Particle.news
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

Drivers and Fans Clash Over NASCAR’s Next Gen Car as Calls for Technical Fixes Mount

High-profile clashes over reduced overtaking have fueled fan unrest with NASCAR studying selective horsepower and tire changes.

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Veteran drivers such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin criticize the car’s aero package and handling for causing fewer mid-run passes and liken its reception to the Car of Tomorrow era.
  • Kyle Petty’s defense of the Next Gen model as a necessary evolution drew sharp responses from crew chief Cole Pearn and sparked online backlash from fans.
  • Jeff Gluck’s weekly “Was it a good race?” poll recorded just 28.1% approval for the recent Watkins Glen Cup race, marking one of the lowest ratings since the platform’s 2022 debut.
  • Insiders warn that fan dissatisfaction is approaching a tipping point that could lead to protests outside NASCAR’s Daytona headquarters.
  • NASCAR has ruled out any platform alterations before 2026 and is exploring targeted tweaks, including potential horsepower increases and revised tire compounds for select short-track events.