For some people, NASCAR isn't just a sport, it's a way of life. Now, for me, it's pretty much casual, but I know a gaggle of people who pretty much live and breathe it, cheering on their selected heroes (like, say, Jeff Gordon) as they move their way through the field of high-impact endorsed vehicles, guzzling gas with each gaining mile and working their way toward the checkered flag. Over the years, a few companies have tried to capture the NASCAR magic into a video game, but only one company's really come close; EA Sports.

Starting off light with a typical licensed game, and then moving around into the arcade-style NASCAR Rumble and eventually the NASCAR Thunder series, EA has essentially gotten the formula down where NASCAR is actually enjoyable for both hardcore fans and newcomers alike, capturing the speed that makes it so great while also offering a great deal of bonuses to motivate other players in joining the party. Now comes NASCAR 2005: Chase For the Cup, and it looks to be the most thrill-packed edition yet. Better grab your helmet and strap yourself in.

The main feature in NASCAR 2005 that'll be worth talking about is a Fight to the Top mode, where you build up your skills and your victories to proceed greatly on the reputation of your driver. The more you win and practice, the better you become; simple as that. There are four different series to work through, as well as a brand new Chase for the Cup mode that specifically follows the formula of the official NEXTEL Cup championship system, so you work your way through the levels just like the pros do.

With each mode, you can actually work your driver's ego up as well, and make yourself some villains with the right or wrong people. You can bend your destiny either way, so you can either be an all-around fair racer (like Dale Earnhardt Jr.) or a down and dirty sort of racer (like Tony Stewart; sorry Tony, you have that aura about you). Other series available for racing include the Craftsman Truck Series, the Featherlite Modified Series, and the NASCAR National Series, all of which you can enter with your selected driver, or even your own fully built driver.

Ah yes, the glory of customization. NASCAR 2005 allows you to Create-A-Driver, picking up the mold of a driver from scratch and crafting them to your liking. Want to create yourself? Go for it. Have a craving to see your mom racing a NASCAR vehicle? Hey, knock yourself out. After you're finished designing your driver, you can also customize the uniforms for you and your pit crew, and then design your car to your liking. A logo here, a splash of paint there, and you're ready to take your custom ride on the track.

If customization's not your speed, NASCAR 2005 still has a bunch packed into it. The game features over 35 tracks to explore, including fantasy tracks and road courses. There are a great amount of cars to choose from, including some production vehicles, like the sweet-ass Dodge Viper and other muscle cars. And with each race, you can build skill points and unlock some new rewards, like additional skills and other unlockable goodies to keep you playing. In addition, there are 60 drivers to choose from, including a bunch of pros and hidden drivers.

Need a helping hand with your skills? The SpeedZone is back, allowing you to work on your attributes as you participate in a number of tests that help you with drafting, passing, and more. There are also Lightning Challenges, where you take on different NASCAR drivers who offer over 35 individual challenges to try to make you better at your game. And there's the neat little addition of having your own fan base, working for fan support throughout each race, and even competing in a little autographing mini-game.

The real meat and potatoes in NASCAR 2005 is that the game will be online via the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and this is the first NASCAR game to utilize Xbox Live play. Up to four players can compete in an online race, and the game features stat tracking, a ranking mode, the ability to talk via voice chat or with text, and some neat little anti-cheating methods that prevent those lurkers from moving ahead. Offline, the game features support for up to four players, so you can challenge friends right there in your living room.

Finally, NASCAR 2005 will feature the most updated graphics and sound to date. The sound will work with surround sound systems and offer a star-studded game soundtrack, along with the roaring of the engines on distinct vehicles and the chatter of your pit crew. Graphically, the game looks to be a stunner, complete with lighting effects, huge detail (note: BATTLE DAMAGE), massive wrecks, and some of the best looking tracks and roadside details this side of Georgia.

EA Sports might as well prepare themselves a victory lap, as NASCAR 2005 looks to easily snag the checkered flag when it arrives later this month. Ready yourself for some kick-ass racing.