The world of racing games just got a reality check! iRacing Studios has sparked a debate among NASCAR fans with its latest release, NASCAR 25.
But wait, there's a twist! According to the game's ratings, Jimmie Johnson, the legendary seven-time Cup Series champion, is ranked as the 8th worst driver in the series. Yes, you read that right! Out of 100, Johnson received a rating of 54, leaving many fans scratching their heads.
The game, released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, marks iRacing Studios' debut in console gaming. It offers a unique single-player experience where AI-controlled drivers race, each with varying abilities. This approach differs from the studio's PC counterpart, which focuses on player-versus-player action.
Here's where it gets interesting: the ratings aren't solely based on recent performance. While Johnson's last two full-time seasons were a far cry from his championship days, finishing 18th in points, the game's rating system seems to consider more than just on-track results. And this is the part most people miss—the ratings reflect the overall team performance, too.
For instance, William Byron, the 2025 regular season champion, received a perfect 100 rating, despite not yet winning a Cup Series championship. This suggests that the ratings consider current form and potential. Similarly, Brenden Queen, this year's ARCA champion, was given a 99 rating, which might not hold up against the Cup Series field.
So, is iRacing Studios' rating system fair? Do they accurately represent the drivers' skills and potential? Share your thoughts in the comments! The debate is on, and we want to hear from you!
