Following the recent race at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin expressed frustration with the performance of the Next Gen car, which was introduced at the start of the 2022 season.
During the race, drivers encountered challenges with the car on the track. While Kyle Busch managed to stay in the top 10 during the first two stages, the dynamics changed in stage three.
With everyone pushing hard and no fuel-saving strategies in play, Busch found himself struggling to move up in the pack.
Meanwhile, pole sitter Michael McDowell faced issues controlling the race due to the limitations of the Next Gen car. Despite leading for much of the final stage, McDowell’s race ended in disappointment after being involved in a late-race crash.
After the race, Kyle Busch voiced his frustrations with the car on social media, expressing his dislike for the handling and performance of the Next Gen car. His sentiments echoed his previous criticisms of the car dating back to 2021.
Denny Hamlin, on his podcast, echoed Busch’s concerns, highlighting the challenges drivers face when trying to make moves on the track.
He explained how the aerodynamics of the Next Gen car, combined with the common engine and large spoiler, create significant drag, making it difficult for drivers to pass or maneuver effectively.
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Hamlin emphasized that while the car’s design aims to improve safety and reduce costs, it has resulted in unintended consequences, such as limited passing opportunities and reduced racing excitement.
Overall, the feedback from drivers suggests that further adjustments may be needed to improve the performance and racing experience with the Next Gen car, particularly at high-speed tracks like Talladega Superspeedway.
