NASCAR 2011 races onto consoles in February @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on September 30, 2010

News: With new developer Eutechnyx in the driver's seat.

EA Sports hasn't released a NASCAR-based racing game in a few years and now it looks like Eutechnyx will step into the driver's seat as the European developer announced they'll be bringing NASCAR 2011 to the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360. The game will be published by Acitivision and is currently scheduled to be released sometime in February (just in time for the Daytona 500).

Eutechnyx said they want to "completely redefine what fans can expect from a NASCAR racing game" and to do that the company plans to implement a "meticulously detailed" damge model, pit stop strategy and driver AI based on real NASCAR drivers. The game will also include 22 real world tracks and it gives players the option to race as themselves or as a current NASCAR driver.

NASCAR 2011 will feature a 16-player online multiplayer mode that will allow players to earn experience points they can use to purchase decal packs, special car designs, sponsorships and special races throughout Career Mode. Experience can also be earned playing the single-player game as well.

"While NASCAR has enjoyed a rich history in video games, we really wanted to take the next generation of NASCAR games to a new level," said Blake Davidson, Managing Director of Licensed Products at NASCAR. "By partnering directly with Eutechnyx, the leading driving game developer in the business, to create NASCAR The Game 2011, we are convinced NASCAR fans and gamers alike will be blown away by the result. With Activision as the publishing partner, we have the perfect combination to set the bar for all future NASCAR titles."

The first trailer for NASCAR 2011 will make its debut on the Speed Channel during NASCAR RaceDay at 10 AM (Eastern Time) on Sunday, October 3.