March 7, 2001 - Papyrus Racing Games is known for its popular line of racing simulations ever since they set the early standard with their original NASCAR Racing, released in 1994. This title was popular from the beginning, with the most advanced physics and damage models to date. In 1996, Papyrus stunned the racing world with the release of NASCAR Racing 2. Although it used the same physics model as NASCAR Racing, the graphical enhancements and pay-to-play multiplayer made it a keeper. It wasn't until 1999 when Papyrus unveiled and released NASCAR Racing 3, complete with robust enhancements in the area of multiplayer support, would they revolutionize the production of games with completely free multiplayer gaming. Now, Papyrus has released their newest version of the NASCAR line of simulations with realism undreamt of until today.

NASCAR Racing 4, published by Sierra Studios and developed by Massachusetts based Papyrus Racing Games, is the newest title in Sierra's popular line of NASCAR Simulations. NASCAR Racing 4 is basically a whole new game, as an all-new graphics, physics, damage, and AI model have been included. NASCAR Racing 4 is the first modern-day NASCAR simulation to include all of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series tracks, including Daytona International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Now you can truly find out if you have what it takes to win the Daytona 500! NASCAR Racing 4 also features 33 official 2001 Winston Cup drivers, as well as all four NASCAR Winston Cup auto manufacturers, including Dodge which is new for the 2001 Season. Sierra has gone above and beyond in this department, and players will be eternally grateful for their efforts.

As seen in Papyrus's previous NASCAR simulations, a lot of time and effort went into the manual. Quotes from Philippe Lopez (NASCAR Winston Cup Crew Chief) regarding each track and how to setup your car are included, and are a great asset to the title. Often, publishers and developers overlook the manual, but it is a necessity in games like NASCAR Racing 4. The general interface is very easy to use, and some good features such as automatic screen-settings detection has been included, and is automatically launched on the first start after installation. This will detect settings, and test your choice of settings to determine that they are compatible. Overall, it's very user friendly and well designed.

We can only say four words about NASCAR Racing 4; this game is tough! Using the same physics engine as the one found in Papyrus's previous racing simulation, Grand Prix Legends, players now have the ability to barrel roll in large wrecks and lock up the tires if the pedals are floored. Hard impacts with the wall cause realistic rolls, and drafting is a necessity at larger tracks such as Daytona and Talladega to remain with the field. Should you happen to abuse the tires on your car then there's a chance that one might go flat, at which point you'll be enjoying a nice ride into the wall. The worst feeling in the world is leading the Daytona 500 when a right front tire goes flat with only a few laps to go, ruining your chances at victory. But, this a possibility in real racing, and it can also happen in NASCAR Racing 4. With true-to-life physics, players get the idea of how hard it actually is to drive a Winston Cup car, and how skillful the real drivers actually are.

NASCAR Racing 4 features all new damage modeling, easily one of the best models we have seen in NASCAR simulation to date. Drivers are able to damage almost every part of the car, with realistic vertex damage and mechanical failures. Should a player become involved in a front-end collision, the hood will realistically crumple, and the engine can easily become damaged. Parts will scatter across the track from the wreck, and tires can bend and twist, basically ruining any chance for a good finish. Should you abuse the gears and motor in the car, do not expect to finish the race without a lengthy trip to the pits. Should you happen to roll the car, the roof will become damaged and your ability to drive will be affected greatly. Handling is degraded in a damaged car, as is top speed, thus virtually eliminating any chance to take the victory.

Graphics are by far, one of the most important factors in a game of any type. NASCAR Racing 4 has some of the most spectacular graphics we have ever seen, with many people even mistaking the images to be real Winston Cup cars and tracks . Although these graphics are spectacular, they do not go lightly on the computer. To display a full field of cars, a powerful CPU and video card are required. Cars and objects cast realistic shadows and reflections, and even glare is visible on the cars. Papyrus has excelled in this department, and we do not possibly know how these graphics could get any better.