As if EA have suddenly remembered they have exclusive rights to the sport of NASCAR (it got lost in their bulging closet), they have announced NASCAR 08, which is set to be released later this year. Great news to fans of the sport, and don’t let the EA tag put you off, because the game will be sporting Tony Stewart’s mug on the packshot!

EA are promising that this will be the most realistic NASCAR game to date. The career mode starts you out as a rookie driver, and you have to develop your driving skills and pick up licences and contracts that will help further your career, which in turn will unlock bigger and better cars for your usage. Every race you participate in will gain you experience, and you can modify your car’s handling with over forty tuning possibilities. You can even share your setup with the community, or go head to head over Xbox Live, with the game supporting up to sixteen drivers.

For those that have never heard of Tony Stewart, he is a rather successful driver in the world of NASCAR. He has finished in the top ten in 59% of all races he has competed in. Quite impressive, and not something many could brag about. He has also never finished below 11th in the final point standings at the end of the season. Again, not many people can say that. The guy also isn’t afraid of controversy. He has been involved in several incidents of, in partcular he once deliberately smashed into an opponents car after the opponent got too tight to Stewart. The opponent went spinning into another opposition driver. Quite amusing towatch I’m sure! Stewart had the following to say about the game:

“Being on the cover of NASCAR 08 is an honor for me and my team. I am really impressed with the next generation game features and graphics - the realism and authenticity are amazing.”

The game is set to be released sometime this Summer.

Thanks to nofear360 for submitting.