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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.
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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.