[6] Secret codes via gear shifter and by highlighting a particular car and holding down the brake pedal would allow access to drivers such as Richard Petty, Adam Petty (who died prior to the game's release), and Dale Earnhardt Jr.[4] NASCAR Arcade was developed by Sega Rosso,[6] formerly Sega's R&D #5 division.

[11][12] Senoue had previously worked on a racing game soundtrack before with Eric Martin of Mr. Big on the title track for Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition, also called "Sons of Angels".

[11] Senoue and Gioeli later released the soundtrack as the album Thrill of the Feel on March 23, 2000 in Japan under the Sons of Angels name.

[13] In a preview of the game from testing in Shinjuku, Chris Johnston of GameSpot called NASCAR Arcade "one to watch out for".

[7] The game was also demonstrated at the JAMMA 2000 show in Tokyo, with Anoop Gantayat of IGN stating the graphics and shadow effects appeared very realistic and that the steering wheel controls felt very realistic with the addition of resistance, along with good quality sound including deep, roaring engine sounds.

[15] Edge stated that unlike Daytona USA, NASCAR Arcade shows a focus on realism.