NASCAR 25: Driver Ratings by Track Type

The wait is over, and NASCAR 25 has hit the consoles, bringing the thrill of the track to gamers everywhere. One of the most debated topics surrounding any new sports game is the driver ratings, and this year is no different. The developers have gone deep, rating drivers not just on their overall skill but also on their specific prowess across different circuit styles. Understanding these nuances is key to dominating every race on the schedule.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the NASCAR 25 driver ratings by track type. We will dive into each category, from the high banks of superspeedways to the technical twists of road courses, and highlight the drivers who have earned top marks. Whether you’re building a dynasty or competing online, knowing who excels where will give you a critical edge.

NASCAR 25: Driver Ratings by Track Type

Superspeedway Specialists

Superspeedway racing is a high-stakes chess match at over 200 mph, where drafting, strategy, and nerves of steel are paramount. It’s no surprise that drivers known for their pack-racing intelligence and timely moves lead this category.

In the Cup Series, Joey Logano earns a perfect 100 rating, cementing his status as one of the best superspeedway racers of his generation. Right behind him are Chase Elliott (99) and Austin Cindric (99), both known for their ability to navigate the chaos of Daytona and Talladega. William Byron (98) and Ryan Blaney (97) round out the elite, making them formidable threats in any draft.

Moving to the Xfinity Series, Austin Hill rightfully claims a perfect 100 rating. His repeated success at Daytona makes him the undisputed king of this track type in the series. In the Craftsman Truck Series, it’s no shock to see Cup Series veteran Kyle Busch with a perfect 100, showcasing his mastery in any vehicle.

Top 5 Cup Series Superspeedway Ratings:

1. Joey Logano – 100
2. Chase Elliott – 99
3. Austin Cindric – 99
4. William Byron – 98
5. Ryan Blaney – 97

Speedway Dominators

Speedways are the bread and butter of the NASCAR schedule, encompassing tracks over one mile in length that are not classified as superspeedways. These tracks demand a balance of raw speed and handling.

Denny Hamlin is the king of the speedways in the Cup Series with a perfect 100 rating, a nod to his consistent success at places like Pocono and Indianapolis. He is followed closely by William Byron (94) and Kyle Larson (94), two drivers who have demonstrated incredible speed on these larger ovals.

In the Xfinity Series, rising star Connor Zilisch surprisingly leads the pack with a perfect 100 rating, highlighting the game’s recognition of his raw talent. He’s joined at the top by veteran Justin Allgaier (99). The Truck Series sees another perfect 100 for Corey Heim, who has proven to be a dominant force on these types of tracks.

Top 5 Cup Series Speedway Ratings:

1. Denny Hamlin – 100
2. William Byron – 94
3. Kyle Larson – 94
4. Chase Elliott – 93
5. Bubba Wallace – 91

Intermediate Track Aces

Intermediate tracks, typically 1.5 miles in length, are where aerodynamic performance and long-run speed truly shine. These tracks make up a significant portion of the schedule, and success here is often a championship indicator.

William Byron stands alone with a perfect 100 rating in the Cup Series, reflecting his incredible performance on these tracks over the past few seasons. Denny Hamlin (94) and Kyle Larson (96) are his closest competitors, known for their ability to find speed and manage their tires over long green-flag runs.

The Xfinity Series sees Justin Allgaier at the top with a perfect 100, recognizing his veteran savvy on these circuits. In the Truck Series, Corey Heim once again earns a perfect 100, solidifying his reputation as a master of 1.5-mile ovals.

Top 5 Cup Series Intermediate Ratings:

1. William Byron – 100
2. Kyle Larson – 96
3. Denny Hamlin – 94
4. Tyler Reddick – 93
5. Ryan Blaney – 93

Short-Intermediate Experts

This category blends the characteristics of short tracks and intermediates, featuring unique layouts like Phoenix, Gateway, and New Hampshire. These tracks require a delicate balance of braking, cornering, and throttle control.

Christopher Bell is the undisputed master here, earning a perfect 100 rating in the Cup Series. His victories at tracks like New Hampshire and Phoenix make him the driver to beat. Ryan Blaney (99) is just a step behind, followed by William Byron (97) and Denny Hamlin (94).

In the Xfinity Series, veteran Aric Almirola scores a perfect 100, showcasing his prowess on these technical tracks. The Truck Series is again dominated by Corey Heim with another perfect 100, proving his versatility across different oval types.

Top 5 Cup Series Short-Intermediate Ratings:

1. Christopher Bell – 100
2. Ryan Blaney – 99
3. William Byron – 97
4. Denny Hamlin – 94
5. Chase Elliott – 93

Concrete Kings

The schedule features a few unique concrete surfaces, most notably at Bristol, Dover, and Nashville. These tracks present a different kind of grip and challenge, demanding a specific driving style.

Denny Hamlin is rated a perfect 100 in the Cup Series on concrete, backed by his multiple wins at Bristol and Dover. Kyle Larson (97) is his biggest challenger, renowned for his ability to run the high line at these venues.

The Xfinity Series sees another perfect 100 for Justin Allgaier, whose experience at these tough tracks pays off. In the Craftsman Truck Series, Layne Riggs gets the nod with a perfect 100 rating, an impressive feat for the young driver.

Top 5 Cup Series Concrete Ratings:

1. Denny Hamlin – 100
2. Kyle Larson – 97
3. Christopher Bell – 92
4. Ryan Blaney – 92
5. William Byron – 90

Road Course Ringers

Road course racing has become a critical part of the NASCAR schedule, requiring precision, technical skill, and braking expertise. This is where drivers with diverse motorsport backgrounds often shine.

It’s no surprise that international superstar Shane van Gisbergen earns a perfect 100 rating in the Cup Series. His stunning debut win in Chicago solidified his status as the premier road racer in the field. He is followed by a group of talented road course drivers including Chase Briscoe (87) and Chase Elliott (85).

In the Xfinity Series, phenom Connor Zilisch also secures a perfect 100, reflecting his extensive road racing background. Corey Heim makes it a clean sweep of perfect ratings in the Truck Series for ovals by also capturing a 100 on road courses, demonstrating his all-around talent.

Top 5 Cup Series Road Course Ratings:

1. Shane van Gisbergen – 100
2. Chase Briscoe – 87
3. Chase Elliott – 85
4. Tyler Reddick – 85
5. Chris Buescher – 84

Master the Track

Understanding the NASCAR 25 driver ratings by track type is your first step toward victory lane. While overall ratings provide a good baseline, digging into these specific skill sets will help you choose the right driver for the right race. Use this knowledge to exploit matchups, build a versatile team, and conquer every circuit on your path to a championship.