NASCAR 26 To Launch September 18, New Features Announced
iRacing Studios has announced that NASCAR 26 will launch on September 18, 2026, with the Gold Edition arriving three days earlier on September 15. The announcement came alongside the release of the game’s first developer diary, detailing new features and improvements.
A significant addition to NASCAR 26 is the implementation of the new Chase format, which debuted in the real NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. The Chase format will be integrated into both the game’s traditional seasons and career modes, allowing players to experience the authentic playoff structure of professional NASCAR racing.
Beyond the standard game modes, iRacing Studios is introducing a dedicated standalone Chase mode that provides additional customization options. This mode enables players to select which drivers they want competing in their experience before tackling the final 10 races of the season. The standalone Chase mode targets players interested in focusing specifically on the high-stakes playoff competition rather than full seasonal play.
The developer diary also confirmed updates to NASCAR 26’s presentation layer, with enhanced broadcast elements promised, though specific details on these improvements were not fully elaborated in the initial announcement.