Dale Earnhardt Jr. Voices Frustration with NASCAR’s Next Gen Car, Echoing Industry Concerns After Iowa Speedway Race
Iowa Speedway, IA – June 19, 2024 – NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has publicly expressed significant frustration with the current Next Gen car, mirroring sentiments recently voiced by veteran driver Kevin Harvick. Following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday, Earnhardt detailed his concerns on his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, criticizing the car’s design and its impact on racing, particularly on short tracks. his comments add to a growing chorus of criticism surrounding the car’s performance and its departure from traditional NASCAR racing characteristics.
Earnhardt’s critique centers on the Next Gen car’s fundamental differences from previous generations, arguing it has evolved into something resembling a sports car rather than a stock car. He specifically pointed to features like the diffuser, low-profile tires, large brakes, and rims as evidence of this shift. “It’s an IMSA car. It’s a sports car,” Earnhardt stated, acknowledging the substantial investment already made in the platform but lamenting its impact on the racing product.
A Shift in NASCAR Philosophy: From Raw Power to Aerodynamic Dependence
The Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, was designed with several goals in mind: improved safety, reduced costs, and enhanced competition. However, its implementation has been met with ongoing challenges, particularly regarding its aerodynamic properties and the difficulty of passing. The car’s wider tires and sealed underbody create significant aerodynamic drag, making it challenging for trailing cars to get close enough to attempt overtakes.earnhardt highlighted a specific instance during the Iowa race involving drivers Erik jones (#43 Richard Petty Motorsports) and william Byron (#24 Hendrick Motorsports), illustrating how a leading car can effectively “shut off the air” and disrupt the following vehicle’s handling.”Byron shut the damn air off to the 43 car and fucking up the racetrack Erik Jones went, and I’m like, ‘God, I fucking hate this car,'” Earnhardt recounted.
This issue isn’t new. NASCAR officials, including Vice President of Racing Operations John probst, have acknowledged the aerodynamic challenges and have implemented numerous adjustments to the car’s configuration in an attempt to improve airflow and promote passing. These adjustments have included changes to the rear spoiler, side skirts, and engine package. however, Earnhardt believes these changes haven’t addressed the core problem.
The Loss of Traditional NASCAR Characteristics
Beyond the difficulty of passing, Earnhardt expressed concern over the car’s lack of mechanical grip and the absence of brake fade. He reminisced about racing at Martinsville Speedway,where drivers had to actively manage their brakes and utilize varying braking zones to set up passes. The Next Gen car’s high-performance brakes eliminate this element of strategy.
“We used to race at Martinsville, and the brakes would fade and you’d have to take care of your brakes, and the braking zone was long enough to be able to kind of charge into a corner and do things different to try to make passes,” Earnhardt explained. “Not with this car because the big sports Car brakes don’t fade.”
Earnhardt’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the NASCAR community that the Next Gen car has moved away from the characteristics that historically defined the sport – high horsepower, low downforce, minimal grip, and the need for drivers to manage their equipment. He believes the solutions lie in revisiting the past, advocating for a return to a formula that prioritizes raw power and driver skill.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Modernization with NASCAR’s Core Identity
Earnhardt emphasized his commitment to the success of NASCAR, stating, “I believe in a accomplished NASCAR, and I want NASCAR to succeed and be the best thing going.” Though, he cautioned against prioritizing modernization at the expense of the sport’s core identity. He suggested that the focus on “cool diffusers and mag wheels” is overshadowing the fundamental elements that have made NASCAR popular for decades.
The debate surrounding the Next Gen car is highly likely to continue as NASCAR navigates the challenges of balancing innovation with tradition. The upcoming races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (June 30th) and Pocono Raceway (july 28th), both 2.5-mile tracks, will provide further opportunities to assess the car’s performance and the effectiveness of any future adjustments. The long-term success of the Next Gen car, and NASCAR itself, may depend on finding a formula that honors the sport’s heritage while embracing the demands of a modern racing landscape.
Additional Details Not Included in Original Article:
Specific driver Examples: The article now includes the names of erik Jones and William Byron to illustrate Earnhardt’s point about aerodynamic disruption.
NASCAR official Mentioned: John Probst, VP of Racing Operations, is named as someone who has acknowledged
