Since the day that NASCAR Racing Season 2003 (NR2003)launched, I have been longing to play the game that everyone was buzzing about. People mentioned how it outclassed the console NASCAR games produced by EA Sports, was able to be modified to include new series that could be used, how the online racing was impressive, and how the game could be constantly updated with new tracks, paint schemes, and other stuff as the community that supported it expanded and flourished. At the time it launched, I could not play it, mainly due to owning a junk PC that seemed to take issue with playing games on it and would constantly freeze when doing so. Knowing that my system would have a terrible time running such a game, I decided to wait until I got a better system. Unfortunately, I forgot about the game as I became caught up with the PS3 (2006) and with life in general.
Fast forward to 2011, where I was in possession of a powerful 27" iMac (powered by two Intel i3 Processors; Purchased in Fall 2009) and some spare money to invest into the game. I had come across the SimRacing Design community online, a dedicated simulation racing site that offered content for NR2003 so long as you had the game and the required patches/updates for it. After seeing what the SRD community had to offer for the game, I decided that it was high time that I sought out and purchase NR2003, the game that so many had talked so highly about back in the day. I had heard rumors of several Mac copies of the game that were floating around the internet (Amazon, eBay), so I decided to find one that was in good condition and purchase it. Compared to what was being charged for the PC version of the game (prices at $100 and up), I managed to get my hands on a factory-sealed copy of NR2003 for the iMac for a mere $55 on Amazon through one of their suppliers.
Three days later, the game arrived at my doorstop, and I excitedly popped it into my iMac. After installing the game, I set out to find the necessary updates and patches that would allow for me to use the major mods that were created for the game. After locating the hard-to-find iMac version of the 1.2.8 Update, I was all set to start downloading mods to customize the game with. Tweaking the settings, I cranked the graphics to the maximum settings and started my first-ever race (A simple 20 lap race at the in-game version of Daytona International Speedway with the 2003 Winston Cup Carset).
For my first experience with the game, it was pretty decent, but not the best. The racing on-track was fun, but the in-game AI seemed to do "odd things" and slowed down slightly upon entry into the corners. At the time I didn't know what it was, but I later discovered that it was the stock Papy.ini file (basic settings that came with the game) along with the 70% auto difficulty that had made for the poor racing. With the aid of the SRD community, I was able to make the game awesome at last with better .ini files for the game (more aggressive A.I, tighter racing, faster speeds), better tracks (modern updates of the in-game tracks plus "fantasy" tracks that added interesting twists to the already awesome game), and new mods that allowed for the use of the Grand National Series (Project WildFire), Craftsman Truck Series (PWF), along with all of the series created by SIMcot, Bullring, DesMod Racing, and other communities that featured the modern version of the NASCAR stock car. The racing went from boring and spread out with the basic .ini files to tight, fast-paced thrillers that saw dozens and dozens of lead changes among most of the field and the dreaded "Big One" crash that would wipe out half the field (just like in real-life) with the awesome .ini file from Revamped/Reloaded's site.
In the end, NASCAR Racing Season 2003 is everything that a true NASCAR gaming fan could ever ask for. Once you have the proper patches, updates, and access all of the staggering amounts of content (both Mods and Tracks) that can be found online, the game shines in every aspect. Now I can see why so many people fell in love with this game and swore on their lives that this game was so much superior to the average offerings that EA Sports delivered on both consoles and PC's. NR2003 is the reason why I stopped buying NASCAR games altogether, for why invest in another game when this one is so close to being perfect!
iMAC Version Review:
Pros: Thrilling racing, action-packed races, great A.I, great graphics, the ability to use and download mods that transforms the game so that you can race other vehicles outside of the NASCAR stock car/truck, great support by several committed racing communities who still support this game with awesome content and updates nearly ten years after it's launch. Online racing community still active (see leagues online). Still somewhat easy to find online (Amazon, eBay) to purchase.
Cons: Can be frustrating at times (if you are not big into sim racing), steep price (see PC version online, several copies going for well over $100 o_O), certain files (especially .exe files) do not work on the iMac version, thus making it impossible to use several mods (Trans-AM, V8 Supercar) or tracks (tracks created/offered in a .exe format).
Final Score: 4 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars
Recommended For: Those who love sim racing and NASCAR fans.
Not Recommended For: Those who don't care for sim racing or don't like NASCAR in general.