When the weather is bad or the car is broken (knock on wood it NEVER breaks), and you just have to have your racing fix, then check out NASCAR 2001. It's definitely a race fan/driver's mecca if you can't have the real thing. There are so many good points about this game it would take me forever to list them, so I'll just list a few. 

The interaction between the game interface and the player is great. The controls are, to say the least, well done--they are very. very smooth. You can race by yourself or with a friend (I prefer the 2 player mode myself). With plenty of options you are sure to find a mode that suits your need for speed. You can choose either arcade style or simulation, you get to choose your driver's abilities, the length of the races, how you want to set up pitstops, damage levels, and of course the sound and graphic options. If you are in 2-player mode, you can choose speed boost, which helps a trailing car to catch up and make the race a little more competitive. You also have the season championship mode with point displays at the end of each race so you know where you stand in the points chase. 

The sounds are great and the commentary is sure to keep even a rookie alert. The graphics are outta this world and with the different driving views, you can get a really good perspective of what it's like to be in the driver's seat of a real race car. The instruction booklet is concise and to the point, which certainly makes it a lot easier to navigate if you are new to gaming. 

The only real gripe I had with the game is the fact they took away some of the car set-up options. I think they really shoulda left those options in because it made the game that much more realistic. All in all though, it's a game that's fun and well worth buying.

Install: N/A

Gameplay: 8
Smooth controls and lots of reality

Graphics: 10
Unbelievable

Sound: 9
It's real.

Difficulty: 7
Depends on the levels you choose

Concept: 8
If you like racing, then you'll love this one.

Multiplayer: 7
Ya never race alone, and this game has a 2 player option that makes sure you can challenge your friends.

Overall: 8
A great game and a lot of fun, but I didn't like a couple of the changes they made.