Not sure how savvy you are, but open the diagnostics mode and go to switches...see if there's a switch stuck closed that is machine gunning you points (usually like an opto). Might need a bit of bending if its a regular switch or maybe a cleaning or resoldering if its an opto

NASCAR is probably not a good first pin to own. That game is a mechanical nightmare in my opinion. For $2300 you did pretty good though i'd guess. If you are fed up with your game, i bet you can sell it easily for what you paid for it.

Owning pinball is going to require some maintenance. Maybe try meeting some fellow collectors near you, try and buy from them, and not a retail store.

Generally buying from a store has its advantages and disadvantages. Price is generally way higher, but many of the "stores" offer warranty and service. Depends on how much you want to spend and how much repair you want to learn.

I would bet there is a playfield switch stuck somewhere. Turn the game off and back on and if a switch is stuck, you will see a report about it on the DMD right away.

He said he paid $2300 and then stuck another $850 into it.

Sounds like a stuck switch listen as well is it making the same noise over and over no matter what you hit check switch edges in diagnostics

I agree. An opto aligned incorrectly= bonus points!!

Check contact switches for the test car...the two targets to the right if the garage opening

If a switch was stuck wouldn't it show up as a credit dot?

Generally, I would not advise buying from a retail store. Post a want to buy ad on these forums and you will hopefully get better options. Most people on here are honest sellers and have nice working games in their collections. And ask lots of questions.
Also, search the marketplace to see what's for sale in your area.

Stern machines dont have a credit dot

join a local pinball league , usually host are private individuals that let you into their homes , start asking who is selling , you'll be surprised how nice some people are and in helping you find a game

I had an issue like this, started happening after I tightened a flipper. Regular play, flipper movements, etc, would cause points to generate. Banging on the playfield would cause points to generate. Finally traced it back to a switch that had its pieces too close together and they would fire with any movement on the game. Bent to adjust and all good.

There are ways to isolate that switch/trigger if it happens again, do points generate if NOTHING is happening, or just when playing? Try the playfield bang method to see if that generates points.

Glad to hear it's working!

If it starts doing it again, it should be a pretty easy fix. No sense in calling a tech on this one. People here will be happy to talk you through it

There's a "Credit star" though when you go into the menus.

I'd play it until it happens again. A tech may not be able to find anything if it is not acting up. Just wasting his time and your money. The crashing sound is key. Listen as you play for that same sound. See if you can figure out what targets make that sound. Then, next time the game acts up, check those targets first to see if they are bent or stuck.

Pull the glass off and trigger each switch, drop target, bumper, etc. by hand and listen for the "crash" noise and see if something is sticking on.

You can get tremendous advice at Lanes and Games - Cambridge Mass (45 minutes from Providence..no traffic).
Main pinball mainstayers attend the 2nd to last Friday night of each month..for a social $5 tourney.

You will get great advice...and the owner of the arcade is usually on-hand and is a Stern distributor.
Plus...they have the latest titles..mostly all of them - in great condition.

I agree with another poster...buying from Amusement places is a bad move.
I personally like Nascar to play, but the pin has a bad reputation.
Out of 30-35 Stern pinballs from the 2K's - only 6 go for less than $3,000 on a regular basis...and Nascar is at the very top of this list. (Wheel of Fortune, World Poker Tour, Terminator 3, Ripley's, Monopoly).

T3 is a great game for the money...and made with far better contruction than Nascar.
You can just feel it in the shots, and the game.
Good luck with your next one....and there will be a next one.

How do you meet local pinball people?

Put an ad on Craigslist "For Sale, Addams Family Pinball machine by Bally. Has original keys. $1,000 or best offer. Been in basement since we bought the house in 1994. Won't start up; it's probably a fuse somewhere. Bring several strong people. It's very heavy. "

When they start calling, tell them the first guy bought it, but you also have a NASCAR that needs a little tweaking. You'll meet lots of people.

My Flintstones was doing this and was indeed a drop target opto. Wire was not making good contact in the connector. Pushed it down and problem fixed.

Buy from local hobbiests that come recommended! Become a tech.

welcome to pinball

I met local people through RGP and now Pinside. Just by posting, chatting, helping, meeting up at the bar to play some games etc.