The world of racing games just got a lot more interesting! In a surprising twist, iRacing Studios has ranked Jimmie Johnson, a NASCAR legend, as the 8th worst driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.
But wait, isn't Jimmie Johnson a racing icon?
Yes, and that's where the controversy begins. According to the recently released NASCAR 25 video game, Johnson received a shocking rating of 54 out of 100. This rating system, a new feature in racing games, is designed to mirror the approach of sports games like EA's Madden NFL series, providing a unique perspective on driver abilities.
So, what's the catch?
The game's AI drivers aren't created equal. Their performance is scaled to reflect real-life results, and this is where it gets tricky. While Johnson's recent performance might not match his legendary past, is it fair to rate him so low? Especially when you consider that his current team, Legacy Motor Club, is a far cry from his championship-winning days with Hendrick Motorsports.
The developers plotted drivers on a curve, with William Byron, the 2025 regular season champion, receiving a perfect 100 rating. But does this system truly reflect the drivers' abilities? For instance, ARCA champion Brenden Queen was rated 99, but would he maintain that rating against Cup Series drivers?
Here's the real question: Do these ratings do justice to the drivers' skills, or is it all just a game?
Share your thoughts in the comments! Are these ratings a fair assessment, or should real-life achievements hold more weight? The debate is on!
