Even the Winners Are Frustrated: NASCAR’s Next Gen Car Under Fire

Despite recent victories, top NASCAR drivers like Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are voicing significant concerns about the Next Gen car, highlighting issues that they believe are affecting the quality of racing.

Kyle Larson’s Dominance Raises Questions

At the recent Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson led an astounding 411 of 500 laps, showcasing his driving prowess. However, this dominant performance has sparked discussions about the competitiveness of the Next Gen car. Larson expressed frustration, suggesting that the car’s design limits overtaking opportunities, making races less exciting for fans and drivers alike.

Denny Hamlin’s Candid Critique

Denny Hamlin has been particularly vocal about the shortcomings of the Next Gen car. He criticized the car’s design, stating, “You will not pass when the field runs the same speed. This is the car we built. This is what ownership of NASCAR wanted. They wanted to build a sports car and we’re going to race this sports car on all these different tracks. It just doesn’t race well.” Hamlin also highlighted the lack of adequate testing before the car’s introduction, noting that multiple cars weren’t tested together until two months before the first race, leading to unforeseen issues on race day.

Calls for Change

Both Larson and Hamlin are urging NASCAR to address these concerns. Hamlin emphasized the need for increased horsepower and aerodynamic adjustments to improve racing quality. He stated, “We can fix this car. The teams can fix this car.” Larson, on the other hand, has expressed a desire to return to the previous generation of cars, believing they offered better racing dynamics.

Looking Ahead

As NASCAR continues to evolve, the feedback from its top drivers cannot be ignored. The organization faces the challenge of balancing innovation with the core elements that make racing thrilling for both drivers and fans. Addressing the concerns raised about the Next Gen car will be crucial in maintaining the sport’s integrity and excitement.