Here’s a bold statement: Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been ranked as the eighth-worst driver in the series by iRacing Studios’ new game, NASCAR 25. Yes, you read that right. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this rating a fair reflection of his current abilities, or is it missing the bigger picture? Let’s dive in.
Released on Tuesday for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, NASCAR 25 marks iRacing Studios’ first venture into console gaming. The game immediately sparked conversations among fans, particularly about its driver ratings. Jimmie Johnson, a legend in the sport, received a staggering 54 out of 100, placing him near the bottom of the active driver roster. This rating, however, isn’t just about Johnson’s skill behind the wheel—it’s far more complex than that.
Unlike iRacing’s flagship PC service, which focuses on real-person competition, NASCAR 25 centers on a single-player experience where AI-driven versions of real drivers compete. These AI drivers aren’t created equal; their abilities are scaled to mimic real-world performance. While this scaling is usually done behind the scenes, recent racing games have started displaying driver ratings openly, similar to sports games like EA’s Madden NFL series. But here’s the twist: NASCAR 25’s ratings aren’t just about the drivers—they factor in team performance, equipment, and other variables that influence on-track results.
And this is the part most people miss: Jimmie Johnson’s rating isn’t solely a reflection of his talent. Since retiring from full-time racing after the 2020 season, Johnson’s performance has shifted. He finished 18th in points during his final two full-time seasons, a far cry from his dominant years. Even his impressive third-place finish in this year’s Daytona 500 doesn’t fully represent his current standing as a part-time driver with Legacy Motor Club. The team he co-owns simply doesn’t match the resources or performance of Hendrick Motorsports, and that’s a factor iRacing Studios had to consider.
iRacing Studios appears to have placed all active Cup Series drivers on a curve ranging from 40 to 100. William Byron, for instance, received a perfect 100 rating as the 2025 regular season champion and back-to-back Daytona 500 winner, despite lacking a Cup Series championship. Byron is undeniably the strongest driver week-to-week right now. This approach was applied across other series in the game, such as the Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series. Take Brenden Queen, this year’s ARCA champion, who received a 99 rating—a score that might not hold up if he were competing against Cup Series drivers.
But here’s the controversial question: Should a driver’s rating be tied to their team’s performance, or should it focus solely on individual skill? Jimmie Johnson’s legacy is undeniable, but his current rating reflects his part-time status and team limitations. Is that fair, or does it undermine his historical achievements? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having!
