NASCAR Racing 2003 Season

 PC
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. PC Gameworld
    100
    The masters of the universe of PC racing game development have gone out the same way they came in - with a stunning achievement!
  2. Game Chronicles
    97
    This is the ultimate NASCAR simulation and with downloadable content it will be the last one you ever need unless they change the rules, add a track, or make some other significant change to the sport.
  3. Operation Sports
    97
    Even without any type of career mode, you are getting one of the most thorough and in-depth sports titles for the PC. The hardcore NASCAR fan that has the computer power to get the most out of this title will be in seventh heaven.
  5. GameZone
    95
    Some of the best online racing I have ever seen!
  6. PC Gamer
    95
    Easily the finest of the series. [Apr 2003, p.94]
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  7. Sports Gaming Network
    94
    If it had a couple more adjustments for force feedback and pedals, and had the ability so save unfinished races, it would almost be as perfect as a racing game is capable of being today.
  8. IGN
    93
    It's almost time to stop thinking of this as a game and just as a flat out simulation, a tool which will be useful for years to come and a very riveting hobby to engage in, alone or with friends.
  9. GameSpy
    92
    What's great about this level of detailed realism is that it usually doesn't make the game overwhelming, but rather makes it thrilling.
  10. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    But be warned, this isn't a beer and greasy snack-style arcade racing game - this is the real deal, as intense, deep, and accurate a simulation as exists on your computer. [May 2003, p.78]
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  11. GMR Magazine
    90
    If you want to enjoy this game in all its glory, you'd better have a top-end gaming PC and a decent racing wheel. [May 2003, p.66]
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  12. GameSpot
    88
    Though NASCAR Racing 2003 Season isn't quite a revolutionary game, it is nevertheless a worthy finale for the series.
  13. FiringSquad
    87
    Like "Quake," it’s not just a game that you get better at the more you play it – it's a game that gets better for you as you learn to understand the intricacies.
  14. Gamezilla!
    86
    Unbelievably detailed graphics that capture the entire NASCAR experience and earth shaking sound effects that still capture the guttural growls of high-performance engines.
  15. Gamers' Temple
    84
    It has a narrow niche and it fits it well – better than any racing game I’ve ever seen. I did notice some jerkiness on my older system that just barely meets the requirements, but other than that, the game ran well.
  16. Play Magazine
    80
    Without question, the must-have racing game for any fan of the sport. [Apr 2003, p.69]
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  17. G4 TV
    80
    Crowded races and difficult tracks unforgiving of the smallest mistake require dedication, concentration, high-end equipment, and lots of practice. Aside from these barriers to entry, NASCAR Racing 2003 Season looks and plays beautifully.
  18. Yahoo!
    70
    No other racing game on any platform simulates the NASCAR experience this accurately. Graphics have been improved for this year's update, but lack the arcade pop on the consoles.
  19. Computer Gaming World
    70
    This year's model leaves you feeling like it's nothing more than one big, full-priced retail patch. [May 2003, p.98]
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 36
  3. Negative: 6 out of 36
  1. JJ2478
    Sep 8, 2021
    9
    The best NASCAR game of all time, hands down.

    Graphics: 8/10, great for the era and actually hold up very well with some very minor mods    The best NASCAR game of all time, hands down.

    Graphics:
    8/10, great for the era and actually hold up very well with some very minor mods

    Gameplay:
    9.5/10, physics are great - realistic and very fun to play

    UI:
    8/10. Only complaint I have is that the in-game paint booth sucks.    … Full Review »
  2. Worcestershirey
    Sep 29, 2020
    10
    NASCAR Racing 2003 Season is NASCAR simulation at its finest. It has no career mode, but it doesn't need one, the core idea of the game is toNASCAR Racing 2003 Season is NASCAR simulation at its finest. It has no career mode, but it doesn't need one, the core idea of the game is to accurately replicate the feel of stock car racing in 2003, and the hit the nail right on the head. To this day, it is only matched by iRacing, a sim that was built off of the code of NASCAR Racing 2003.… Full Review »
  3. Robbiemacc
    Jan 27, 2015
    10
    NASCAR Racing 2003 Season is definitely a game ahead of its time. The fact that mods are still being released should give you all you need toNASCAR Racing 2003 Season is definitely a game ahead of its time. The fact that mods are still being released should give you all you need to make this a must have...only problem, good luck getting your hands on a copy at a reasonable price. I used to own this game and made the mistake of selling it years ago, trying to land a copy now is a tad difficult. Regardless this is a must have for avid NASCAR fans looking for a great racing simulator. The physics are top notch for its age and one can easily spend hours just toying with the possibilities. All in all NR2003 is easily the best NASCAR game available, yes even better than the latest renditions of the sport. GET A COPY IF YOU CAN!… Full Review »
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