The game received "average" reviews on both platforms according to the
review aggregation website
Metacritic.[2][3] However, David Chen of NextGen said of the PlayStation 2 version, "Ultimately as enjoyable as driving in circles, NASCAR 2001 is neither pretty nor fun."[21]
Lamchop of GamePro said in its November 2000 issue, "Ultimately, NASCAR 2001 for the PlayStation is a fast-paced racing game that should keep you glued to the track—if you can overlook the sound issues. At the very least, a rental will get your adrenaline pumping for a weekend of true NASCAR competition fun."[24][b] About an issue later, Air Hendrix wrote, "For its rookie season on the PS2, NASCAR 2001 handles like a winner. It's not perfect, but it's close enough to thrill stock-car fans looking for the next cool ride."[25][c]
Notes
^Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PlayStation 2 version each a score of 6/10, 4.5/10, and 5.5/10.
^GamePro gave the PlayStation version 4/5 for graphics, 3.5/5 for sound, and two 4.5/5 scores for control and fun factor.
^GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version three 4.5/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 3.5/5 for sound.
^Sewart, Greg; Dudlak, Jonathan; Hager, Dean (January 2001).
"NASCAR 2001 (PS2)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 138. Ziff Davis. p. 209.
Archived from the original on January 26, 2001. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
^Helgeson, Matt (December 2000). "NASCAR 2001 (PS)". Game Informer. No. 92. FuncoLand. p. 111.
^McNamara, Andy (December 2000).
"NASCAR 2001 (PS2)". Game Informer. No. 92. FuncoLand. p. 93. Archived from
the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
^Provo, Frank (November 17, 2000).
"NASCAR 2001 Review (PS2)". GameSpot. Fandom.
Archived from the original on February 11, 2001. Retrieved July 22, 2023.