s NASCAR grows, so must its video game. Diehards will pick up this game just to tweak the gear ratios or to get the year’s driver update. But to get everyone else interested, developer EA Tiburon has gone far beyond a simple roster expansion. By making its career mode even more complex, it has succeeded in giving players of all stripes quite a bit to chew on.

Real life drivers face a hectic schedule filled with test sessions, appearances, and work in the shop. Chase for the Cup’s Fight to the Top career mode is sweet, not necessarily because of its attempt to mimic reality, but because it opens up the game dramatically. Even though previous titles have put you in charge of your race team, there is so much to do this year that it relieves some of the season-to-season monotony. It also lessens the gameplay curve with more chances to earn cash. Through the four racing series (Featherlite, Craftsman Trucks, a Busch-like league, and Nextel Cup), you can fill your calendar up with events once you earn contracts for the various series. You can even own teams where you control the R&D, paint schemes, and have drivers race for you (if you want).

The all-encompassing nature of the career mode is enhanced by the expansion of grudges and alliances (which now take longer to engage during a race) because you are rated as a Hero or a Villain. Push the Intimidator button when you’re behind someone instead of just drafting with them, and you might spin them out and be labeled a bully on the track. It’s a little too effective against younger drivers, but it’s a step towards replicating the dreaded aero push condition, and being a Hero or a Villain is important to moving up the ranks and garnering fans. This even introduces an autograph minigame. Although I could do without the cheesy off-the-track production model races, I simply loved the variety of things to do that popped up all around this game.

This title has made some subtle improvements with its AI, such as rival drivers who won’t sell the farm just to wreck you and CPU drivers who are smarter when a crash occurs in front of them. However, work is still needed with the AI. I particularly would like to see the pit stops overhauled. As for the graphics, it’s still a sore spot (it looks like Vaseline is being boiled on the horizon), and their ugliness keeps this game from scoring a nine.

Diehard NASCAR gearheads won’t forgive EA for pushing Papyrus and Monster Games out of the market, but this is a game that is strong in almost every department, with something to offer everyone.  

ANDREW REINER   8.5 I never thought I’d find myself comparing content from a NASCAR game with the character development in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, but the connection in Chase for the Cup is unmistakable. Not only is it amusing to see your character’s reputation fluctuate between Hero and Villain, this system changes the racing dynamic. After slamming into my opponents and taunting them with the new Intimidate button, I quickly learned that I was a marked man in the next race. Career mode is also bustling with newfound depth and variety, as players must now earn the right to tailgate with the pros. I really like how the gameplay shifts gears between traditional NASCAR, smaller leagues, and even illegal street racing. Just when I thought this series was running out of gas, EA has completely reworked it with irresistible content and a bold new direction.