“…We Haven’t Seen That in Years” – Jeff Gordon Looks at the Bigger Picture as NASCAR Drivers Struggle With the Next Gen Car

Three races into 2022, and NASCAR is having a blockbuster of a season, one that is entertaining but its entertainment is also concerning. All of this is a credit to the Next Gen car, for better or worse. Though Jeff Gordon is of the belief that it is for the better.

Gordon, who is currently the Vice President at Hendrick Motorsports, recently spoke about his views on the three races’ worth of action, races that have been unpredictable in terms of results, but predictable in terms of recurring problems.

“I think we’ve seen great racing. I think we’ve seen cars coming from the back to the front, front to the back,” Gordon said. “We’ve seen where they can race hard. But the cars are on the edge. The drivers are definitely having to show their talent and ability.”

Gordon confessed he is “proud” of NASCAR going with the configuration of low downforce and high horsepower because it puts racing “more in the drivers’ hands.”

“When you see guys spinning out by themselves, we haven’t seen that in years. You see guys catching it, but yet you can tell they’re still pushing and driving hard,” the four-time Cup champion added.

Jeff Gordon credits Next Gen for giving NASCAR what it needs to grow

The former Hendrick driver described he is “incredibly impressed” and “optimistic” with what the new car has shown, and what it can show as teams and drivers continue to get up-to-speed with it.

Gordon added that it’s “great” to see drivers leading and seeing more of the front who had otherwise struggled to do so in the previous car.

“We saw it with Tyler Reddick last week (and) Erik Jones. This week Ross Chastain was incredibly impressive,” Gordon said.

“I think that’s what the sport needs to continue to grow.”

Also Read: NASCAR on Course for a Unique Statistic After the First Three Cup Races to Kickstart New Era