Read this if the game doesn't load.

Go Fullscreen

Info About American Racing

I still remember the first time I fired up American Racing and felt that rumble through my speakers—there’s something about that raw, gasoline-fueled energy that just hooks you right away. From the moment you’re cruising through the menus, you can tell the developers were aiming for that perfect blend of simulation and arcade fun. It’s not so hardcore that you need a steering wheel and motion platform, but it’s precise enough that when you nail a corner or shave off a few tenths with a gear change, it feels genuinely satisfying.

What really keeps you coming back is the customization. You start off with a pretty humble ride, but before long you’re swapping out tires, tweaking gear ratios, and bolting on a big honking supercharger. It’s the sort of progression where every upgrade feels earned—you’ll spend half an hour dialing in that sweet spot between traction and top speed, just so you can edge out a rival by a few feet at the finish line. And yes, the paint jobs are purely cosmetic, but there’s something deeply gratifying about rolling into a race sporting a livery you designed yourself.

The track selection is a surprisingly eclectic mix of iconic American venues. One moment you’re tearing down a neon-lit city street, the next you’re wrestling your ride through a dusty desert pass. Day and night cycles add a nice bit of variety, and the weather effects—light rain, puddles, glare off the pavement—actually make you rethink your racing line on the fly. There’s a career mode that strings these events together in a loose storyline, but if you just want a quick head-to-head with a friend, split-screen or LAN is right there, no fuss.

By the end of the day, American Racing isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it gives you everything you love about street and track racing in one neat package. It’s that satisfying push-and-pull between precision and raw power—plus the occasional heart-in-your-throat moment when you’re a car length behind on the final straight. Whether you’re a casual joystick jockey or someone who studies entry and exit speeds, there’s a little slice of fun here for everyone.