There's a reason why most drag racing we've done in videogame to date have been isolated modes built into more full featured big-time racing games like Need for Speed Underground and Test Drive. It's that there are so many exciting things you can do with an Xbox controller than play an unappealing videogame representation of this sport.
It's not that IHRA 2004 doesn't capture the essence of the motorsport.
Right now you're saying to yourself, 'Self, that sure doesn't sound like fun.' And we're here to tell you both you and yourself are absolutely correct. Whereas NASCAR videogames at least give you the periodic thrill of turning left as you make your way around the track, the sport of drag racing keeps it real by only demanding that drivers be able to manipulate a high performance vehicle in a straight line.
With the arrival of IHRA Drag Racing 2004 on Xbox it instantly became clear to us why this sport has been banished to the wee hours of the morning time slot on your second or third favorite all sports television network.
