This has got to be one of the worst NASCAR games I have played. I have every nascar game EA has released since the old PSX and this one came as a big disappointment to me.

The grudge system is a good concept, but like most good concepts in todays games it is poorly executed. You get positive points for drafting off of another driver in increments of about 2 to 6 points, so it takes a while to get a driver on your good side. However, if you barely tap them you can take down the window net and throw those positive points away. Even worse is when they hit you from behind you also loose points. Expect to have many more grudges than alliances in this game.

The car is also ill handling. I can understand on the career mode, where you have to build your team and car from ground up, but on season or exhibition using veterans cars I expect a good handling car. They all seem to be a little loose on any track that isn't a superspeedway.

The graphics on the XBOX version are good, but nothing that leaves you in awe. The PS2 NASCAR Thunder 2003 is comparable to this one. The damage is slightly better looking than previous years and the pit crew action does look a lot better.

Unfortunately the graphics aren't good enough to make this game better than the previous years. I played the game for about a week before I plugged up the PS2 controller and began playing NASCAR Thunder 2003.