NASCAR 09 couldn't be more American if it came with large fries and a shotgun. In fact, it's likely you'll gain more pounds around your waist than you actually paid for game on mere contact with it! That's not to fault EA's tendency to 'overproduce' its products though, nor is it to criticize the game's star-studded driver line-up, its southern-rock soundtrack or its dazzling array of sponsors - because they all aid in creating the most authentic NASCAR experience available. It's safe to say however that EA has a tough time ahead in marketing such a niche American sport on British shores.

Thankfully, there's a lot more to "the sport where you turn left" than us Brits would care to believe. For starters, EA's decision to bring both casual and hardcore markets into the fold this year is particularly well received. Boasting two distinct handling models in the form of Pro (which provides a cohesive simulation) and Normal (which grants you a wealth of driving aids) there's a playing style to suit the majority of gamers. While it doesn't grant a complete divide between arcade and simulation, the difference, although subtle, is enough to level the playing field among gamers.

By far the greatest draw for NASCAR fanatics is the surprise appearance of the highly revered Jeff Gordon, whose super-imposed self guides you through the early stages of the game - a masterstroke of design considering the sheer volume of material beneath NASCAR 09's bonnet. Even so, the game still fails to feel adequately streamlined, with many events open from the start proving to be a minefield for those with limited knowledge of the sport.

EA's latest then, still very much appeals to the same audience as ever - NASCAR nuts - and thankfully there's a wealth of material for them to sink their teeth into; from simple Craftsman Truck, Nationwide or Sprint Cup races to a fully fledged Season mode and even a Sprint Cup Championship where you race for reputation points, there's certainly plenty to get stuck into. There's even the option to choose a season type to suit your fancy, ranging from full, medium and short schedules to the more unique Chase for the Cup season type, a series of ten races where twelve drivers compete for the top spot. There's even a Paint Booth mode where you can design the car of your dreams, choosing from car numbers, paint jobs, decals and even sponsors.

NASCAR 09 also boasts the option to create a custom schedule, where you can tinker with series type, AI strength, race duration and the likes to create a season that's tailored to your playing preferences. Also sure to become a hit is the Sprint Driver Challenge mode, a well implemented series of seventy-five challenges that help to keep the proceedings varied. With quirky challenges such as racing a lap without going below 150 mph, passing a set number of cars in a short race, avoiding major collisions and not hitting barriers, this mode will appeal to those who don't have the time to partake in a twenty-five lap race and is certain to become a favourite among newcomers of the sport. There's even the option to take NASCAR 09 online where you can take part in custom matches with up to thirteen other players. Implementation is exemplary and although this is being hosted on EA's servers, minimal lag and waiting times didn't become a concern.

Of course EA's efforts would be in vain if the game's mechanics couldn't support the breadth of its material. Thankfully, despite a few shortcomings, NASCAR 09 outperforms its 2008 forerunner in almost every respect. The game handles well on either handling model and the AI has been fine tuned to spot the best racing lines available. That said, the AI controlled cars are still hesitant to overtake each other, still pit at questionable times and still fail to steer clear of pile-ups, often resulting in a hasty restart. Whilst this doesn't hinder the experience too much, quite why EA hasn't managed to iron out such niggling problems by now is unclear. Faults aside, the game does have some interesting mechanics; drifting behind opponents and making 'slingshot passes' through gaps comes with a great sense of achievement as you slowly meander your way to pole position, and it soon becomes clear that there really is more the sport than just turning left.

Aesthetically the game shines, although perhaps far too literally than one would have hoped, especially in regards to the highly polished cars failing to match the game's photo realistic environments. Otherwise NASCAR 09 is something of a spectacle and while it never quite reaches the heights of Project Gotham Racing, the visuals are still commendable. Lighting is handled exquisitely, as are the textures and the authenticity of the twenty-four tracks available. Sure, there's the odd glitch in animation, like the driver's hands appear motionless in the third person camera angle and the damage modelling not being quite as affluent as I'd have liked, but you won't be disappointed; this is still by far the most convincing simulation on the market.

EA has a habit of turning water into wine and they've done it again with NASCAR 09. Quite how they've managed to take such a nice, concept-limited sport such as NASCAR and transformed it into a highly immersing videogame is unimaginable, but while this year's handling models and Sprint Driver Challenge mode will open its doors to newcomers and veterans alike, it's safe to say that NASCAR 09 remains a NASCAR fan favourite due to the nature of the sport. Those who shudder at the idea of a twenty-five lap race around a loop track would do better with Project Gotham Racing or Race Driver: GRID - but for the NASCAR nuts of this world, there really isn't a greater simulation out there.

Reviewed by Ricky Lee Staines for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).