NASCAR Racing 4
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Predecessor | NASCAR Racing 2 |
| Founded | February 2001 |
| Successor | NASCAR Racing 2002 Season |
| Products | Racing simulation video game |
NASCAR Racing 4 is a racing simulation title created by Papyrus Design Group and launched in February 2001.
Gameplay
This edition introduced notable enhancements compared to its forerunner, including the shift from a 256-color palette to full 24-bit color, upgraded vehicle models and surroundings, and for the first time, the ability to rotate cars three-dimensionally, enabling flips while airborne. The driving physics were further refined to boost authenticity.
It was the first release since NASCAR Racing 2 to incorporate real-world car manufacturers and accommodate full 43-car grids. Featuring all 21 circuits from the 2000 Winston Cup Series season, it notably added Daytona International Speedway. The roster included 25 drivers and teams projected for the 2001 season—among them Dale Earnhardt shortly before his tragic accident—and 42 fictional competitors, many bearing sponsorships from Sierra-affiliated brands, continuing a branding pattern from prior versions.
Available gameplay modes encompassed practice sessions, single race weekends, championships, and online multiplayer through Sierra servers or external clients. A comprehensive paint shop permitted customized vehicle liveries and, for the first time, allowed importing and exporting of personalized pit crew uniforms. Additionally, a replay viewer enabled players to review saved race footage.
NASCAR Racing 4 was followed by NASCAR Racing 2002 Season.
Reception
The title garnered "generally favorable reviews," narrowly missing "universal acclaim," according to the review aggregator Metacritic.
By August 2006, sales in the United States had reached 260,000 copies, generating $10.4 million since its initial release in February 2001. It ranked as the 76th top-selling PC game in the U.S. between January 2000 and August 2006. Across that timeframe, all NASCAR Racing PC editions collectively sold 900,000 units domestically.
At Computer Gaming World’’s 2001 Premier Awards, it was nominated for "Best Simulation Game," an honor ultimately awarded to IL-2 Sturmovik. The publication commended the game for its intricate strategic elements within high-speed racing. Computer Games Magazine declared it the best racing game of 2001, dubbing it "the crown King of racing games." Furthermore, it received "Best Driving Game" at GameSpot’’s Best and Worst of 2001 Awards.