“I just hate to see us go backwards, and I’m afraid that we have,” Chase Elliott didn’t hold back when he voiced his concerns about the Next Gen car. His words reflect a growing frustration among drivers, as issues with the Next Gen car continue to surface nearly 3  years after its introduction.

Since its introduction in 2022, the Next Gen car was meant to revolutionize NASCAR. It was designed to cut costs, even the playing field, and improve safety. However, the reality has been far different. Instead of reducing expenses, teams have poured money into high-tech data and simulation tools. Safety concerns also emerged, with drivers openly criticizing the car’s rigidity and how it transmits impact directly to the driver.

The latest voice to join the growing discontent is 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s rising star. While appearing on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Zilisch pointed out a major flaw in the Next Gen car’s setup.

During the podcast, Zilisch compared the Next Gen car to a GT3 machine, stating, “The only thing that is weird about the Cup car is how low you run the rear. You got to do it to make speed, but it’s so uncomfortable. Especially on low air, right? That’s how Daniel ended his race. We’re out on low air, you hit a pothole or a dip in the track, and the car bangs to the ground, and you kind of lose control of it.” 

Zilich referred to his crash with Daniel Suarez at COTA. Recovering from a spin, the #99 was coming out on the track when he couldn’t turn in time and the wreck with Zilisch happened. This issue isn’t just an inconvenience—it directly impacts competition. Drivers have long struggled with the fine balance between a setup that maximizes speed and one that keeps the car stable. Zilisch himself admitted to misjudging the setup during qualifying, ultimately compromising his performance.

The rigidity of the Next Gen car has been another major point of contention. Unlike the previous generation, which allowed for more body roll and a softer feel, the Next Gen car is stiff, making even minor mistakes unforgiving.

Zilisch noted, “The wheel is you’re not doing much. You’re not turning much, right? It’s very Kind of everything’s a lot faster than the XFINITY car the XFINITY car you’re rolled over on the outside tire and You know three tires on the ground exiting the corner It’s just a lot different and softer and you know it’s it’s a lot more comfortable feeling. The cup car is really uncomfortable to drive when it doesn’t drive really well And I feel like the window is a lot smaller to get it driving.”

Zilisch’s experience is just the latest chapter in NASCAR’s ongoing struggle with the Next Gen platform. Denny Hamlin publicly criticized the leadership for failing to address the car’s issues, stating: “We can’t do it alone. They need to have their voice heard as well. A lot of these young guys are just happy to be here, but they ain’t going to be happy to be here when their brains are scrambled for the rest of their lives.” The main issue drivers face is that the Next Gen car demands aggressive setups for optimal performance, but these setups often come at the cost of comfort and safety. This was after multiple concussions and injuries raised alarms over the car’s safety. The car’s rigid structure meant that while it absorbed less damage, the energy of crashes was transferred more directly to the driver. This led to multiple injuries, including concussions that forced Kurt Busch into retirement and side-lined Alex Bowman for races.

Jeff Burton compared NASCAR’s current state to a “nuclear arms race.” Instead of cost savings, teams are locked in a financial battle, investing in technology to extract the slightest advantage. “We have an arms race. It’s a nuclear arms race in NASCAR. Whoever can buy the most technology, that’s what they’re all after. And now once everybody has it, why does it matter that you have it?” Burton said, pointing out the irony that expensive advancements aren’t necessarily translating into better racing.

However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. initially acknowledged its potential, stating during a test run, “The car does everything better.” Over time, even Dale Jr. began to express stronger reservations about the Next-Gen car, “In that attempt to try to make a car that’s more cost-effective and more durable, you know these pieces have been made too, too tough.”

Chase Briscoe summed up the unease among competitors, saying, “The (car) needs to be as safe as it could possibly be. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be. With the old car, you felt invincible, right? You could make these huge crashes and you’d get out and you’d be OK. And with this car, you haven’t had this same feeling.”

Connor Zilisch’s struggles with the Next Gen car echo those of veteran drivers, proving that these concerns aren’t just growing pains but deep-rooted flaws in the car’s design. As NASCAR continues to tweak the car for future seasons, drivers are left to navigate a machine that is fast but unpredictable.

Is NASCAR’s Pursuit of Parity Compromising Performance?

The introduction of NASCAR’s Next Gen car aimed to revolutionize stock car racing by promoting cost-effectiveness and parity among teams. However, recent performances, particularly at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), have raised concerns about its effectiveness. Notably, the Cup Series cars posted a pole time of 1:38.08, trailing behind the Xfinity Series’ 1:37.26.

One of the biggest concerns is the combination of reduced horsepower and increased aerodynamic drag. The current 670-horsepower package, coupled with a substantial aero wake from the rear diffuser and underbody, limits straight-line speed—one of the most critical factors on tracks like the COTA. This has led to the bizarre reality of Cup cars, historically NASCAR’s fastest machines, being outpaced by Xfinity cars that have less advanced technology, smaller tires, and a more outdated suspension system.

Denny Hamlin pointed out how difficult it is to maneuver in traffic, further complicating the racing experience. “These cars are the worst in NASCAR in traffic,” Hamlin stated, emphasizing the challenges of overtaking and maintaining pace in a pack. Meanwhile, Xfinity drivers, with their lower downforce setups, seem to have an easier time managing airflow and maintaining speed on road courses.

This shift has reignited the debate over whether NASCAR’s focus on parity is hurting the premier series’ identity. The Cup Series is meant to showcase the best stock car racing has to offer, but with its top division struggling against a lower-tier series, some wonder if NASCAR needs to revisit its approach.

Could a return to higher horsepower be the answer? Or does the series need a complete rethink of its aerodynamics? One thing is certain—the conversation about the future of Cup racing is far from over. What do you think?