Is the Next-Gen Car Hitting New Lows in NASCAR Fan Satisfaction?

The Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, aimed to revolutionise NASCAR with improved safety, cost-effectiveness, and competitive parity. However, three years later, it is facing backlash, particularly on short tracks where drivers and fans yearn for the exhilarating, slide-happy racing of the past. The wider tyres and enhanced brakes provide exceptional grip, yet this stability has led to a lack of excitement as drivers no longer wrestle their vehicles through corners, resulting in a more predictable racing experience.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Next Gen car was designed for safety and cost control but has received criticism for its performance.
• Fans and drivers miss the thrilling, slide-driven racing that characterised earlier NASCAR models.
• Recent data shows that the Next Gen cars are slower than lower-tier series like ARCA.
• Drivers are calling for an increase in horsepower to enhance competitiveness and excitement.
• NASCAR is considering changes, but significant adjustments may not occur until 2026.

The Promise of the Next Gen Car

The Next Gen car was touted as a transformative development for NASCAR, with an emphasis on safety and affordability. It featured a more rigid chassis and improved crumple zones to better protect drivers in the event of crashes. This focus on safety was in response to growing concerns over driver injuries, particularly following incidents where rear-end collisions resulted in serious consequences.

However, while safety improvements are commendable, the core issue fans and drivers are voicing relates to the overall excitement of racing. The Next Gen car's design has led to a racing style that feels less dynamic compared to its predecessors, particularly at short tracks where the crowd expects thrilling performances.

What Went Wrong?

One of the principal criticisms of the Next Gen car is its handling characteristics. The wide tyres and enhanced aerodynamics provide exceptional grip, allowing drivers to maintain speed through corners without the need for the finesse and control that once defined NASCAR racing. Consequently, this has diminished the spectacle of driver skill and car control during races.

Horsepower and Performance Issues

Another significant concern is the engine performance. The current 670-horsepower engine package is a stark contrast to the 900-horsepower engines of the previous Gen-6 era. This reduction in horsepower has led to complaints from notable drivers, including Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, who argue that the cars have become too easy to drive. The result is a racing experience that lacks the raw energy and competitive edge that fans have come to expect from the top-tier series.

Data from recent races supports this sentiment. For instance, during the 2025 season, Cup cars led the majority of laps at tracks like Martinsville and Bristol, not because of exceptional driving skills, but due to the cars' inherent stability. This trend suggests that the Next Gen cars are too predictable, leading to less exciting racing outcomes.

Comparative Performance: ARCA vs. NASCAR

The disparity in performance between the Next Gen cars and those from lower-tier series, such as the ARCA Menards Series, has been particularly alarming for fans. At Iowa Speedway in 2025, ARCA's Brent Crews qualified faster than Cup Series pole-sitter Chase Briscoe by a full second, a shocking statistic that raised eyebrows across the racing community.

Such performance gaps have sparked outrage amongst fans and insiders alike. Many believe that the Cup Series should be the pinnacle of racing, where the fastest and most skilled drivers compete in the most powerful machines. When lower-tier cars outpace the Cup Series vehicles, it raises questions about the direction NASCAR is headed.

The Fan Reaction

Online forums, particularly Reddit, have become battlegrounds for fans expressing their frustration with the Next Gen car. Numerous comments highlight a widespread disappointment, with users lamenting the loss of thrilling racing and calling for a return to the high-horsepower chaos of the past. One particularly emphatic user noted, “Top ARCA cars running faster than Cup cars isn’t talked about enough,” echoing the frustration felt by many fans.

Kevin Harvick's blunt assessment—“The Cup cars need to go way faster, especially at the short tracks”—summarises the prevailing sentiment. Many fans believe that the current cars lack the necessary speed and excitement, leading to predictable race outcomes that do not showcase the skill of the drivers.

What Lies Ahead?

NASCAR has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the Next Gen car but has been slow to implement substantial changes. Talks of increasing horsepower or redesigning the cars are happening, but significant modifications may not be realised until 2026. This cautious approach stems from a focus on cost control and maintaining competitive parity among teams, which has left fans feeling frustrated.

As NASCAR navigates these complex issues, the pressure to revitalise the excitement of the Cup Series mounts. Fans are eager for a return to the high-octane racing that characterised the sport in its heyday, where driver skill and machine power combined to create unforgettable moments on the track.

The Future of NASCAR: A Balancing Act

The challenge for NASCAR is finding the right balance between safety, cost control, and thrilling competition. While safety remains paramount, the sport must also ensure that the racing experience is engaging for fans and drivers alike. As discussions continue about the future of the Next Gen car, stakeholders must consider the feedback from drivers and fans to restore the excitement that has been lost in recent years.

FAQs

What is the Next Gen car in NASCAR?

The Next Gen car is a new vehicle design introduced by NASCAR in 2022, aimed at improving safety, reducing costs, and promoting competitive parity among teams.

Why are fans unhappy with the Next Gen car?

Fans are unhappy because the Next Gen car lacks the raw power and thrilling handling of previous models, leading to a more predictable and less exciting racing experience.

How has the horsepower changed from previous models?

The Next Gen car features a 670-horsepower engine, significantly lower than the 900-horsepower engines used in the previous Gen-6 cars, which has contributed to the perception of decreased performance.

What changes are being considered for the Next Gen car?

NASCAR is considering increasing horsepower and possibly redesigning the car to enhance competition and excitement, although significant changes may not occur until 2026.

Why are ARCA cars outperforming Cup Series cars?

ARCA cars have been outperforming Cup Series cars due to their ability to handle better on short tracks, leading to faster qualifying times and race results.

What are the safety improvements made with the Next Gen car?

The Next Gen car includes enhancements such as a more rigid chassis and larger crumple zones to better absorb impact and protect drivers during crashes.

The discussion surrounding the Next Gen car highlights the importance of balancing safety, performance, and excitement in NASCAR. As the sport navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how future changes will impact the racing landscape. Will NASCAR reclaim its position as the thrilling pinnacle of motorsport? #NASCAR #NextGenCar #MotorsportExcitement