The ongoing challenges with Christopher Bell Next Gen short tracks continue to puzzle NASCAR teams, as the offseason brings renewed attempts to fix persistent issues. As NASCAR and Goodyear prepare for a crucial tire test at Bristol this week, crew chief Adam Stevens admits there is still no clear answer on how to improve short track racing performance.
Uncertainty Surrounds Solutions for Next Gen Short Track Racing
The introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022 brought heightened expectations, but it has resulted in disappointing performance, particularly on short tracks and road courses. The main problem centers on trailing cars struggling with aerodynamic disadvantages, a fact highlighted by Adam Stevens, crew chief for Christopher Bell. Speaking with Matt Weaver, Stevens pointed out that no one seems sure how to resolve these technical challenges.
“I think everyone has a handle on what they want to happen, but I don’t think anybody has a handle on what it’s going to take, aerodynamically, to make that happen. I would certainly put myself in that category,”
said Stevens. We all want the trailing car not to be at such a disadvantage to the leading car. How to make that happen, I have not put any time or study into that.” – Adam Stevens, Crew Chief
Stevens further admitted,
“I can tell you the people who have taken the time over the years haven’t had much success anyway, so I can’t tell you what widget we need to try either. If anyone knows what that widget is, it isn’t me.”
– Adam Stevens, Crew Chief
This sense of frustration is not limited to Stevens. According to recent discussions featuring Matt Weaver, both drivers and other crew chiefs have voiced uncertainty or suggested complex, sometimes conflicting potential solutions. The lack of progress indicates a broad struggle within NASCAR to find an effective fix for the Next Gen car’s short track shortcomings.
NASCAR’s Approach: Tire Compound Tests and Technical Adjustments
In response to these ongoing concerns, NASCAR and Goodyear are organizing a two-day tire test at Bristol. The primary aim is to identify suitable tire compounds and combinations, as the racing quality has been influenced by numerous factors, with track and ambient temperature standing out as particularly significant. Cooler weather conditions, experienced during races, often result in tires that last longer than expected—sometimes 30 to 50 laps when managed effectively. While this durability introduces a speed difference among cars, many fans and stakeholders argue for a tire solution less dependent on fluctuating weather conditions.
This upcoming test is part of NASCAR’s wider effort to shake up the Next Gen car configuration, including new technical elements. Next month, at Wilkesboro, the car will be equipped with a 750 horsepower tapered spacer, with further modifications on the table as NASCAR evaluates possible improvements.
“NASCAR says it will also explore tweaks to the NextGen car in addition to the 750 spacer next month for the test at Wilkesboro. I asked a lot of drivers and crew chiefs over the last month what swings they want to see tried in addition to the HP increase.”
– Matt Weaver, Reporter
Key Teams and Drivers Participating in Testing
The Bristol tire test roster includes notable drivers from several leading NASCAR teams. Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing, Alex Bowman from Hendrick Motorsports, and Ryan Preece with RFK Racing have all been selected to contribute valuable feedback during the sessions. Their input will be crucial in determining if changes to tires and car configurations can mitigate the persistent aerodynamic disadvantages seen on short tracks.
This event also represents the first time NASCAR will test the short track package fitted with a 750 horsepower tapered spacer, potentially setting a precedent for future adjustments. The range of involved organizations—such as Goodyear, NASCAR, 23XI Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and RFK Racing—reflects the high stakes and widespread impact these persistent issues have across the sport.
With the end of the recent Cup Series season and Kyle Larson emerging as the champion, teams are now refocused on offseason experimentation. The search for effective solutions to Christopher Bell Next Gen short tracks is at a critical juncture, with the outcome of these tests likely shaping the future of racing on short tracks and road courses for the entire NASCAR ecosystem.
NASCAR says it will also explore tweaks to the NextGen car in addition to the 750 spacer next month for the test at Wilkesboro.
I asked a lot of drivers and crew chiefs over the last month what swings they want to see tried in addition to the HP increase.https://t.co/2eIyyVYOPd
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) November 11, 2025
