NASCAR’s Missed Marks: Is the Sport Serious About Fixing the Next Gen Car?

For all the noise surrounding innovation and progress, NASCAR fans and drivers are beginning to ask a tough question: Is NASCAR truly serious about improving the Next Gen car, or are they just putting on a show?

Since its debut, the Next Gen car was supposed to revolutionize the Cup Series—offering parity, closer racing, and a more affordable, technically advanced platform for teams. And yes, it brought some of that. We’ve seen more winners, tighter fields, and smaller teams sneaking into the spotlight. But under the hood, and behind the scenes, frustration has been brewing like a storm on race day.

Drivers have voiced concerns about safety. Teams have questioned the lack of adjustability. Fans have pointed out the inconsistencies in racing quality, especially on short tracks and road courses. And yet, despite the growing chorus of criticism, real changes have been sluggish—or worse, symbolic.

Let’s be honest: tweaks to diffusers and aero packages are not enough when drivers still don’t feel safe slamming the wall, or when races turn into high-speed parades with little opportunity to pass. We’re more than two full seasons into this car, and the honeymoon ended a long time ago. Now, the reality has set in: NASCAR seems hesitant to make the kind of sweeping changes this car actually needs.

Why? It might be cost. It might be politics. It might even be ego. But from the outside looking in, it’s sending a clear message—one drivers and fans are beginning to hear loud and clear: we’ll fix it when we feel like it.

This isn’t just about performance. It’s about trust. When a driver straps into that seat, they’re putting their life in the hands of the sport. And when the fans tune in on Sunday, they expect a product worth their time and money. If NASCAR isn’t willing to listen to either group, then who exactly are they building this future for?

The Next Gen car still has potential. It can evolve. It can improve. But only if NASCAR gets serious—really serious—about making it happen.

Until then, all the wind tunnel tests and press releases in the world won’t fix what’s broken.