As NASCAR 25 is finally here, players are getting excited about the driver ratings. The game is marketed as the most realistic NASCAR simulation to date, as it introduces a detailed, data-driven system that rates each driver across multiple track types, offering fans and players insight into how their favorite racers perform under various racing circumstances.
These new ratings aren't just random figures. iRacing Studios has collaborated with Racing Insights to evaluate each driver's performance across six distinct track categories - Superspeedways, Speedways, Intermediates, Short Intermediates, Concrete Tracks, and Road Courses - plus an overall rating that combines them all.
The Top Drivers in NASCAR 25
The NASCAR 25 leaderboard is led by William Byron, who has a perfect overall rating of 100; this solidifies his status as the game's most complete driver. His supremacy across Intermediates and Superspeedways reflects his consistency in real-world Cup Series performances.
Behind him are Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson with a 99 overall, while Ryan Blaney (98) and Christopher Bell (97) complete the top five.
Rank | Driver | Overall | Superspeedways | Speedways | Intermediates | Short Intermediates | Concrete | Road Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | William Byron | 100 | 98 | 94 | 100 | 97 | 90 | 88 |
2 | Denny Hamlin | 99 | 83 | 100 | 94 | 94 | 100 | 70 |
3 | Kyle Larson | 99 | 93 | 94 | 96 | 92 | 97 | 83 |
4 | Ryan Blaney | 98 | 97 | 88 | 93 | 99 | 92 | 81 |
5 | Christopher Bell | 97 | 91 | 87 | 92 | 100 | 92 | 91 |
6 | Chase Elliott | 96 | 99 | 93 | 90 | 93 | 89 | 85 |
7 | Tyler Reddick | 92 | 94 | 90 | 93 | 85 | 84 | 85 |
8 | Chase Briscoe | 92 | 84 | 87 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 87 |
9 | Joey Logano | 90 | 100 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 80 | 79 |
10 | Bubba Wallace | 90 | 94 | 91 | 84 | 87 | 84 | 75 |
Note: Drivers with a * are part-time drivers.
iRacing Studios is teasing a long-term goal, even though the current ratings paint a realistic picture of the NASCAR grid as it exists now. Ratings could change seasonally in subsequent releases, potentially leading to a career or team management mode.
Such a system will allow players to recruit rising stars from ARCA or Xfinity, manage driver contracts, and develop talent over time, much like F1's career progression system.
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