead. With scant details about the game’s specific launch date, expectations remain high that development progress will outpace last year, shortening the wait fans experienced between the initial music call in November and NASCAR 25’s October release.
How Fans Can Get Involved
Players and supporters interested in shaping the game’s soundscape can reply directly to Earnhardt’s post on X, where he and the iRacing Studio team are actively gathering proposals for their next music playlist. Together, they will influence the soundtrack that plays as the next chapter in console-based NASCAR racing unfolds.
By turning the process over to the community, Dale Earnhardt Jr. once again demonstrates the powerful role of fan engagement in developing an authentic and memorable NASCAR game experience. As the project advances, the voices of Cup Series drivers, artists, and fans alike will define what players hear on the virtual track, further rooting the next title firmly within the traditions and evolving tastes of the NASCAR community.
Hey all the NASCAR 25 fans, starting to compile ideas for the next game's soundtrack. Last year your input was really helpful. Need to know what songs you'd love to see included.
Also (maybe more importantly) what is THE song you'd love to hear when you first load up?…
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 23, 2026
