"NASCAR 25," the first console NASCAR title created by iRacing, will break new ground in the video game space. It will be the first racing game to feature the ARCA Menards Series.
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The developer announced the news on Jan. 22 while providing some key updates about the upcoming standalone console game. According to iRacing, "NASCAR 25" will not solely focus on the Cup Series. It will have four racing series for fans to select.
The list includes the ARCA Menards Series, Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Cup Series. The three national series have previously been part of "NASCAR Heat" games, but players have never had the opportunity to control ARCA cars in races.
"All four series will feature extensively in 'NASCAR 25's' Career Mode, where you'll start in your backyard garage in the ARCA Menards Series and hone your skills to advance up the ranks," iRacing said.
"Sign contracts, earn money, hire more staff, expand your facilities, and earn respect on your way to becoming a multi-time NASCAR Cup Series champion."
In addition to career mode, all four series will be available in quick races, seasons, and online multiplayer. iRacing will reveal the specific cars, drivers, and teams as the video game's fall release date approaches.
The ARCA Menards Series — along with ARCA West and ARCA East — has long been a feeder series for stock car racing. Many drivers have used it as a stepping stone to the three national NASCAR series and stock car racing stardom.
The list of ARCA champions who have made their way to NASCAR includes Nick Sanchez, Jesse Love, Ty Gibbs, Christian Eckes, Sheldon Creed, Grant Enfinger, Chase Briscoe, Chris Buescher, Ty Dillon, Justin Allgaier, and Benny Parsons.
Other drivers who have won ARCA races and moved to NASCAR include Corey Heim, Chandler Smith, Riley Herbst, Sam Mayer, Kyle Weatherman, Trevor Bayne, Cole Custer, Todd Gilliland, Chase Elliott, Corey LaJoie, and Erik Jones among many, many others.
Of course, ARCA's ranks have also featured drivers who remained in the series and achieved great success. The biggest of these names is 10-time champion Frank Kimmel, the man who won eight consecutive ARCA titles between 2000-07.
Video game fans will now have an opportunity to recreate these careers for the first time ever when they load up "NASCAR 25." They can take over the ARCA cars and begin to rise through the ranks at some of NASCAR's iconic tracks.
