The Car of Tomorrow (COT) in NASCAR was supposed to be an advanced and innovative vehicle designed to perform at the highest level of NASCAR. It was also supposed to boast a plethora of cutting-edge features and technologies that made it faster, more efficient, and more reliable than any car that had come before it. From its advanced aerodynamics to its powerful engines and suspension systems, it had the makings to be the next generation of race cars. However, it ended up being hated by the fans and the drivers in particular.
Several NASCAR drivers, including Jeff Gordon, did not like the car of tomorrow. Furthermore, others like Gordon felt that the car did not handle as well as the previous generation NASCAR vehicles. Moreover, suggesting that it did not provide the same level of satisfaction or enjoyment on the track. The COT was a source of frustration and resentment among some drivers who preferred the familiar and trusted vehicles of the past. If anything, they looked like oddly shaped boxes heavily loaded with aerodynamic features, like wings.
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Talking about the car, the four-time Cup Series Champion, Jeff Gordon, once said, “I’ll admit, I’m not a big fan of the Car of Tomorrow. I think there’s some technology in there that’s good. Certainly safety-wise, I think there are some things that I like.”
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How was the COT different from the previous generation?
The COT was a radical departure from the older generation of NASCAR vehicles. It featured a completely redesigned aerodynamic shape that was intended to improve performance by reducing drag and increasing stability.
However, this new design also required teams to adjust heavily their setups and strategies. Mostly in order to extract the maximum potential of the car’s capabilities, whilst also making it drivable. In addition to its aerodynamic changes, the car of tomorrow had more powerful engines and advanced suspension systems. It also had improved safety features, such as additional crush zones and a better seat design.
The major advancement that this new generation offered was the drastic improvement towards safety. After the untimely and unfortunate death of Dale Earnhardt during the 2001 Daytona 500 race, everyone had their minds on improvements toward safety. While the car was terrible at providing better racing, it definitely was a step up in terms of driver safety.
Overall, the COT was a major advancement in safety technology and represented a new era in the world of NASCAR. But why was there so much hate toward something built to be the next generation of NASCAR cars?
Poor design by NASCAR plagued the Car of Tomorrow
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It felt like they rushed the car into play. The radical designs would have demanded more time in testing. There was no denying that the cars felt safer than ever before, but the drivability frustrated the drivers the most.
As per AutoRacing1, Kenseth said, “It’s funny. You’re out here (and) the normal car looks like a racecar. And you catch (a COT), and it kind of looks like a school bus or something. It looks really, really strange, so it is going to take some getting used to.” Further criticisms of the car arrived at how the car looked out on track. Drivers suggested that it looked less like a racing car. Earlier generations of the car even featured a front splitter. This apparently cut the tires of other cars if they came in contact. Moreover, the foam used to protect the driver would at times catch fire during crashes. Which would end up filling the cockpit with smoke. Though it later builds this was correct. The problems with the drivability never went away.
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Despite facing criticism and resistance from drivers and teams. When it was first introduced, the COT ultimately became the standard in NASCAR. Moreover, it also left a lasting legacy on the sport. Its advanced but absurd design and safety technologies pushed the boundaries of the possibilities in auto racing. While it may have had its fair share of detractors, the car of tomorrow ultimately proved its worth on the track. Furthermore, solidifies its place in the annals of racing history. In present times, there are some who consider the COT as a pioneering and influential vehicle that paved the way for future advancements in the world of NASCAR.
