The debate around NASCAR’s Next Gen car has reached a new level, fueled by critical comments from Denny Hamlin and an increasingly vocal fan base. While the car was designed to modernize the sport and bring parity among teams, its performance — particularly on certain track types — has left both fans and drivers questioning NASCAR’s direction. The latest backlash, heightened after Watkins Glen, has put the series’ decision-makers under the microscope and reopened comparisons to the unpopular Car of Tomorrow era.
Key Highlights
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Denny Hamlin has criticized NASCAR’s horsepower reduction as a “horrible” business decision.
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Fans have compared the Next Gen car’s struggles to the Car of Tomorrow’s troubled legacy.
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The car produces 670 horsepower on most tracks and 510 on superspeedways.
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Many fans cite poor short-track and road-course racing as a major frustration.
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Watkins Glen weekend fueled new online debates and intensified dissatisfaction.
Denny Hamlin’s Public Criticism
Speaking on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin did not hold back when assessing the state of the Next Gen car.
“I think that we have a fundamental car problem. It is no doubt a problem. Everyone that has ever driven it has said it’s a problem. I believe that the Next Gen car is reaching hate levels of the COT (Car of Tomorrow) with the wing. From fans — I think they’re starting to dislike this car as much as the drivers that have to drive it.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin emphasized that reduced horsepower has harmed the quality of racing. The current package produces 670 horsepower on most tracks and just 510 on superspeedways, down from the 750-horsepower setups seen before the car’s introduction.
“We’ve just steadily progressed our way back and back and back and back and taken horsepower away more and more and more. These are 10th floor decisions and let’s just say us drivers are on the third floor. No business is immune to bad decisions. I think that the NASCAR business has made some horrible decisions over the last given amount of time and eventually, it catches up.” – Denny Hamlin
His comments resonated with many who have watched the product change over the last few years, fueling discussion on whether NASCAR has overcorrected in its quest for equality among teams.
Fan Reactions Reflect Broader Dissatisfaction
The backlash from fans is not a single-issue protest. Many see the current frustration as part of a growing list of grievances that have gone unaddressed.
“Old car good, new car bad, we never thought it could get worse, rabble rabble rabble.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“I feel like the outrage this summer has been more of an accumulation of grievances fans have with NASCAR that aren’t being addressed at all or at least not fast enough. Moreso than the car and racing itself.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
For others, the concern is tied to a noticeable decline in the quality of races over a stretch of events.
“For the longest time we never had a long stretch of bad races in a row… Fans are probably looking at the schedule and don’t feel that the racing will get any better.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
Some of the most pointed reactions have focused on the car’s perceived inability to deliver excitement at traditional fan-favorite venues.
“NASCAR f*** up BIG time with this car. Things are not getting better in the sport in the slightest.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“The COT was at least ugly and produced s* racing at the tracks we didn’t like… This new car looks better and produces s*** racing at the tracks we did like.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
Divided Opinions on Track Performance
While a large portion of the fan base has been critical, not every voice is calling for a complete overhaul. Some argue that the car performs well in certain environments.
“The Gen 7 puts on great racing outside of like short tracks and road courses… Y’all are looking at the older gen of cars through rose tinted glasses. Next Gen car is f**** fine.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
Still, even those defending the car acknowledge limitations, particularly at superspeedways.
“Superspeedways are awful… it’s literally only 1 type of track the car is good on.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
The debate often circles back to how different track types expose weaknesses in the current design. While intermediate tracks have seen competitive racing, short tracks and some road courses — once reliable sources of drama and close finishes — have struggled to generate the same level of excitement.
NASCAR’s Next Steps Under Watch
The Next Gen car was intended to be a long-term solution, cutting costs for teams while leveling the competitive field. But if fan sentiment continues to sour, NASCAR faces a complex decision on whether to adjust the car’s specifications, increase horsepower, or modify race formats. Hamlin’s comments and the rapid spread of fan criticism online have made it harder for leadership to ignore the dissatisfaction. With the playoffs approaching, the sport finds itself in a pivotal moment where both competition quality and public perception will be under heavy scrutiny.
News in Brief: NASCAR’s Next Gen Car Faces Scrutiny
Denny Hamlin’s criticism of NASCAR’s Next Gen car, particularly the horsepower reduction, has fueled a wave of fan backlash comparing it to the unpopular Car of Tomorrow era. The car’s struggles on short tracks and road courses have become a focal point, with many citing declining race quality. While some defend its performance at other venues, frustration continues to build. NASCAR leadership now faces increasing pressure to respond.
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