GameSpot: Tell us about the decision that was made to make NASCAR SimRacing for PC in the wake of NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup on consoles. What are the main differences between the PC game and Chase for the Cup on consoles?

James Hawkins: Eighteen months ago, we decided to develop different games for the PC and the consoles. NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup would focus on bringing the NASCAR experience to life in a fun and interactive way designed specifically for console gamers. NASCAR SimRacing was designed to provide PC gamers with the ultimate NASCAR simulation racing experience. To make this happen, we created a new internal team here at EA Tiburon consisting of the top NASCAR developers and producers to focus exclusively on this title. For the PC, the most popular and successful racing games use complex models to simulate real-world physics and vehicle dynamics so as to re-create the experience of driving race cars as realistically as possible.

While "clans" engage in authentic virtual combat missions such as those featured in games like Battlefield 1942, like-minded "teams" of NASCAR players will get behind their steering wheels and pedals to line up on the grid and compete in virtual races, like the Daytona 500 featured in NASCAR SimRacing. Online "sim racing" is very popular on the PC, and NASCAR SimRacing enables 43 players, located anywhere in the world, to race against each other. All you need is a PC, NASCAR SimRacing, and a broadband Internet connection. The very best sim-racing drivers practice and race on a daily basis. They demand the utmost in attention to real-life details and absolute authenticity. So, as far as they are concerned, their races are real.

The name NASCAR SimRacing is indicative of the key difference between our new PC experience and NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup. NASCAR SimRacing is a simulation designed by veterans and tested by real NASCAR drivers