The official NASCAR 25 driver roster has finally been revealed. While it’s packed with current Cup Series heavyweights, it’s noticeably missing some of the legends fans and gamers alike wanted to see. Sure, you’ve got Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott in the mix, but if you were hoping to put Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Jeff Gordon behind the wheel, you’re out of luck. However, there are plenty of other drivers to fuel your gameplay experience.

The Full Roster Serves Up an Interesting Twist

Moving past the initial shock of not having some of the most iconic names, NASCAR 25 still delivers a robust roster for die-hard fans and casual players alike. With 45 Cup Series drivers included at launch, you’ll get to pilot some of the best talent on the track today. Familiar names like Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, and Joey Logano headline the game, giving players plenty of star power to choose from when it drops on October 14 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

But wait, there’s more! The game also boasts NASCAR Xfinity, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series rosters, totaling a staggering 176 real-world drivers across all tiers. Props to iRacing for going all-in with variety. From Chase Briscoe to Shane Van Gisbergen, players will have no shortage of options when deciding who to tear up the track with.

That said, one glaring omission that’s bound to raise eyebrows and forum posts is those legendary drivers that fans can’t seem to get enough of. Where’s Kevin Harvick? What about the guy so cool they just called him “The Earnhardt”? The absence of legacy drivers feels like an odd misstep for a game that’s otherwise aiming to be “the” NASCAR experience.

Features for NASCAR Junkies and Everyone Else

The big selling point? This isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. NASCAR 25’s roster spans multiple series, and it doesn’t stop with just who’s driving. iRacing has worked to make the game as diverse and detailed as possible, and judging from the game’s features, it’s got something for every type of fan:

•  Cup Series: Perfect your rivalry with Ross Chastain after a little “bump and run” incident.
• Xfinity Series: We see you, Brandon Jones. Put that car into overdrive and prove Xfinity has teeth.
• Craftsman Truck Series: Love the grit? Try the Craftsman Truck roster for some hardcore racing action.
• ARCA Menards Add-ons: Finally, a chance to dominate with young guns like Connor Mosack and the underdogs.

With the ability to race as drivers across multiple tiers, you might not even have time to miss those legends.

The Official Cup Series Driver Roster Breakdown

Don’t you love it when a game hypes itself up and then actually delivers? That’s the vibe with NASCAR 25 because, honestly, iRacing didn’t hold back. They’ve gone full throttle with this one, revealing the full NASCAR Cup Series driver roster, and it’s everything you’d want as a racing fan. If the name NASCAR 25 doesn’t already have you rolling out a metaphorical checkered flag, wait until we break this down.

What’s the Deal with the Cup Series in NASCAR 25?

For the uninitiated, NASCAR 25 is set to launch on October 14 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC release hot on its heels via Steam. It promises not only to bring high-octane cup races to your gaming chair but to add an unmatched level of realism with a full roster of 45-plus Cup Series drivers, all modeled after their real-life counterparts. No shortcuts here. iRacing is setting the pace by adding authenticity like never before. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone who’s only watched a NASCAR race once at a wing bar, this roster has excitement written all over it.

Why the Driver Roster Matters

Let’s face it, every racing game lives or dies by the roster. Need proof? Just look at the rabid fanbase reactions for car rosters in Forza or Gran Turismo. Now iRacing is giving us an actual reason to draft this game into our must-play list because the NASCAR 25 roster is a stock car dream come true.

This roster covers all the must-haves, from heavy-hitters like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Joey Logano, to emerging talents like Zane Smith and Riley Herbst. Whether you’re starting your career mode as a seasoned pro or a young rookie, you get to put the pedal to the metal as your favorite driver. It’s not just a list but a cross-section of stock car motorsports excellence.

The Top NASCAR 25 Names You’ll Race As

Here are some names likely to leave tire marks in your gaming memory and on the virtual track.

• Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports) – Everyone’s golden boy with a killer track record.
• Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) – Expect nothing less than smooth overtakes and electric finishes.
• Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing) – One of the boldest racers currently on the field and get ready to light up the leaderboard.
• Joey Logano (Team Penske) – Consistent, calculated, and sure to bring the heat.
• Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing) – ‘The Closer’ can now be your go-to guy on the track.

For extra fun, there’s even Jimmie Johnson, who retired from full-time Cup racing but is here to remind us why he’s a Hall of Famer. Oh, and don’t sleep on familiar teams like Joe Gibbs Racing or Hendrick Motorsports. Their line-ups are stacked.

How to Leverage the Full Roster

Now, this game isn’t just about drooling over the roster, but it’s about how much mileage you’ll get out of it. Hate racing as one driver for an entire career mode? NASCAR 25 lets you switch gears. Play as Corey LaJoie at Rick Ware Racing one day, and ride with Martin Truex Jr. for some power performance the next. Here’s a wild thought, too. Imagine recreating rivalries. Been wishing you could settle that heated Chase Elliott vs. Kyle Larson debate with your friends? Pop this game in and show them who’s the better Driver of the Day.

iRacing Delivers Authenticity

We see you, iRacing, and you didn’t cut corners. Every NASCAR 25 driver is recreated with meticulous detail, from their car setups to their virtual race-day demeanor.  Expect absurdly accurate AI behavior, tied to how these drivers perform IRL. That means Kyle Busch will drive like Kyle Busch, and if you’re up front battling Elliott, expect him to fight you tooth and nail for that P1 finish.

Fast Lane Summary

Still think rosters don’t matter? Then you’re not revving in the right gear. NASCAR 25 has delivered a driver list that speaks to both die-hard fans and casual racers looking to live out their inner speed demon dreams.

• 45-plus drivers in the Cup Series roster with top names and rising stars.
• Relive classic rivalries or pick a newer underdog for that sweet Cinderella story.
• Coming October 14 (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S release, and Steam to follow).

NASCAR 25: Cup Series Driver Roster

• 1. Corey Lajoie, No. 01 (Rickware Racing)
• 2. Ross Chastain, No. 1 (Trackhouse Racing)
• 3. Austin Cindric, No. 2 (Team Penske)
• 4. Austin Dillon, No. 3 (Richard Childress Racing)
• 5. Noah Gragson, No. 4 (Front Row Motorsports)
• 6. Kyle Larson, No. 5 (Hendrick Motorsports)
• 7. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 (RFK Racing)
• 8. Justin Haley, No. 7 (Spire Motorsports)
• 9. Kyle Busch, No. 8 (Richard Childress Racing)
• 10. Chase Elliott, No. 9 (Hendrick Motorsports)
• 11. Ty Dillon, No. 10 (Kaulig Racing)
• 12. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 (Joe Gibbs Racing)
• 13. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 (Team Penske)
• 14. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 (Kaulig Racing)
• 15. Chris Buescher, No. 17 (Kaulig Racing)
• 16. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 (Joe Gibbs Racing)
• 17. Christopher Bell, No. 20 (Joe Gibbs Racing)
• 18. Josh Berry, No. 12 (Wood Brothers Racing)
• 19. Joey Logano, No. 22 (Team Penske)
• 20. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 (23XL Racing)
• 21. William Byron, No. 24 (Hendrick Motorsports)
• 22. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 (Front Row Motorsports)
• 23. Riley Herbst, No. 35 (23XL Racing)
• 24. Zane Smith, No. 38 (Front Row Motorsports)
• 25. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 (JR Motorsports)
• 26. Cole Custer, No. 41 (Haas Factory Team)
• 27. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 (Legacy Motor Club)
• 28. Erik Jones, No. 43 (Legacy Motor Club)
• 29. JJ Yeley, No. 44 (NY Racing)
• 30. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 (23XL Racing)
• 31. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 (Hyak Motorsports)
• 32. Alex Bowman, No. 48 (Hendrick Motorsports)
• 33. Burt Meyers, No. 50 (Team Amerivet)
• 34. Cody Ware, No. 51 (Rick Ware Racing)
• 35. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 (Joe Gibbs Racing)
• 36. Martin Truex Jr., No. 56 (Tricon Garage)
• 37. Ryan Preece, No. 60 (RFK Racing)
• 38. Chad Finchum, No. 66 (MBM Motorsports)
• 39. Josh Bilicki, No. 66 (MBM Motorsports)
• 40. Michael McDowell, No. 71 (Spire Motorsports)
• 41. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 (Spire Motorsports)
• 42. Jimmie Johnson, No.84 (Legacy Motor Club)
• 43. Connor Zilisch, No. 87 (Trackhouse Racing)
• 44. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 (Trackhouse Racing)
• 45. Helio Castroneves, No. 91 (Trackhouse Racing)
• 46. Daniel Suárez No. 99 (Trackhouse Racing)

Real Driving Meets Virtual Moves

NASCAR 25 isn’t just resting on a stacked roster to sell copies because gameplay mechanics are under the microscope, too. iRacing’s reputation for realistic simulation driving is working overtime in this title. Handling cars with precision is said to feel closer than ever to reality, and with the addition of a highly requested car setup feature, racing fans and gamers everywhere are internally screaming. Combine that with a unique AI system said to emulate the real-life tendencies of its driver roster, and it’s a game sure to make noise from the grandstands shake in your living room.

Worth the Hype or Just Another Lap Around the Track?

NASCAR 25 is shaping up to be a solid entry, but its missed opportunity to capitalize on nostalgia still stings. We get it, iRacing licensing contracts are a nightmare, but at least throw the fans a bone next time. Until then, players can still revel in plenty of action-packed racing with the solid lineup provided. What do you think? Is the missing Hall of Famers vibe killing your enthusiasm? Or does the stacked Cup Series roster keep you hyped enough? Either way, NASCAR 25 is coming in hot.