The Next-Gen vehicle has been the talk of the town since its arrival in 2022. With its sleek design and advanced technology, it has certainly caught the attention of many NASCAR fans. However, not everyone is on board with this new car. In fact, some drivers and fans have expressed their concerns and doubts about its performance. One of them is Denny Hamlin, who recently shared his thoughts on the car in his podcast.
“I think that we have a fundamental car problem,” said Hamlin, addressing the issues surrounding the Next-Gen vehicle. And he’s not alone. Many other drivers and fans have also voiced their mixed feelings about the car. While it may perform well on intermediate tracks, there are still some concerns about its overall performance.
One of the biggest criticisms of the Next-Gen car is its lack of resemblance to a stock car. This has been a hot topic in the NASCAR community, with many fans and drivers longing for the good old days when stock cars truly looked like their street counterparts. And one of the most surprising voices to join this conversation is none other than Kyle Petty.
In a recent interview, Petty publicly trashed Dale Earnhardt Jr’s callout about the Next-Gen car, stating that it is not a true stock car. He went on to claim that the car is more like a “prototype” rather than a stock car. This statement has caused quite a stir among fans and has sparked a debate about the future of NASCAR.
But is Petty right? Is the Next-Gen car really not a stock car? Let’s take a closer look at the facts.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the concept of a stock car. Stock cars are essentially modified versions of production cars that are used for racing. In the early days of NASCAR, the cars used in races were almost identical to the ones you could buy at a dealership. However, over the years, the cars have evolved, and now they have very little in common with their street counterparts.
The Next-Gen car was designed with the intention of bringing back the stock car look and feel to NASCAR. It features a new chassis, a single lug nut system, and a composite body that resembles a production car. It also has a sequential gearbox and independent rear suspension, which are all features that are found in modern street cars.
So, while it may not look exactly like a street car, the Next-Gen vehicle still has many elements that make it a stock car. It is a step in the right direction towards bringing back the authenticity and identity of NASCAR.
Moreover, the Next-Gen car has been performing well on intermediate tracks. It has already set new track records at Atlanta and Las Vegas, proving that it is a competitive and fast car. This bodes well for the future of NASCAR, as it promises to provide more exciting and thrilling races for fans.
While there may be some concerns about the car’s performance on short tracks and road courses, it’s important to remember that this is a brand new car and it will take some time to fine-tune and perfect it. The Next-Gen car has the potential to revolutionize NASCAR and attract a new generation of fans to the sport.
In conclusion, while there may be some valid criticisms about the Next-Gen car, it is still a stock car at its core. It may not look like a street car, but it has many features and components that make it a true stock car. The car’s performance on intermediate tracks has been impressive, and it has the potential to bring back the excitement and competitiveness of NASCAR. So, let’s give the Next-Gen car a chance and see where it takes us. After all, change is inevitable, and it’s time for NASCAR to evolve and adapt to the modern era.