The Next-Gen car has proved to be one of the toughest cars in NASCAR history, with its issues being all the more relevant on short tracks. The car even had seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson stumped who admitted to not being able to figure out how to work it at Dover. Johnson finished P28 in the race, but his issues started from the very first Cup session of the weekend. Turns out that his preference for the previous cars might be hindering him from getting better with the current one.

Jimmie Johnson experiences the Next-Gen cars issues with passing at Dover

The former Cup Series champion faced issues with passing in the 20-minute practice session ahead of qualifying. Johnson revealed that he was stuck behind Daniel Suarez and no matter what he did, just could not get into a good position to pass the Trackhouse Racing star. He was also a victim of unintentional air-blocking by Suarez and realized exactly what the drivers of today have to deal with every week. The Next-Gen seems to be the kryptonite for one of the greatest of all time and no one wants that.

“I was trying to get by the #99. I was hopeful that I could get close to him in the center of the corner and kind of wedge him up out of the way or get some air in there to move him and I didn’t get on his a** but I felt like I was close enough with previous generation’s cars that would have done something. It[the Next Gen car] did not do anything. Then when he would cut the stream off at the second apex and I was behind him, it was just loss of downforce, pretty balanced. I lost all four and used up more road than I expected on exit,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.

However, it’s not just that the car that has changed since Jimmie Johnson announced his retirement as a full-time driver from NASCAR. The environment at the race tracks has undergone a massive change as well and the Legacy Motor Club boss felt that firsthand at Dover.

Things are not how the Johnson remembers them

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For Jimmie Johnson right now, racing in NASCAR is like a luxury. A luxury is meant to be enjoyed and not be stressed over. But in this new car and with the new environment all around him, he has not been as happy as he expected to be. He has taken part in three races so far this year but is yet to finish higher than P28. That’s something he would like to change, but things are just not how he remembers them anymore.

“It’s just so different. I realized that quickly at Texas. I have a few wins at Texas and that didn’t carry in. It’s really on me. It’s just such a different environment as a driver. And to spot this garage a two-year headstart — and these drivers a two-year headstart — on the little nuances that you need on the prep side on a Tuesday all the way through completion on Monday … it’s just a lot of distance to make up,” the former Hendrick Motorsports star said as per Bay to Bay News.

The Next-Gen car might prevent him from challenging for a race win ever again but it is an honor for fans to see the great man on track, doing what he does best. No matter the results, everyone hopes that Jimmie Johnson can stretch his part-time driving career in NASCAR as much as possible.