Kyle Busch criticizes NASCAR cars, adding his voice to the debate over recent design issues in professional stock car racing, following similar complaints by fellow champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. The discussion highlights mounting frustration among drivers regarding the performance and handling of NASCAR’s latest vehicle generations.
Ongoing Frustration With NASCAR Car Handling
The latest debate began when NASCAR analyst Kelly Crandall discussed dissatisfaction with a Hyundai, prompting former Xfinity Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. to comment on his own negative experiences with the Car of Tomorrow, which was used in the Cup and Xfinity Series between 2007 and 2012. During his time competing in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and later Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Jr. regularly faced issues with car handling, most notably at a Richmond International Raceway event, where he finished in thirteenth place after a difficult recovery from a spin.
Reflecting on those experiences, Earnhardt Jr. voiced his displeasure:
“These cars handle terrible – but they’re like tanks – you can beat and bang and run ’em into anything: other cars, the wall, anything. I hit ’em all today, got bounced around and it just keeps going.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., former Cup Series champion
Years later, his frustration remained unchanged, as he noted on social media:
“Had a similar experience with the COT. Do not recommend.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., former Cup Series champion
Kyle Busch Adds to the Criticism Over NASCAR Designs
Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, recently joined the public conversation, drawing parallels between his struggles with the latest NextGen cars (introduced in 2022 at the Daytona 500) and Earnhardt Jr.’s difficulties with Gen5 models. As the 2025 season approached, Busch, now in his fourth year driving the #8 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing, admitted to ongoing challenges with the Gen7 cars’ handling and performance, especially given his extended winless streak since the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300 and recent mid-pack finishes at Daytona and Atlanta.
“It’s a different animal,” Busch told Kyle Dalton of Athlon Sports. “It’s a different beast. And for me, I would say that I haven’t been able to tame it as much as I was able to the older version cars. There’s definitely still some things with this car that I would like to see different.” (0:02-0:18)
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
He further expressed his disappointment:
“I’ve had a very similar experience with the Next Gen car. Do NOT recommend!”
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Setbacks and Outbursts During Recent Races
During the 2025 Kansas Speedway event, Busch vented his frustration on team radio after struggling to advance through the field during both qualifying and the main race. Despite working his way from outside the top 30 to the mid-pack, he found himself stuck behind Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing, hindered by the Gen5 car’s aerodynamic challenges. In a moment of candid exasperation, Busch exclaimed:
“Un-fucking-believable. These cars suck so bad. Thank you NASCAR!”
— Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Later in the same race, a collision between Noah Gragson and Josh Berry forced Busch off track and into the grass, ultimately resulting in a twenty-first-place finish, just ahead of teammate Austin Dillon. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace registered a DNF (Did Not Finish) that day.
What This Means for NASCAR’s Future Directions
The intensifying criticism from respected figures such as Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. signals deep dissatisfaction with NASCAR’s current car designs, especially among experienced drivers struggling to adapt to the new models. Their joint commentary, alongside insights from analysts like Kelly Crandall, reignites questions about safety, competition, and the overall direction of technical development in stock car racing. As these influential voices continue to spotlight the challenges facing the sport, NASCAR’s leadership may be compelled to revisit design decisions and involve drivers more closely in the evolution of the company’s most critical equipment, aiming to resolve ongoing concerns that affect both performance and fan perception.
I’ve had a very similar experience with the Next Gen car. Do NOT recommend!
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) February 26, 2026
