When it comes to stock car racing on the PC, Papyrus leads the pack to the checkered flag.

NASCAR Racing 2002 Season, published by Sierra, attacks the new NASCAR season with gusto, taking superior graphics and adding 2002 sponsors and teams, plus a few new options.

The immediate reaction to launching this program, much as it was in the previous incarnation, is a bug-eyed look at the jaw-dropping graphics. This game is amazing, and looks like it came right off the television screen with the notable exception that you are in charge of a car.

But aside from the amazing graphics, Papyrus has packed in something that was heretofore missing, and needed. Players can now take driving lessons, learning to control the 3,400 lbs. machine that churns out 750 horses of high-speed unpredictable fun.

Novices do not need to feel intimidated jumping behind the wheel and simply putting the peddle to the metal. The latest version of the program includes driving lessons, which will not only allow inexperienced players to ease into the feel of NASCAR racing, but also has invaluable tips and training about chassis setup. That is instrumental when it comes to being able to compete on one of the 23 tracks included with the game.

In addition to the driving lessons, players can also indulge the need for speed in a testing session, single race, championship and multiplayer.

The game does require that all controllers be calibrated within the game – a simple process that just takes a few minutes for setup.

And yes, when it comes to controls, it is a matter of gas, brake, shift and steer. While that may sound simple, it is far from that. These cars can get away from you quickly, and leave you spinning helplessly either toward the wall or down in the infield.

Darrell Waltrip narrates a tour around the tracks, which is the only ‘gentle’ audio portion of this game. Racing can be incredibly loud, but that only adds to the adrenaline rush experienced when taking on a field of drivers.

If there were a drawback to this game, it would be in the AI of the computer opponents. It seems to have a tendency of moving as though a single unit, and not as individual cars. However, even if you manage to keep up, watch how you navigate through the pack. Stay on the outside too long and you will become well acquainted with the wall. The computer cars are not adverse to ‘rubbing’ you.

As mentioned, the graphical elements of this game are stunning. Not only does the track look amazingly real and retains the skid marks and wall scuffs, but shadows and pit crews are rendered extremely well.

NASCAR 2002 Season is a superb example of a game that imitates real life well. It has something for everyone, from rookie to seasoned circuit driver.

This game does support multiplayer gaming and is rated for Everyone.

Install: Easy
The game only requires 500 megs of hard-drive space and goes on quickly.

Gameplay: 9
The game moves flawlessly from the green flag to the checkered flag.

Graphics: 9.5.
NASCAR 4 rated this score, and there is no reason to knock it down. The attention to the 3D physics means a game that is unparalleled.

Sound: 9
Again this game delivers a wall of sound. What you hear on weekend-televised races from the driver’s cockpit is what this game delivers.

Difficulty: 8.8
When you have the combination of bald tires on a smooth surface you have the elements of danger lining up to wreak havoc with game players. Fortunately, the driving lessons help create a climate of understanding that was missing before.

Concept: 9.
Papyrus has taken a solid game, updated some of the features and added new ones to round out the program.

Multiplayer: 9.
This game is well supported online, and up to 43 drivers can participate in an online race. Of course, you will have to qualify for the races.

Overall: 9.3.
This is an incredible racing simulation. It has everything that will keep fans of the genre launching it over and over. Just don’t play it before jumping in a car – driving in the real world can seem awfully slow after a trip around a NASCAR track.