The debate over the NASCAR Next Gen car reached new heights this week as Dale Earnhardt Jr Next Gen car opinion sparked controversy among top names in motorsports. While Earnhardt and much of the field have harshly criticized the current car’s performance, some, including Kyle Petty, argue for embracing technological progress, leaving fans and drivers questioning the future direction of the sport.
It all began with a resurgence of the now-infamous meme,
“What the $%#! does Kyle Petty got to do with this?”
—an inside joke among fans that found new relevance after strongly contrasting viewpoints from legends like Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr. These voices represent a broader tension flowing through the NASCAR community as the Next Gen car continues to divide opinions inside and outside the garage.
While Petty has lauded the advancements—
“The NASCAR Next Gen car is a huge leap forward, so let’s embrace the change! Why cling to antiquated tech when the racing is only getting better? ‘We’re seeing some spectacular stuff.’”
—PRN (@PRNlive)
—others are less convinced. Races featuring the Next Gen car have often left both drivers and fans disillusioned, and as Denny Hamlin has pointed out, frustration over the car’s shortcomings now rivals the infamy of the much-maligned Car of Tomorrow. This criticism isn’t limited to social media; it’s amplified through platforms like Dirty Mo Media, where Earnhardt and others openly air their disappointment.
Fans and Drivers Face Lingering Frustration
Realistically, NASCAR’s significant investment in the Next Gen platform means this car is here to stay, at least in the near future. The transition is not negotiable and, despite grievances from a vocal minority, the Gen 6 machinery is not making a comeback. The priority for NASCAR has now shifted to ensuring the current product on track is at least moderately entertaining. Yet, with vocal opposition from drivers, iconic figures, and a fan base showing signs of disengagement, the task is a daunting one.
The discontent echoes throughout the garage, with even legendary drivers lamenting the Next Gen car’s lackluster performance. The push for changes—whether less aerodynamic downforce, increased horsepower, or other tweaks—is gaining urgency, but insiders suggest any meaningful updates might not materialize until after the 2025 season. Some speculate that even a 2026 overhaul could be delayed. This leaves the fans facing the sobering prospect of watching a product many consider subpar for at least another full season.
Kyle Petty’s optimistic perspective, championing progress for the greater good of the sport, does little to assuage those who view “progress” as synonymous with tedious races and dwindling attendance. The chorus of grievances reflects a sport caught between its storied past and a future its most recognizable voices find troubling.
Frustration Grows Within Joe Gibbs Racing
The disappointment surrounding the Next Gen car is mirrored in the struggles of key drivers. Ty Gibbs has recently added to the team‘s woes, with his latest finish—33rd place—at Circuit of the Americas marking a new low since his earlier 34th place result. Over the past three contests, Gibbs has failed to crack the top 20, prompting hands-on intervention from Joe Gibbs Racing competition director Chris Gabehart. These struggles were punctuated by radio exchanges chronicled by observers, such as
“Onboard video of Ty Gibbs and crew chief Chris Gabehart jawing at each other over handling/strategy. Gibbs had compared his rear tires to basketballs just before this. He started hemorrhaging positions and came to pit road a few laps afterwards.”
—Steven Taranto (@STaranto92)
, highlighting the escalating tensions and technical challenges at play.
Despite Gibbs’ pedigree and natural talent, the scrutiny remains intense, perhaps intensified by his family legacy. The team‘s owner, Joe Gibbs, is reportedly invested in ensuring Gibbs finds success and avoids repeated missteps. If the current discord persists through the end of the season, changes within the No. 54 camp are expected, possibly affecting personnel on the pit box, pit road, or broader competition organization at Joe Gibbs Racing. Joe Gibbs simply will not allow a driver to languish at the back, especially one carrying his name.
NASCAR Responds to Concerns Following Victory Lane Injury
A separate, poignant issue emerged last weekend when Connor Zilisch broke his collarbone after an exuberant celebration post-race in the Xfinity Series. This led to speculation that NASCAR might step in to regulate or restrict how drivers celebrate victories. Instead, the governing body swiftly clarified there would be no move to police or alter victory lane traditions, a rare decision that drew support from the broader community.
While Zilisch’s injury was untimely, particularly following his recent recovery from an earlier setback, it was broadly characterized as a freak accident. Drivers like Shane van Gisbergen and Carl Edwards have long performed gravity-defying celebrations, and NASCAR’s restraint in this matter was widely seen as a sensible call. Both Zilisch and his family appeared outwardly light-hearted in the aftermath, suggesting the driver is on the mend and expected to return soon, perhaps even with news regarding his plans for the 2026 season.
Austin Hill’s Cup Prospects Clouded by On-Track Incidents
Austin Hill returned to competition after serving a suspension for an on-track incident involving Aric Almirola, but immediately found himself in controversy once more after spinning Michael McDowell. This latest incident—intentional or otherwise—raised the issue of whether Hill is truly ready for a move up to the Cup Series, especially as his reputation for involvement in crashes continues to grow.
Just a short time ago, Hill was viewed as a promising Cup prospect in the Richard Childress Racing pipeline, but with Jesse Love now drawing attention as the team‘s standout up-and-comer, Hill’s path to a top ride has become more uncertain. Every subsequent incident adds to his negative image, posing a problem for Cup team owners unwilling to take a risk on a driver surrounded by controversy. Observers now predict Hill may have to bide his time with less competitive teams, waiting for rare opportunities to shine rather than stepping directly into a front-running car.
What Lies Ahead for NASCAR and Its Stars?
The ongoing negativity surrounding the Next Gen platform, coupled with high-profile struggles of drivers like Ty Gibbs and Austin Hill, underscores a turbulent period for NASCAR. The calls for change from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and many others have left officials under pressure to consider technical overhauls, with possible adjustments unlikely until after the 2025 season. Meanwhile, emotional storylines—from post-victory injuries to internal team strife—highlight the unpredictable, sometimes harsh realities faced by competitors and fans alike.
If NASCAR heeds the mounting criticism, the coming years could see significant shifts in car specifications and race format, as the organization looks to restore excitement and maintain its loyal fanbase. For now, the divided reactions to the Next Gen car remain at the heart of the debate, as the sport’s most revered voices, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Petty, Denny Hamlin, and Joe Gibbs, shape the future conversation—whether that conversation is hopeful, critical, or simply unsettled.
