We already published the list of best original Xbox games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best original Xbox racing games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the original Xbox definitely has a great library of racing games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the original Xbox and racing games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Sega GT 2002
- Release Data: Wow Entertainment/Sega, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
As it is, the variety of courses will start to wear thin after about ten hours with the game.
Fortunately, the physics and control in the game make racing an enjoyable experience, and the selection of cars that are available to you will constantly push you down the career mode.
#24. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
While the actual racing in Need for Speed Most Wanted is probably the weak link in the chain, it’s still solid enough to keep you interested as you move from racer to racer, working your way up the Blacklist as you go.
If outrunning the law sounds like your idea of a good time, you’ll have a great time here.
#23. Need for Speed Underground 2
- Release Data: EA Canada/Electronic Arts, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Need for Speed Underground 2 starts with the previous game as a template and builds from there.
Once you’re in and racing and customizing your cars, it’s a lot of fun, but there are some obstacles standing between you and the best parts of the game.
#22. NASCAR Thunder 2003
- Release Data: EA Sports/Electronic Arts, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Overall, NASCAR Thunder 2003 is an impressive update to the previous game.
The core gameplay remains solid and is perhaps a bit more focused, and the game gives veteran racers not only the latest drivers, cars, and tech, but also a good number of new gameplay modes and features to play with.
#21. TOCA Race Driver 2
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Is TOCA Race Driver 2 really “The Ultimate Racing Simulator”? Not quite, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a great racing game.
Lofty aspirations aside, what you will find in TOCA Race Driver 2 is a deep and enjoyable racing title with more racing variety than you’re likely to find anywhere else on the market.
#20. Colin McRae Rally 2005
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
In the end, Colin McRae Rally 2005 upholds the fine tradition the series has established.
A solid driving model is bolstered by a good career mode and for those new to the series, Colin McRae 2005 offers a lot to keep you busy.
#19. MotoGP 3: Ultimate Racing Technology
- Release Data: Climax Studios/THQ, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
MotoGP 3 is one of the best yet in a series of great motorcycle racing games.
With an expanded track roster, excellent online support, and tight racing mechanics, this is the game to get if you’re a racing fan, no matter what your level of interest may be.
#18. TOCA Race Driver 3
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Simulation enthusiasts will love the variety, the challenging higher difficulty level, and all the various tuning options that can be tweaked prior to a race.
TOCA 3 is a racer with a deep, lasting impact, and regardless of what kind of gearhead you profess yourself to be, you’re certain to find something to like about it.
#17. NASCAR Thunder 2004
- Release Data: EA Games, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
All in all, NASCAR Thunder 2004 is the Madden or Tony Hawk of stock car racing games.
It’s as close as you can get to the real thing and the sheer litany of options ensures that the game will appeal to a wide range of NASCAR fans.
#16. Colin McRae Rally 04
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Colin McRae Rally 04 is every bit as good as its most recent predecessor, and in many ways, it’s quite a bit better.
Not only does it continue to refine the excellent racing gameplay found in Colin McRae Rally 3, but it provides a greater depth than the previous game.
#15. NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup
- Release Data: EA Tiburon/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Ultimately, no matter which console you own, if you’re a NASCAR fan you simply must go out and pick up NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup.
It re-creates the NASCAR experience in spectacular fashion, and all of the included modes, series options, and extras provide an excellent amount of value for the cost.
#14. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition is ultimately a great arcade street racer with plenty of lasting value.
The career mode, with its lengthy list of races and deep customization mode, would by itself make the game worthwhile.
And those who have never experienced the series would do well to give this entry a try.
#13. Colin McRae Rally 3
- Release Data: Codemasters, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Colin McRae Rally 3 offers some of the most enjoyable and realistic rally racing on any platform to date.
It is certainly one of the best rally games on the Xbox, but with its lack of gameplay options, it’s difficult not to question the game’s lifespan—particularly if you’re likely to be playing the game alone.
#12. MotoGP
- Release Data: Climax Studios/THQ, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
While it can be easily picked up and played by anyone with a passing knowledge of driving games, its sophisticated control scheme will be appreciated by fans of the sport.
In the end, MotoGP deserves a serious look from anyone who likes motorcycle racing.
#11. Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2006
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
If you bought Midnight Club 3 previously, the new cars, songs, and city will certainly be nice to have—but it’s tough to really recommend a second purchase just for that stuff.
However, DUB Edition Remix is ultimately a great street racer any way you look at it.
#10. MotoGP 2
- Release Data: Climax Studios/THQ, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Arcade-racing fans will enjoy the astonishing sense of speed and need for lightning-fast reflexes, while simulation fans will enjoy the true-to-life depiction of riding a two-wheeled racing machine.
To put it simply, MotoGP 2 is an outstanding game that belongs on the shelf of any racing fan with an Xbox.
#9. Project Gotham Racing
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Microsoft Game Studios, 2001
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Project Gotham Racing is a unique driving game that pulls off its Tony Hawk approach better than its predecessor.
While its unique spin on driving and its scarcity of cars might put people looking for the next Gran Turismo off, anyone who considers themselves a car fan should seriously consider adding Project Gotham Racing to their library of Xbox games.
#8. Midnight Club II
- Release Data: Rockstar San Diego/Rockstar Games, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
The game is a solid open-city racing game in its own right.
Yet though the game has its strengths, some of its features didn’t pan out quite as well as they could have.
Still, Midnight Club II is good for those looking for some arcade-style racing action.
#7. RalliSport Challenge
- Release Data: Digital Illusions/Microsoft Game Studios, 2002
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
RalliSport Challenge is the kind of game that you will show off to impress all your friends and family members—it looks and plays that good.
This is easily on of the best driving games available for the Xbox, and no Xbox owner should be caught without it.
#6. RalliSport Challenge 2
- Release Data: Digital Illusions/Microsoft Game Studios, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Rallisport Challenge 2 provides an enjoyable racing experience in every facet of its gameplay, and the feature upgrades give the game a huge boost of replay value over its predecessor.
It is a wonderful sequel, and if you have any interest in the rally racing or arcade racing genres, Rallisport Challenge 2 should not be passed up.
#5. Burnout 2: Point of Impact
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Acclaim, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
In the end, Burnout 2 makes significantly better use of all the elements that the game does well, from its blistering sense of speed to its hilariously destructive crashes.
The crash mode alone makes this game worth seeing, and the inclusion of the well-done championship and multiplayer modes makes it a great arcade-style racing game.
#4. Burnout Revenge
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Electronic Arts, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Burnout Revenge might not be the revolution that Burnout 3 was, but in the end, it changes more than enough to make it feel like a very different game.
It’s a technical marvel, but more importantly than that, it’s one of the most exciting racing games ever made.
#3. Forza Motorsport
- Release Data: Microsoft Game Studios, 2005
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Forza‘s main success is in finding a blend between pleasing the notoriously fickle minority that likes its driving games consistently challenging and demandingly detailed, while at the same time introducing a set of user-friendly assists.
Forza may well be remembered as a title that introduced an entirely new set of fans to the beauty and power of driving games.
#2. Burnout 3: Takedown
- Release Data: Criterion Games/EA Games, 2004
- Genre: Racing » Arcade » Automobile
Unless your only idea of driving-game enjoyment involves playing the strictest of simulations, Burnout 3: Takedown is the driving game for you.
Furthermore, it’s simply one of the most exciting, action-packed games to come along in a long time, regardless of genre.
Overall, Burnout 3: Takedown is an amazing achievement that anyone with a pulse will probably love.
#1. Project Gotham Racing 2
- Release Data: Bizarre Creations/Microsoft Game Studios, 2003
- Genre: Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Project Gotham Racing 2 is an excellent racing game overall and boasts such a sheer quantity of features and options that most other racing games simply cannot compare.
On top of that, solid gameplay and a diverse, flat-out terrific selection of cars help give Project Gotham Racing 2 plenty of long-term appeal.
Browse Original Xbox Games By Genre
See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Xbox 360 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which original Xbox racing game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!