Dale Earnhardt Jr. Next Gen car criticism has ignited debate among drivers and fans after he expressed pointed disapproval of how the new vehicle affects race dynamics. Speaking publicly on his podcast and echoing concerns from peers, Earnhardt argued that changes in the car’s design are eroding the authentic NASCAR experience at tracks like Martinsville.
Earnhardt Raises Concerns Over Car’s Impact on Racing
Since its introduction in 2022, NASCAR’s Next Gen car brought innovations such as low-profile tires, a rear diffuser, and upgraded brakes designed to eliminate fading during races. While these features were intended as advancements, Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes they create a vehicle that feels more like a sports car than the classic stock car many fans expect. He specifically called attention to diminished tire wear and the robust braking system, stating these changes reduce strategic elements that were once central to racing.
“When we used to race at Martinsville, the brakes would fade, and drivers had to manage them carefully,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver. Now, he explains that drivers no longer need to manage brake performance as meticulously, with “big sports car brakes” leading to loss of fade and, in turn, less of a strategic challenge.
Earnhardt lamented the shift, warning it makes the competition less about ingenuity and adaptation behind the wheel. He pointed out,
“It’s just another factor taking strategy out of the game.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver.
Despite his frustrations, Earnhardt acknowledged the reality of NASCAR’s multiyear commitment, adding,
“It doesn’t do any good to complain about it because the car is here. It’s bought, paid for, and it’s not going away.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver. The industry, having invested millions into developing and deploying this platform, appears unlikely to make sweeping changes in the near future.
Prominent Drivers Echo Earnhardt’s Point of View
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not alone in voicing discontent about the Next Gen car. Kyle Larson, a top NASCAR driver, argued that the new vehicle limits his competitiveness, going so far as to say he might have achieved 50 race wins by now if the previous Gen 6 car were still in use. Denny Hamlin also took issue with the car’s rushed rollout, highlighting the minimal testing and the resulting struggles with on-track performance and overtaking.
The themes in Earnhardt’s criticisms reach beyond a yearning for the sport’s past. He frames the debate as one centered on protecting NASCAR’s essence and making tough choices about modernization versus legacy.
“Historically, the best NASCAR cars had high horsepower, low downforce, minimal grip, and brakes that faded. The answers are all in our past,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver. He makes clear that balancing progress with tradition is critical, suggesting that current and future decisions about car specifications will shape the sport’s identity.
The Dialogue on Change and Tradition Continues
Though the Next Gen car was introduced as a nod to innovation in NASCAR, it has led to an open discussion about what truly defines stock car racing. Industry leaders and veteran athletes like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin are pushing the conversation forward, insisting that the unique strategic elements of the sport must be maintained even as technology evolves. While large changes to the Next Gen car may not happen immediately, the ongoing debate ensures NASCAR remains attentive to the legacy that has made it distinctive in motorsports.
