In 2022, NASCAR’s introduction of the Next Gen car disrupted the Cup Series, threatening the dominance of veteran racers like Kyle Busch and giving fresh opportunities to younger drivers. This significant shift left Busch, once a consistent frontrunner, among those most affected by the sweeping technical changes and the loss of a familiar racing style.
Major Technical Changes Challenge Established Veterans
The redesign of the car itself became a point of contention. NASCAR eliminated the previous car’s skew and the right-side side force that many drivers, including Kyle Busch, had expertly exploited. With this change, mechanical grip took precedence over aerodynamic tricks, and ride heights were lowered, upending years of refined handling techniques.
The latest model also introduced a flatter underbody, new splitter, rear diffuser, and a shortened rear deck. These modifications dramatically altered the flow of air around the car, forcing drivers and teams to quickly adapt. Additionally, the switch from an H-pattern shifter to a sequential five-speed transmission, and the implementation of independent rear suspension, marked an unprecedented overhaul for the Cup garage, requiring drivers to recalibrate their approach almost overnight. To complicate matters, NASCAR also cut back significantly on practice sessions, leaving teams with minimal time to adjust and test new setups.
Kyle Busch Admits the Adjustment Has Been Difficult
Throughout the process, Busch openly discussed his ongoing struggles. Asked about who has excelled and who has faltered under these new conditions, Busch did not shy away from self-critique, stating,
“It’s not all driver. It’s the crew chief, engineering, the shop. It’s everything,”
Busch explained, underlining the collective nature of the adaptation challenge.
Busch highlighted the successes of drivers like Ryan Blaney and William Byron in adapting to the new formula, while noting Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell have managed to keep their performances steady. However, Busch was candid in placing himself among those most adversely affected by the new regulations and car configuration.
Reduced Practice Times Hurt Performance and Consistency
Kyle Busch pinpointed the lack of track time as a major contributor to his ongoing difficulties with the Next Gen platform. During his final season with crew chief Adam Stevens at Joe Gibbs Racing, COVID-19 protocols had already eliminated practice sessions, forcing teams to race with little preparation. In that period, Busch managed only a single win and found it challenging to perform consistently until late in the races, with the exception of a victory in Texas.
This trend has carried over to the current era, where shortened or eliminated practices continue to hinder teams who rely on extensive tuning and setup work. Busch’s on-track results since the arrival of the Gen 7 car have mirrored his concerns. From 2012 to 2021—the Gen 6 era—Busch had captured two championships, achieved several near-misses with finishes in the top four, and rarely finished outside the top ten in points. Since then, however, he has slipped to 13th and 14th in 2022 and 2023, and failed to make the playoffs in both 2024 and 2025.
Other Veterans Also Struggle to Adapt
Kyle Busch’s experience is not unique among Cup veterans. Brad Keselowski, another seasoned driver, posted stellar results during the Gen 6 period, including a 2012 championship and playoff appearances every year. Yet, following the Next Gen update, Keselowski has seen diminished returns, with only one victory in 2024 and lower overall standings, culminating in a 20th place finish in 2025.
This pattern underscores how the Next Gen car has exposed drivers who thrived under the previous regulations but have been unable to transfer their success to the current setup. Those who have not swiftly adapted have seen their fortunes decline significantly.
A Changing of the Guard in NASCAR
The introduction of the Next Gen car has created new opportunities for emerging talent while fundamentally challenging established names. Drivers like William Byron and Ryan Blaney, highlighted by Busch for their adaptability, have risen to prominence in this period of transition. Meanwhile, stalwarts such as Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski face the stark reality of needing to overhaul their racing approach to remain competitive.
The continued reduction in practice time, compounded by the radical changes to car engineering and race strategy, means that NASCAR’s competitive landscape may remain volatile for seasons to come. As the sport continues to evolve, adapting quickly will be crucial not just for success, but for survival at the highest level of stock car racing.
