As a Formula One fan, just like almost everyone outside the US, we find NASCAR extremely dull. I had played just one previous NASCAR title on the PS1 and it was the most shoddy racing game I ever played, so when I decided to purchase NASCAR 09, it was more of a risk than anything else. The risk paid off. The business of actually driving is very good and its critical to get at least a decent set up for the track you are on. Setting up a car itself to compete takes time, but somewhat rewarding. You can check on many things including where your tyres wear, its temperature in the centre, inside and outside of each tyre, oil and water temperatures, front and rear weight and more. The AI will be aggressive and try to pass, you do need to be consistant and like another poster commented, tyre managment is key. Handling also changes as races go on which is realistic. Im hard pressed to find faults worth pointing out because you really do need to drive in a realistic and proper manner, keeping your nose clean, adjusting your style as handling changes and as the race progresses. I would have liked it more if EA let you drive the caution laps yourself for a little added realism. I don't even really like NASCAR much at all, but this game is tops.