BJ McLeod praises NASCAR Next–Gen cars, highlighting their major advancements since their introduction in 2022 and calling them the best stock cars he’s ever driven. As a driver, team owner, and long-time NASCAR figure, McLeod shared passionate insights into what stands out with the new models and why he believes they mark a new era for the sport.
McLeod’s Nostalgia for Gen-4 Cars and Early NASCAR Models
McLeod has expressed a deep admiration for the series cars from the early 2000s, commonly known as Gen-4. He recalled the unique features and the thrilling performance of those vehicles, referencing their raw power and sound. According to McLeod:
“I don’t think anything will ever be better than the 2000s series car,”
—BJ McLeod, Driver and Team Owner
This model, used in the 2000 and 2004 seasons, delivered intense horsepower—up to 1,000—with engines revving as high as 10,000 RPM. McLeod noted the extraordinary downforce and aggressive aerodynamics that made these cars unforgettable for drivers and fans alike. He also highlighted safety concerns with those models:
“Really cheated-up bodies. Window openings that, if the car rolled over, the driver couldn’t get out. I mean, incredibly unsafe stuff, right?”
—BJ McLeod, Driver and Team Owner
Despite these issues, McLeod’s enthusiasm for the Gen-4 car remains strong, as he added:
“I don’t think anything is ever gonna beat that.”
—BJ McLeod, Driver and Team Owner
The Advancements Offered by Next-Gen Vehicles
Even with his emotional attachment to older models, McLeod admits the modern NASCAR Next–Gen cars surpass their predecessors in key aspects. Introduced in 2022, the Next-Gen car sparked debate among members of the NASCAR community, but McLeod now describes it as his top choice when considering performance, safety, and innovation. He stated:
“When you take [those elements] out of it, nothing in my mind beats the next-gen car,”
—BJ McLeod, Driver and Team Owner
He labeled the Next–Gen as not just the fastest and best stock car he’s driven, but also the one that offers the most advanced technology, drawing comparisons with vehicles used in top international racing such as F1. McLeod explained:
“And even though the next-gen car is a very high stock car, with a high center of gravity, very heavy, and not maxed out performance-wise, it’s still the best and fastest NASCAR vehicle that we have had that’s safe for the drivers. I feel like the next-gen was a huge improvement for the driver.”
—BJ McLeod, Driver and Team Owner
Key Benefits — Safety, Affordability, and Reduced Complexity
McLeod points out that, while Next–Gen cars are more challenging to handle on the track, they bring significant gains off it. When the new car was first released, owners faced higher initial costs, but McLeod highlights how much those investments have paid off through lower long-term expenses. With reduced research and development needs and less pressure to make constant adjustments for various tracks over the season, operating costs have dropped substantially for teams.
This change has benefited driver–owners like McLeod, who also serves as a co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports and BJ McLeod Motorsports. The introduction of Next–Gen cars has simplified logistics, enabled greater focus on racing itself, and, most importantly, improved safety standards for everyone on the track.
What This Means for NASCAR’s Future
The Next–Gen cars reflect a turning point for NASCAR, pushing the sport forward in terms of safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness. McLeod’s perspective is shared by many in the industry: while the older models hold a special place in racing history due to their exciting characteristics, the progress seen with the current vehicles signals a new chapter for drivers and teams.
As debate continues among drivers, fans, and analysts, McLeod’s endorsement of the NASCAR Next–Gen car serves as a compelling argument for ongoing innovation in the sport. The improvements referenced by key figures like McLeod, Live Fast Motorsports, and other driver–owners set a strong foundation for a safer, more competitive, and sustainable future for NASCAR racing.
