"IndyCar Racing II" received generally good ratings, such as 7.8 out of 10 by GameSpot, and 4 out of 5 by "Computer Games Magazine". Some reviewers commented on the extreme detail and customization of the racecar, and the ability to change any part. Game Revolution remarked "There are thirteen different customizable characteristics to the car..." and "You could spend an entire week inside the garage just fiddling with the many ways to improve your car's performance." Finally some reviewers commented on the realism of the game, such as GameSpot, who noted "Even on the easiest of settings, driving an IndyCar is comparable to riding a wild bull."