Controversy erupted in the courtroom during Week 2 of NASCAR’s ongoing charter dispute, centering on the legacy of Kurt Busch’s career-ending crash. NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps sparked intense frustration and disappointment among fans and stakeholders when he insisted the Next Gen vehicle is
“the safest in all of racing,”
a claim that revived bitter memories and reignited debates over the organization’s safety promises.
The pivotal moment came as Phelps, seated for deposition, was questioned about the Next Gen hardware’s safety record. Both Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—co-owners of 23XI Racing—reportedly could not help but react to Phelps’ unwavering stance. According to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, Phelps confidently stated,
“The racing is just better, so it has accomplished what I hoped it would accomplish.”
Several courtroom attendees, including team owners and drivers, responded with visible disbelief, particularly given 23XI’s personal involvement with Kurt Busch’s devastating crash.
Fans React Strongly to Phelps’ Comments on Safety Standards
Online, the backlash to Phelps’ assertion was swift and harsh. Social media platforms filled with passionate voices pointing to Kurt Busch’s career-ending crash as evidence contradicting the commissioner’s statements. One user voiced the general sentiment,
“That’s so disrespectful to Kurt Busch. And maybe that isn’t the thing to say when 23XI’s DRIVER WAS KURT BUSCH.”
This frustration echoed across the NASCAR community, especially among those following Busch’s abrupt exit from the sport in July 2022.
Dissent continued with fans underscoring the toll the Next Gen era has taken on renowned competitors. As one commenter criticized,
“safest car in motorsports that is so safe that it makes 5 current cup drivers want to retire early because of head trauma from the next gen era alone.”
For drivers like Cody Ware, Alex Bowman, Noah Gragson, and Erik Jones, recent seasons have also brought injury and concern, further intensifying scrutiny of the car’s design.
List of Next Gen Injuries Raises Concern
Anger built as fans publicly listed the growing number of injuries linked to the Next Gen vehicle. One pointed comment tallied,
“Drivers to have gotten hurt in the Next Gen – Kurt Busch – Alex Bowman – Noah Gragson – Erik Jones – Cody Ware lol what is he even on today,”
referencing the physical cost paid by some of racing’s most visible figures. Sarcastic remarks, like
“23XI calls Kurt Busch to the stand…,”
highlighted the degree to which the issue has rattled the NASCAR world.
The accumulation of injuries—especially to drivers with substantial influence and long careers—left many feeling that the league’s leadership had failed to recognize the true impact of its latest innovation. As another frustrated fan wrote,
“I hope he tells that to Bowman, Gragson, Jones and Kurt Busch. Absolutely disrespectful of him to say that.”
Many took issue not only with the claim’s accuracy but also its timing and tone, especially given recent driver retirements or lengthy recoveries related to concussion symptoms.
The Crash That Changed Kurt Busch’s Career
Kurt Busch’s accident unfolded during a 2022 Pocono qualifying session, a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about NASCAR’s approach to safety. What began as a seemingly ordinary crash became a flashpoint when Busch’s No. 45 Toyota spun backwards into a barrier. The car’s rear structure, built with an emphasis on rigidity, failed to dissipate the collision’s force, instead channeling much of the energy into the driver’s seat. Busch suffered a significant concussion, leading to weeks of neurological issues and, ultimately, the end of his full-time racing career.
This single incident propelled a more critical review of the Next Gen platform, as many within NASCAR—drivers, fans, and some teams—pressed for rapid engineering improvements. The sport eventually implemented updates to reduce the risk of similar injuries, but for many close to the grid, NASCAR’s original safety assertions continue to feel incomplete.
Debate Underscores NASCAR’s Credibility Challenges
Steve Phelps’ repeated defense of the Next Gen car’s safety, including his courtroom assertion that,
“I believe this is the safest car in all of motorsports,”
has become a lightning rod for debate within the racing community. While some industry figures point to closer competition and technical progress as positives, the omission of Busch’s crash and its aftermath in the safety conversation has alienated a large segment of fans and drivers alike.
With memories of Busch’s career-ending crash still fresh and repeated injuries to Cup drivers like Alex Bowman, Noah Gragson, Erik Jones, and Cody Ware fueling broader anxiety, NASCAR faces a renewed reckoning over its decisions. Critics argue that claims made in defense of the Next Gen car must recognize the lived reality of those behind the wheel, or risk undermining trust among fans, drivers, and teams.
The fallout from Phelps’ comments underscores the high stakes of the safety debate, as the sport weighs technical advancement against the fundamental well-being of its participants. With the legacy of the Kurt Busch career-ending crash still casting a shadow, the conversation over NASCAR’s future safety standards remains urgent and deeply emotional.
Steve Phelps says that he believes the Next Gen car has been successful for @NASCAR so far because: "The racing is just better, so it has accomplished what I hoped it would accomplish."
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 9, 2025
That’s so disrespectful to Kurt Busch.
And maybe that isn’t the thing to say when 23XI’s DRIVER WAS KURT BUSCH
— Blue Deuce (@legend_booker1) December 9, 2025
safest car in motorsports that is so safe that it makes 5 current cup drivers want to retire early because of head trauma from the next gen era alone
— lil honky mctits (@hoodrich3888) December 9, 2025
Drivers to have gotten hurt in the Next Gen
– Kurt Busch
– Alex Bowman
– Noah Gragson
– Erik Jones
– Cody Warelol what is he even on today
— Ryan (@ryanscott_24) December 9, 2025
“23XI calls Kurt Busch to the stand…”
— Jon Iaccino (@ji711) December 9, 2025
I hope he tells that to Bowman, Gragson, Jones and Kurt Busch
Absolutely disrespectful of him to say that
— ABOLISH THE NASCAR PLAYOFFS (@RossCrashtain) December 9, 2025
