The 2022 NASCAR Cup season is well and truly underway. Many drivers are just about managing to get used to the Next Gen cars. However, some of them are not overly fond of the new cars, and one of them is William Byron. His primary grouse is with the hybrid engine present in the Next Gen car.
He said, “What I’m worried about is just how they control these Next Gen cars. I’m kind of worried about hybrid (engines). I don’t know how I would like that, whether that would be fun or not. So I’m worried about how we keep innovating, but still stay competitive like we are.”
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Does William Byron have a point in being concerned?
Admittedly, he has every right to be concerned. Obviously, he knows that technology is constantly advancing, and NASCAR cannot stay stagnant. At the same time, teams need to ensure that potential innovations, do not affect the sport’s competitiveness negatively. In fact, every motorsport’s worst nightmare is a race where it is close to impossible to overtake or fight for position.
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Nobody likes a race where it is simply a procession and things get boring. NASCAR already had a horrible time when the infamous Cars of Tomorrow were introduced. So, everyone will be hoping that the Next Gen cars will live up to their promise of making the racing more exciting. So far, they seem to be doing a good job of it, with the racing being unpredictable, and some drivers struggling initially.
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For now, William Byron will have to focus on ensuring that he is well in contention for the championship. Just like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson before him, he will be keen to fortify the Hendrick Motorsports dynasty. He is already off to a great start, with two wins this season, more than any other driver. However, the championship battle is still in its infancy. So, Byron will have to stay on his toes to maintain his advantage.