Kurt Busch Next Gen safety became the center of attention during a recent court session in Charlotte, where NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps defended the safety record of the series’ latest car. His claims sparked strong reactions, as many recalled the 2022 Pocono Raceway crash that ended Kurt Busch’s Cup Series career.
Controversy Surrounds Safety Claims in Court
During testimony at the antitrust lawsuit trial between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR, Steve Phelps described the Next Gen vehicle as the
“safest car in all of motorsports.”
—Steve Phelps, NASCAR commissioner. The bold assertion drew audible gasps in the packed Charlotte courtroom, as reported by Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press. Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, co-owners of 23XI Racing, responded with laughter, perhaps remembering the crash on July 23, 2022, when their own driver, Kurt Busch, suffered a career-ending concussion during Pocono Raceway qualifying.
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, pressed the issue, questioning Phelps about Busch’s retirement due to injury. According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, Phelps confirmed that Busch was forced out by the concussion, while emphasizing that the car’s design aimed to prevent fatalities. He noted adjustments such as increased crumple zones made after serious injuries had occurred.
Multiple Driver Injuries Raise Alarms
Since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, several drivers have experienced significant injuries during competition. Cody Ware most recently suffered an accident at the Chicago Street Race; Erik Jones dealt with a back injury in 2024; Noah Gragson missed time in 2023 following a wreck; and Alex Bowman sat out several races in 2022 due to concussion symptoms. For Kurt Busch, the consequences proved most severe, cutting short a potential Hall of Fame career.
Highs and Lows in the Next Gen Safety Record
Skepticism about the car’s safety persists, but some incidents also highlight its strengths. Ryan Preece’s high-speed flips offer evidence that the structure can protect drivers even in the most violent situations. These mixed outcomes have kept the debate alive about whether the improvements go far enough for driver protection.
NASCAR Commissioner Also Hails Improved Racing Product
Beyond safety, Steve Phelps pointed to the on-track excitement brought by the Next Gen era, stating,
“The racing is just better, so it has accomplished what I hoped it would accomplish.”
—Steve Phelps, NASCAR commissioner. While this assessment of the racing quality remains contentious—especially for superspeedway and short track events—many NASCAR fans have responded favorably to intermediate-race action.
The tension between progress in spectacle and persistent safety fears underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the Next Gen car’s place in NASCAR’s future. As driver injuries remain fresh in memory and the series looks to protect its competitors, the conversation around Kurt Busch Next Gen safety is likely far from over.
One small thing from today, Phelps testified the Next Gen is the safest car in motorsports and noted except for “some small hits” … that drew audible gasps in the courtroom, and straight laughter from Hamlin and Jordan. Kurt Busch drove for 23XI when he was forced to retire…
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) December 10, 2025
Phelps was asked by Kessler if he knew who Kurt Busch was after Phelps had touted the safety of the Next Gen car, and if Busch had retired due to a concussion.
➡️ Phelps acknowledged that but noted the car was designed to prevent fatalities + they later increased crumple zones.
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 9, 2025
