NASCAR
Stern (Whitestar), 2005 • 4 Players • Racing / Sports license
A high-energy “race day” ruleset with a magnet-powered outer racetrack loop, a Hauler ramp that feeds Pit Road locks, and the rising Test Car X that opens the Garage to start modes.
Quick Facts
Design Team
Notable Features
How to Play (Quick Start)
- Pick a plan: build toward RACE Multiball (your main scoring engine) while using Garage modes for steady points and “stackable chaos.”
- Move your mode selection with the spinners: the left/right orbit spinners step the flashing Garage award so you can choose the mode you actually want.
- Open the Garage: bash the Test Car X until it rises—then shoot the scoop to start the selected mode.
- Start RACE Multiball: complete the 3-bank drops to light R-A-C-E shots, finish RACE, then use the left ramp / Hauler to light and lock on Pit Road.
- Learn your track exits: the racetrack is awesome… until it dumps you into danger. Know what each exit tends to do on your specific machine.
Rules & Scoring Highlights
Core Progression
- RACE Multiball: complete drops to light R-A-C-E shots, finish RACE, then lock balls on Pit Road via the left ramp / Hauler. Start multiball from the left ramp.
- Jackpot flow: a Jackpot is lit; collect it, then shoot the left ramp for a Bonus Jackpot to re-light jackpots and build the cycle.
- Racetrack + SPIN interaction: when a ball is on the racetrack, the SPIN shot can “cash in” by pulling the racing ball off the track and setting a higher jackpot value.
- Race position matters: certain hits move you up positions; reaching 1st place triggers a big reward moment and lights Victory Lap.
Garage Modes (the fun stuff)
| Mode Type | What it rewards |
|---|---|
| Two-ball / add-a-ball modes | Jackpots + controlled chaos |
| Timed modes | Shot sequences and “make it clean” scoring |
| Feature awards | Extra Ball / super jackpot / lit shots |
| Wizard progression | Complete all Garage awards for the big finish |
Other Scoring Features You’ll See a Lot
- Speed Shots: left orbit build-up → timed mode that lights major shots.
- Hard Racing: right orbit build-up → sequence shots for escalating jackpots.
- Road Course: earned after enough short-track laps; right ramp collects.
- Victory Lap: lit after reaching 1st place; all major shots score big points.
- Wizard mode: complete all Garage awards to reach the endgame (a big multiball-style finish).
Tournament Tips
Safe scoring plan
- Prioritize RACE Multiball and learn your Bonus Jackpot repeatability.
- Use spinners with intent to select the best Garage mode for your situation.
- Trap after racetrack returns—those exits decide who drains and who stacks points.
Common mistakes
- Starting random modes because the spinners weren’t used to choose.
- Over-bashing the Test Car when you’re one clean shot away from locks.
- Forgetting the outlane danger after fast racetrack ejections—nudge early, not late.
Media / Flyers
Stern’s marketing leaned into the magnet-powered racetrack, the Hauler/Pit Road lock system, and licensed race-day audio including NASCAR broadcast voiceover and Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55.”
Rules / Rule Sheets
Manual + Official Rules
Pop Culture / Licensing Notes
- Broadcast voiceover: callouts recorded in a NASCAR TV style.
- Licensed music: includes Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55.”
- Operator-friendly option: a replacement backglass was offered for locations sensitive to alcohol branding.
Video Tutorials & Matches
Tutorial: How to Score Big (Tournament Setup)
A practical “what to shoot and why” walkthrough, focused on tournament-style difficulty.
Stream Footage: PAPAtv Live (NASCAR Feature Night)
A fun broadcast-style stream with real gameplay decisions, ball behavior, and racetrack chaos in action.
Gameplay: Full Game Look
Watch how the Hauler/Pit Road system feeds locks and how racetrack exits can swing from “safe” to “oh no.”
Match Example: Competitive Play Clip
A matchplay-style round showing practical choices: mode control via spinners, safer lock progress, and “don’t get launched” saves.