EA Explains Why Wii Car Absent From NASCAR Kart Racing

Earlier today, EA Sports released the first trailer for its upcoming NASCAR game, designed exclusively for Wii.  Ironically, as the Wii's only NASCAR game, Greg Biffle's #16 Wii car (pictured below) is not featured on the games box art or as a playable driver in the game.

The Wiire spoke with EA Publicist, Julie Michel, and asked for clarification on the issue. Michel provided several reasons as to why the Wii car is not included in the game.

"Greg Biffle is not one of the licensed drivers in the game.

 

There are several reasons that Greg Biffle's Wii car is not included in the game. Our NASCAR Kart Racing game is focused on aligning with the 2009 NASCAR season. At the time that we had to make decisions about drivers/content, there was no confirmation that Wii would be a sponsor of Biffle in 2009. Also, all of the cars in the game are based off of the drivers' primary sponsor. Greg Biffle's primary sponsor is 3M. In addition, we have made sure that the drivers' confirmed primary 2009 sponsors are included. For example, Tony Stewart's car is Office Depot, as opposed to The Home Depot."

With Michel saying "there was no confirmation that Wii would be a sponsor of Biffle in 2009" it appears EA was at least considering including the vehicle, but the parties involved could not arrange it in time for the game's development schedule.

This clarification also rules out Greg Biffle as one of the two "unlockable mystery characters" available in the game.