[go: up one dir, main page]

Jump to content

Next Gen (NASCAR)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Next Gen
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Next Gen car driven by Kyle Larson
CategoryNASCAR Cup Series
ConstructorUnited States Chevrolet
United States Ford
Japan Toyota
PredecessorGeneration 6
Technical specifications
ChassisSteel tube frame with integral safety roll cage
Length193.4 in (4,912 mm)
Width78.6 in (1,996 mm)
Height50.4 in (1,280 mm)
Wheelbase110 in (2,794 mm)
Engine5.86 L (358 cu in) V8 Naturally-aspirated FR layout
Transmission5 forward speeds + 1 reverse Sequential manual transmission
Weight3,200 lb (1,451 kg) minimum without driver and fuel
3,400 lb (1,542 kg) minimum with driver and fuel
FuelSunoco Green E15 98 octane race fuel
TiresGoodyear
Competition history
Debut2022 Daytona 500

The Next Gen car, originally known as the Gen-7 car, is the common name for the racecar that is currently in use in the NASCAR Cup Series. Its use began with the 2022 season.[1][2] A further evolution of the Generation 6 car, the Next Gen features "improved" aero and downforce packages while introducing new technologies on the track. In addition, the Next Gen is designed to lower costs and attract new original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to compete with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.[3][4][5][6]

The Next Gen body style was set to debut at the 2021 Daytona 500,[6][7] but when the COVID-19 pandemic postponed all NASCAR racing (and therefore, testing) until the month of May, the sanctioning body announced that the debut of the car would be pushed back a year to 2022.[1][2]

Prior to the 2022 Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Chevrolet clinched its 41st manufacturers' championship and the first in the Next Gen era.[8] At the conclusion of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, Joey Logano of Team Penske claimed his second Cup Series championship and became the Next Gen era's first champion.[9]

History

[edit]

Testing sessions

[edit]

The rules package of the 2019 season served as the starting point of the Next Gen's development.[1][3] The prototype, built by Richard Childress Racing using a generic body, was tested for the first time on October 8–9 by driver Austin Dillon at Richmond Raceway.[10][11]

The second test of the car was done at Phoenix Raceway on December 9–10 with Joey Logano behind the wheel.[1][12] Erik Jones drove the car in its third test, which was held at Homestead–Miami Speedway on January 15–16.[13]

The fourth test was at Auto Club Speedway with William Byron on March 2–3.[1][14] John Probst, NASCAR's senior vice president of racing innovation, commented that the "P3" prototype Byron tested was nearly 100 percent of the final product.[6][15]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all racing was postponed through the month of May. Further testing that was scheduled to take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Clint Bowyer on March 16–17[16] was still on since the Next Gen testing was exempted from NASCAR's indefinite ban on all testing.[17][18] However, this decision was quickly reversed because of the situation as the Atlanta weekend was postponed shortly after the Rudy Gobert incident at an NBA game days prior that led to NASCAR's decision on postponement. A handful of manufacturers, teams, and drivers alike indicated their hope for the debut of the car to be postponed one year to 2022 as a result of the lost testing time.[19] On March 30, 2020, it was reported that NASCAR was taking a serious look at pushing back the rollout of the new car to 2022.[20] NASCAR officially confirmed these reports on April 2, 2020, and the car's debut was pushed back a year to allow for enough testing time after the postponement of all events through May.[2]

On August 17, NASCAR announced that testing of the Next Gen would resume at Dover International Speedway with Cole Custer on August 18–19, while another prototype, built by Action Express Racing, was tested at the Daytona road course with Felipe Nasr driving the day after the Daytona road course events.[1][21]

On November 10, NASCAR announced Charlotte Motor Speedway would host a pair of tests, with Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. participating in both with a pair of prototype chassis. The tests took place on November 16–18 with the first day being held on the road course, and the second day on the oval.[1][22]

On December 11, NASCAR announced the Next Gen's first superspeedway test at Daytona on December 14–15, with Chris Buescher as the test driver.[1][23] The Next Gen has successfully passed all speed tests. They were able to focus on the gearbox and other features. The next tests took place at Charlotte before further tire tests were carried out with Goodyear.[24]

On February 1, 2021, NASCAR announced that the development stage of the Next Gen was complete.[25] On April 1, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, brought prototypes of their Next Gen cars to Martinsville Speedway for testing alongside NASCAR's evaluation of Goodyear's wet-weather tires.[26] On April 6–7, Tyler Reddick conducted a Goodyear tire test for the Next Gen at Darlington Raceway.[27] During the final run of the testing, Reddick lost control of the car and scraped the outside wall, damaging the right side of the car.[28]

On June 30, Ross Chastain tested the Chevrolet Next Gen at Dover.[29]

NASCAR conducted further testing at Texas Motor Speedway on July 27–28, with Justin Allgaier in the Chevrolet, David Ragan in the Ford, and Drew Herring in the Toyota. Herring reportedly crashed the Toyota during the test.[30] On August 20, Christopher Bell tested the Toyota at Bristol Motor Speedway.[31] On August 31, eight teams were announced to do tire testing at Daytona on September 7–8. The teams are the Richard Childress Racing No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon, the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota driven by Denny Hamlin, the Roush Fenway Racing No. 17 Ford driven by Chris Buescher, the Team Penske No. 22 Ford driven by Logano, the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 Chevrolet driven by William Byron, the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 Ford driven by Cole Custer, the Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 Chevrolet driven by Chastain, and the JTG Daugherty Racing No. 47 Chevrolet driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr.[32]

On October 8, StarCom Racing announced that Kaz Grala would test the Next Gen at the Charlotte Roval on October 11.[33] Three days later, NASCAR announced the schedule of the Next Gen's testing before the 2022 season: November 17–18 at Charlotte, December 14–15 at Phoenix, and January 11–12 at Daytona.[34] On October 26, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, and Bowyer tested the Next Gen at Bowman Gray Stadium for Goodyear to determine the tires to use at the 2022 Busch Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.[35] On October 27, Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that Stewart Friesen would test the Next Gen at Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Virginia to determine the tires to use for the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol.[36] On November 25, NASCAR rescheduled the Phoenix testing session to January 25–26, replacing the Las Vegas testing schedule. NASCAR also tentatively scheduled additional Charlotte sessions on December 15 and 17 for testing under cold weather conditions.[37] On November 30, Phoenix Raceway announced free admission for fans to watch the January 25 testing session.[38] On December 9, Friesen completed further Goodyear dirt tire testing at Lancaster Motor Speedway in Lancaster, South Carolina.[39]

During the Charlotte testing on November 17, Dillon's car sustained major damage after hitting the outside wall in turn 2 and sliding into the inside wall. Mechanics and engineers from all participating teams examined the wrecked car to assess the damage. Richard Childress Racing was able to return the car to its shop for repairs and send it back to the track later that night. "So, yeah, it was a really good feeling knowing that the car performed as designed. Looking at the front bumper on it, looked like it crushed the way it was designed to do," said John Probst, NASCAR's senior vice president of racing innovation.[40] At Charlotte on December 15, Reddick lost control of his car and slammed on the sand barrels in front of pit road.[41] Following the Charlotte test sessions, NASCAR announced that teams will use the 670 horsepower and 4-inch spoiler package for intermediate tracks, short tracks, and road courses.[42]

On April 19, 2022, Bubba Wallace, Chastain, and Custer participated in a tire testing session at Charlotte in preparation for the 2022 Coca-Cola 600.[43] Kyle Busch, Daniel Suárez, and Aric Almirola participated in tire testing at Pocono Raceway on May 11.[44]

Unveiling

[edit]

NASCAR unveiled the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang GT, and Toyota Camry TRD at The Park Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 5, 2021, with Chase Elliott, Logano, and Hamlin representing their respective brands during the event.[1][45] On May 25, Öhlins was announced as the official shock absorber provider for the Next Gen.[46]

Rule changes

[edit]

On January 24, 2022, NASCAR announced a more stringent penalty system structure for the Cup Series. The penalty system is structured in three tiers from L1 to L3, with L3 reserved for the tampering and counterfeiting of Next Gen single-source vendor parts. L3 violations will result in a deduction of owner and driver points (including playoff points), revocation of playoff eligibility, crew member suspensions, or postseason bans.[47]

On March 24, Matt McCall, crew chief of the RFK Racing No. 6 driven by Brad Keselowski, was suspended for four races and fined US$100,000 for an L2 penalty during post-race inspection after the 2022 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta. The penalty came under Sections 14.1 and 14.5 in the NASCAR Rule Book, both of which pertain to the modification of a single-source supplied part. In addition, the No. 6 team was docked 100 driver and owner points and 10 playoff points.[48] On April 13, Scott Miller, NASCAR's senior vice president of competition, explained that the repairs to No. 6's rear fascia did not meet original specifications, as a critical dimension of the part was altered.[49]

Prior to the 2022 M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono, both the No. 42 (driven by Ty Dillon) and No. 43 (driven by Jones) cars of Petty GMS Motorsports were each docked 35 driver and owner points for an L1 penalty when the pre-race inspection revealed issues on the cars' rocker box vent holes.[50] Hamlin and Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing finished first and second, respectively, at the race, but were disqualified after the post-race inspection revealed illegal modifications on the cars' front fascias.[51] On July 26, Blake Harris, the crew chief of the Front Row Motorsports No. 34 car driven by Michael McDowell, was suspended for four races and fined US$100,000 for an L2 penalty during post-race inspection after the 2022 M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono. The penalty came under Sections 14.1 C, D and Q and 14.5 A and B in the NASCAR Rule Book, both of which pertain to the body and overall vehicle assembly rules surrounding modification of a single-source supplied part. In addition, the No. 34 team was docked 100 driver and owner points and 10 playoff points.[52]

On October 5, Rodney Childers, crew chief of the Stewart–Haas Racing No. 4 driven by Kevin Harvick, was suspended for four races and fined US$100,000 for an L2 penalty during post-race inspection after the 2022 YellaWood 500 at Talladega. The penalty came under Sections 14.1 (vehicle assembly) and 14.5 (body) in the NASCAR Rule Book, both of which pertain to the body and overall vehicle assembly rules surrounding modification of a single-source supplied part. In addition, the No. 4 team was docked 100 driver and owner points.[53]

On May 31, 2023, NASCAR handed out the first L3 penalty to the No. 14 Stewart–Haas Racing team of Chase Briscoe for counterfeiting a single-source part, following R&D inspection after the 2023 Coca-Cola 600. Briscoe's team was docked 120 driver and owner points and 25 playoff points and Briscoe's crew chief, Johnny Klausmeier, was given a six-race suspension and the team was fined $250,000, although NASCAR did not revoke the No. 14/Briscoe's playoff eligibility.[54]

Debut

[edit]

Heading into the first races of the 2022 season, a concern was raised regarding parts supply chain issues, partly due to the control parts rule introduced with the generation, as well as ongoing supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; it was reported that teams may face shortage of spare parts and backup cars for the beginning of the season.[55] For its part, NASCAR announced that the team that won the Daytona 500 in 2022 would get to retain their car for the rest of the season, with NASCAR instead scanning the winning car and placing an identical paint scheme wrap (complete with Victory Lane confetti) on a prototype that would be shown at the Daytona 500 Experience.[56]

The Next Gen made its official debut at the 2022 Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum in Los Angeles, with Logano winning the exhibition race.[57]

The car made its points race debut at the 2022 Daytona 500, won by Austin Cindric. Numerous issues with the car cropped up during the race, including several cars having issues with wheels or tire rubber popping off, difficulty getting the center-locking lug nuts to go in, hood flaps flying off, and a crash that saw Harrison Burton flip, with many fans noting that the car stayed sideways for too long, as well as the flat undertray compared to past cars, both of which allowed enough air to get underneath the car to lift it off the ground, recalling an issue with the first design of the Car of Tomorrow where the original rear wing produced enough lift to render the roof flaps completely useless. Earlier in the week during first practice, teams had exploited the independent rear suspension to skew the cars out of proportion to get better downforce and corner speed, which was compared to the "Twisted Sister" cars created by skewing the bodies of the Generation 4 cars out of proportion. Prior to pole qualifying, NASCAR clamped down on this practice.[58][59][60][61] Although Penske was allowed to retain the car due to the parts shortage concerns, the team opted not to do so and instead handed over the exact winning car to the Daytona 500 Experience several weeks after the race.[62]

Le Mans Garage 56 project

[edit]
Rick Hendrick (left), Jeff Gordon (second left), and Chad Knaus (far right) with the Garage 56 NASCAR entry

On March 17, 2022, NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports announced they would field a Next Gen Camaro ZL1 1LE at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans as a special Garage 56 entry, with former crew chief Chad Knaus assigned as the program manager. This marked the first time a NASCAR stock car ran at Le Mans since 1976, when a Dodge Charger driven by Hershel McGriff and his son Doug ran for two laps, and a Ford Torino owned by Donlavey Racing and driven by Dick Brooks, Dick Hutcherson, and Marcel Mignot retired after 104 laps.[63][64][65]

The announcement was criticized by Hamlin, who took issue with NASCAR not informing other teams of the program. In addition, he noted that this gave Hendrick Motorsports an unfair advantage over other teams.[66] Toyota Racing Development president David Wilson was also disappointed that neither Toyota nor Ford were informed of the program.[67]

On April 15, it was reported that Jeff Gordon was interested in participating at Le Mans, but he did not indicate that he would be part of the Next Gen program.[68] On November 14, the Garage 56 prototype made its test run at Virginia International Raceway, with veteran Le Mans driver and 2010 LMP1 and overall champion Mike Rockenfeller behind the wheel.[69]

On January 28, 2023, NASCAR announced the driver roster of the Garage 56 entry: seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, Rockenfeller, and 2009 Formula One world champion and NASCAR driver Jenson Button.[70] On February 27, the car was confirmed to use the number 24 to honor Gordon.[71]

The Garage 56 entry completed the 24 Hours of Le Mans despite experiencing transmission problems, finishing 39th out of the 62 cars entered.[72]

Redesigns

[edit]

On November 1, 2023, Ford Performance unveiled the new seventh generation Dark Horse body style for the 2024 season, replacing the sixth generation Mustang.[73] On November 27, Toyota Racing Development revealed the XV80 body style for the Camry in 2024, replacing the XV70.[74]

Design

[edit]

Aero and downforce packages

[edit]

The Next Gen uses a stepped front splitter, aerodynamic vents on the hood, and a redesigned side skirt, all of which are designed to reduce the amount of side force in the cars. A notable addition to the Next Gen is the rear diffuser, which is set to be used in NASCAR for the first time. NASCAR has conducted various tests on the wind tunnel to have the car to generate more downforce using the rear diffuser. Adjustable aerodynamic components are also being used to accommodate the various track types in the schedule.[75][76]

Technological improvements

[edit]

Spec chassis

[edit]

Despite initial reports that the Next Gen uses a carbon fiber tub, NASCAR engineer Brandon Thomas clarified that the car still uses a steel space frame, but with a modular setup to allow faster setups.[77] Dallara was initially rumored to be the exclusive supplier of the new chassis, but it was revealed that Technique recently opened a shop in Concord, North Carolina, indicating that they manufactured the chassis for NASCAR teams.[4][5]

Sequential transmission

[edit]

The Next Gen replaced the traditional four-speed manual transmission with a five-speed Xtrac Limited sequential manual transmission, similar to the type of transmission used in contemporary race cars (e.g., touring cars).[78][79][4]

Independent rear suspension

[edit]

Much like the race cars used in IMSA, the Next Gen uses an independent rear suspension with 5-way adjustable Öhlins TTR dampers, instead of the solid rear axle used by previous generations.[4]

New wheel design

[edit]
The single lug nut wheel used on Next Gen cars

On March 2, 2020, NASCAR announced that the traditional 15-inch steel wheel with the five-lug pattern was replaced by a new 18-inch aluminum wheel that uses a single center-locking lug nut. The wheels are manufactured by BBS.[80][7][4][5][79] Prototypes tested before the announcement featured aluminum wheels, but with a five-lug pattern. Despite the reduction from five lug nuts to one, the extra torque required to secure the single lug nut has indicated that only a minimal effect is expected on pit stop timings.[81]

Since its recent inception, the Next Gen has had several wheel related problems, such as loose lugnuts causing wheels to fall off. The wheel design also quickly began facing criticism for how thin the tires are, which has led to drivers getting stuck after blowing tires during a spin.[82] Prior to the 2022 Daytona 500, NASCAR confiscated the wheels of Team Penske and RFK Racing. Roger Penske notified NASCAR that his team found inconsistencies on the wheels and modified the drive pin holes.[83] After the race, NASCAR announced that the two teams would not be penalized after the organization discussed with Next Gen suppliers and several teams about the wheel specifications.[84]

Mirrors

[edit]

Aside from the standard rear and side mirrors, the Next Gen is now also equipped with a rear-facing camera, located just above the driver's rear window.[85]

Reception

[edit]

Despite the safety concerns before and during the 2022 season, the car has received overwhelmingly good reviews from fans and drivers alike, with certain drivers, such as Brad Keselowski, enjoying the challenge that it brings with it being so hard to handle.[86] The entire NASCAR community has praised the car for its durability, as it has shown that it can take big hits without suffering day-ending damage.[citation needed] Oftentimes, the team is still able to be competitive after taking hits that would likely have ruined their day in the previous cars.[citation needed] Many fans have also praised the improved racing in the Next Gen car, with races being more intense than ever.[citation needed] The car has also somewhat leveled the playing field as it was designed to, with several drivers, including Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Daniel Suárez, and Tyler Reddick each getting their first career Cup Series wins with the car.[citation needed]

However, fans and drivers alike have criticized the car for having several wheel related problems.[citation needed] In the first few races of the season, drivers who spun sometimes got stuck because their tires were flat and the tires were so thin that they could not drive to the pits, instead having to be towed back.[citation needed] This issue seemed to mostly subside after the first few races of the 2022 season.[citation needed] However, wheels falling off cars continues to be a problem.[citation needed] With so many instances of this since the inception of the Next Gen, people have speculated[by whom?] that the wheels are falling off so often due to a design flaw rather than mistakes by the pit crew.[citation needed] In July 2024, NASCAR gave teams the option to add lifters on the rear dampers, allowing the cars to be raised off the ground for safety crews to tow them back to pit road.[87]

Additional criticism pertaining to the car's performance on short tracks and road courses has also become an issue, which has resulted in NASCAR redesigning the car's packages for both tracks in an attempt to resolve such issues.[88]

Safety concerns

[edit]

On July 8, 2021, rumors started to speculate that the Next Gen would be delayed until 2023 or 2024. This started when Steve Hmiel confirmed that during crash testing, the dummy in the car was "killed". Hmiel stated that the car may have been too stiff and had too few crush zones.[89] In response to the allegations, NASCAR said that the rumors had been happening for months. In a statement, NASCAR's John Probst said "[We] simulated some of the bigger incidents that we've had with the current Gen-6 car on the Next-Gen car. I'd say that we're pretty happy with where we're at. I won't get into the specifics of where we're at."[90][91][92][93] On July 19, NASCAR announced that distribution of the Next Gen chassis would begin that week.[94]

2022

[edit]

Following the Daytona testing, drivers expressed concern over the interior heat due to the placement of the exhaust directly under the seat.[95] To solve this, in November 2021 NASCAR added a front cooling duct to the cars (the front identification windshield was revised to allow for this change), among other changes.[96]

During the first two races of 2022, drivers lost several laps after experiencing tire failures, as the new wheels lack inner liners and the cars sit lower to the ground, rendering them unable to drive back to pit road. As a temporary solution, NASCAR allowed cars to be towed back to pit road during a caution.[97] Since the Next Gen car's inception, there have been several incidents when wheels fell off their cars on track, resulting in the crew chiefs of the affected teams being suspended for four races each.[98][99][100][101][102][103][104] For 2023, NASCAR changed the penalty for drivers losing a wheel during the race to a two-lap penalty and two-race suspension to crew members.[105]

Prior to the 2022 GEICO 500 at Talladega, several teams failed inspection; it was revealed that the high temperatures and the brightness of the sun caused the Lexan windshields to expand. Bob Pockrass reported that the sun altered car bodies anywhere from 80/1000ths to 200/1000ths of an inch.[106][107]

On July 24, 2022, Kurt Busch sustained a concussion from a crash during qualifying for the 2022 M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono.;[108] it would ultimately lead to his retirement at season's end. Since the accident, several drivers have opened up about the safety concerns of the Next Gen. Logano and Corey LaJoie stated that the car's solid structure makes crashes more painful to drivers than the Gen-6.[109] Following the 2022 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, safety concerns began to focus more on rear-end impacts, as drivers complained they were the most painful to sustain during a crash.[110]

After Kevin Harvick's car caught fire at the 2022 Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington, NASCAR began an investigation on the cause of the fire, which had been a recurring problem throughout the season.[111] In addition, Toyota examined the engines of Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. after their cars experienced engine failures during the race.[112] At the 2022 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas, Cody Ware survived a hard crash, colliding with the turn 4 wall before violently hitting the pit wall.[113] He sustained an impaction fracture on his ankle from the crash.[114] At the same race, several teams suffered tire failures, which was explained by Harvick's crew chief Rodney Childers as due to practice of teams running lower tire pressures than Goodyear suggested in pursuit of speed due to restrictions on suspension shock travel in the new car,[115] and Alex Bowman suffered from a concussion after a rear impact crash, further increasing safety concerns of the car.[116] Bowman sat out of the remaining Round of 12 and Round of 8 races (eliminating himself from the playoffs), but was cleared to return at the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix.[117]

In the first 23 races of the 2022 season, drivers in the Cup Series have scored a total of 151 DNFs - an increase by 56.6% compared to the 2021 season.[118]

Denny Hamlin has called for NASCAR to redesign the Next Gen from scratch, as he believed there was no feasible way to solve the safety issues of the car's current iteration.[119] On October 1, NASCAR announced that a new rear clip and rear bumper structure would undergo crash tests on October 5.[120] Following the test, NASCAR held a meeting with drivers on October 8 and announced that changes to the rear bumper construction, rear chassis clip, and center chassis clip would be implemented for the 2023 season.[121]

2023

[edit]

During the overtime lap of the 2023 GEICO 500, Kyle Larson's car was t-boned by Ryan Preece in a collision triggered by Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson. The wreck collapsed Larson's passenger side roll cage, described by race winner Kyle Busch as "brick getting rammed into a stick of butter".[122] Neither Larson nor Preece were injured; NASCAR took both cars to the R&D Center for further investigation.[123] The results of NASCAR’s investigation led them to make changes to the front clip of the car, initially giving teams the option to remove the V brace under the hood ahead of the 2023 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Starting at the 2023 Quaker State 400 at Atlanta, NASCAR mandated a new front structure that allowed the front to crush more, similar to the changes made to the rear clip after 2022.

2024

[edit]

During the 2024 FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan, Corey LaJoie's car went airborne and landed on its roof after spinning down the backstretch. In response to the incident, NASCAR mandated a new right side rear-window air deflector starting with the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.[124] Despite these changes, Josh Berry endured a similar crash at Daytona, in which his car went airborne and landed upside down before colliding with the SAFER barrier of the inside wall, then continuing to spin on its roof. [125]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "NASCAR Next Gen Car". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Next Gen car debut delayed until 2022 due to coronavirus pandemic". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 2, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Albert, Zack (February 4, 2019). "Generation next: 2021 the target for Gen-7 race car". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e Smith, Steven Cole (December 30, 2019). "Next-Gen: What We Know about NASCAR's New Car". Autoweek. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c "NASCAR Next Gen car to feature single lug nut". RacingNews.co. March 3, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Crandall, Kelly (March 3, 2020). "NASCAR settles on Next-Gen specs". Racer. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  7. ^ a b Albert, Zack (March 2, 2020). "New Next Gen car debuts in Auto Club test, '99 percent' complete". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  8. ^ "Chevrolet clinches 41st Cup Series manufacturer's championship". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 28, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  9. ^ Sturniolo, Zach (November 6, 2022). "Joey Logano joins elite group by winning second Cup Series championship". NASCAR. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  10. ^ Page, Scott (October 7, 2019). "NASCAR to test Next Gen car at Richmond". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  11. ^ "Next Gen car makes on-track test debut at Richmond". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 9, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  12. ^ Albert, Zack (December 10, 2019). "Early impressions: Joey Logano finds a 'challenging' Next Gen car in Phoenix test". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  13. ^ "Erik Jones to drive Next Gen car in two-day test at Miami". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 10, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  14. ^ "William Byron to test Next Gen car at Auto Club Speedway". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 25, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  15. ^ Tatarevic, Bozi (March 10, 2020). "NASCAR Next Gen "P3" prototype is "99 percent" of the final race car". The Hagerty Group, LLC. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  16. ^ Albert, Zack (March 10, 2020). "Clint Bowyer to drive Next Gen car in Atlanta test". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  17. ^ "NASCAR issues indefinite ban on non-Next Gen testing". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  18. ^ Crandall, Kelly (March 17, 2020). "NASCAR pushing ahead with Next Gen race car development". Racer. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  19. ^ Crandall, Kelly (March 30, 2020). "Support growing for NASCAR Next Gen delay". Racer. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  20. ^ Long, Dustin (March 30, 2020). "Report: Debut of Next Gen car to be delayed". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  21. ^ "Next Gen testing to resume at Dover; SHR's Custer set for driving duties". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 17, 2020. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
  22. ^ "Kurt Busch, Martin Truex Jr. set for two-day Next Gen test at Charlotte". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  23. ^ Albert, Zack (December 11, 2020). "Cup Series' Next Gen model set for two-day test at Daytona; Buescher to drive". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  24. ^ "L'auto Next Gen della NASCAR raggiunge gli obiettivi di velocità a Daytona". The Shield Of Sports (in Italian). December 17, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2020.
  25. ^ Albert, Zack (February 1, 2021). "Competition briefing: Development phase of Next Gen car is complete". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  26. ^ Albert, Zack (April 2, 2021). "Manufacturers make strides with Next Gen test at Martinsville". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
  27. ^ "Tyler Reddick conducts Next Gen Goodyear Tire Test at Darlington". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 6, 2021. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  28. ^ "Slight scrape for Reddick as Goodyear test for Next Gen car concludes at Darlington". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 6, 2021. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  29. ^ "Ross Chastain tests Next Gen at Dover". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  30. ^ "NASCAR completes Next Gen test at Texas Motor Speedway". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 29, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  31. ^ "Christopher Bell tests Next Gen car at Bristol on Wednesday". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  32. ^ "Eight Cup teams to test Next Gen cars at Daytona". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  33. ^ "Kaz Grala to test NextGen for StarCom Racing". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 8, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  34. ^ "NASCAR releases upcoming Next Gen testing schedule; announces horsepower package for 2022". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  35. ^ "Earnhardt, Stewart, Bowyer to test at Bowman Gray UPDATE". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
  36. ^ "Stewart Friesen to test Next Gen on dirt track". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  37. ^ "NASCAR modifies Next Gen test schedule". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 24, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  38. ^ "Phoenix Raceway Offers Free First Look at NASCAR Next Gen Cars on Jan. 25". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 30, 2021. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  39. ^ "Stewart Friesen Does Goodyear Dirt Tire Test for Next Gen Car". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  40. ^ Waack, Terrin (November 17, 2021). "On the clock: Next Gen car 'performed as designed' in Austin Dillon test wreck". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  41. ^ Albert, Zack (December 15, 2021). "Tyler Reddick crashes into pit-road barrier during Next Gen testing at Charlotte". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved December 16, 2021.
  42. ^ "NASCAR Moving to Higher Horsepower, Lower Downforce Package in 2022 UPDATE". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  43. ^ "Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Cole Custer Participate in Tire Test at Charlotte". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  44. ^ "Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez, Aric Almirola Running Goodyear Tire Test at Pocono UPDATES". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  45. ^ Albert, Zack (May 5, 2021). "Stock reborn: NASCAR, manufacturers unveil Next Gen models for 2022 Cup Series". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  46. ^ "Öhlins to provide shocks for Next Gen car". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  47. ^ "NASCAR Stiffens Up Penalty System for 2022 Cup Series Schedule". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 24, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  48. ^ "RFK Racing No. 6 team penalized 100 points, fined $100,000". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 24, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  49. ^ "NASCAR Provides More Information on Keselowski Penalty". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  50. ^ "Petty GMS Racing Teams Penalized at Pocono". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  51. ^ "NASCAR disqualifies Pocono winner Denny Hamlin, runner-up Kyle Busch". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  52. ^ "Front Row Motorsports No. 34 team penalized 100 points, fined $100,000". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 26, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  53. ^ "NASCAR hits No. 4 Cup team with L2-level penalty for modification of single-source part". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  54. ^ Crandall, Kelly (May 30, 2023). "Hefty penalty for Briscoe, Stewart-Haas over Charlotte infraction". Racer. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  55. ^ Crandall, Kelly (January 22, 2022). "Teams coping with supply chain issues on Next Gen parts". RACER. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  56. ^ "Daytona 500 Winning Car May Not Be Displayed As Teams Face Next Gen Concerns". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 8, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  57. ^ Spencer, Reid (February 6, 2022). "Joey Logano holds off Kyle Busch, wins inaugural Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  58. ^ "NASCAR wheel falls off in Daytona 500 (Video)". Racing News. February 20, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  59. ^ "NASCAR Is Already Trying To Fix Its Skew Problem". Jalopnik. G/O Media. February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  60. ^ Arnold, Kirby (February 21, 2022). "So far, so good: new Cup car off to promising start". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  61. ^ "2022 Daytona 500 results: Austin Cindric wins, topping Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney in thrilling finish". CBS Sports. February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  62. ^ McDaniel, Dave (2022-03-08). "Winning Daytona 500 car makes its way to Motorsports Hall of Fame of America after delay". WESH. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  63. ^ "NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports team up for special Le Mans entry in 2023". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  64. ^ "NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports Announce Pursuit of Garage 56 Entry at Le Mans". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  65. ^ Bradley, Charles (March 17, 2022). "NASCAR, Hendrick plans to take Next Gen car to Le Mans 24 Hours in 2023". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  66. ^ Taranto, Steven (March 31, 2022). "Denny Hamlin unhappy with lack of transparency on NASCAR, Hendrick's Le Mans plans". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  67. ^ "Toyota Exec Initially Disappointed in Hendrick's Le Mans Entry, Hopeful for More Transparency". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  68. ^ "Jeff Gordon Interested in Racing in 24 Hours of Le Mans, Uncertain if with NASCAR Entry". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  69. ^ Albert, Zack (November 15, 2022). "'Huge milestone': Garage 56 Le Mans project enters next phase with VIR test". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  70. ^ Albert, Zack (January 28, 2023). "Jimmie Johnson headlines three-driver Garage 56 entry for Le Mans". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  71. ^ "Garage 56 project's Le Mans invite official; team will compete using No. 24". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  72. ^ "NASCAR Garage 56 makes history by finishing Le Mans". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media. June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  73. ^ "Ford to run Mustang Dark Horse body style in 2024 Cup competition". Jayski’s Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  74. ^ Albert, Zack (November 27, 2023). "Toyota unveils new Camry XSE for Cup Series competition in 2024". NASCAR. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  75. ^ Ramsey, Jonathon (January 19, 2020). "NASCAR tests six-speed sequential manual gearbox in 2021 Next-Gen car". Autoblog. Verizon Media. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  76. ^ Weaver, Matt (March 4, 2020). "Latest NASCAR Next-Gen Test Underscores a Challenging Race Car". Autoweek. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  77. ^ Donut Media (May 4, 2021). Why NASCAR Is Getting Kinda Weird. YouTube. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  78. ^ Andrejev, Alex (May 5, 2021). "NASCAR Next Gen car unveiled: Look at 2022 Toyota Camry". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 6, 2021.
  79. ^ a b Wilhelm, Chase (March 3, 2020). "William Byron details learning experience after Next Gen test at Fontana". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  80. ^ Albert, Zack (March 2, 2020). "NASCAR moving to single lug-nut design for Next Gen car". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  81. ^ "Differences Between A Next Gen Nascar And The Generation 6 Nascar". Motor Racing Sports. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  82. ^ Bowles, Tom (February 22, 2022). "Did You Notice?: NASCAR Wheels Turning On Next Gen Tire Troubles". Frontstretch.com. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  83. ^ "Team Penske, RFK Racing Get Wheels Confiscated UPDATES". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 21, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  84. ^ "Daytona Post-Race Penalties Announced; No Penalties to Penske or RFK". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  85. ^ "Nascar Next Gen Review Camera Divides Drivers". MotorBiscuit. 21 September 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  86. ^ Hawkins, Jeff (December 7, 2021). "Brad Keselowski Says Drivers Need to Stop Whining About Next Gen Cars". Sportscasting | Pure Sports. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  87. ^ "NASCAR to allow teams to add lifter system for flat tires UPDATE". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  88. ^ "Cup Drivers Say Short Tracks, Road Course Package Needs Work". Racing America. October 12, 2022. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  89. ^ Hmiel, Lisa. "So painful to watch the development of the new car. The engineers could really use a real world guy to temper some of their ideas. Have seen photos of a wrecked car and hearing rumors of sled tests killing the dummy, the car may be too stiff with too few crush zones". Twitter. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  90. ^ Pockrass, Bob. "Those rumors been around for months. NASCAR's John Probst in May: "(We) simulated some of the bigger incidents that we've had with the current Gen-6 car on the Next-Gen car. I'd say that we're pretty happy with where we're at. I won't get into the specifics of where we're at."". Twitter. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  91. ^ Taranto, Steve (July 9, 2021). "Explaining the alleged safety concerns surrounding NASCAR's Next Gen car". CBS Sports. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  92. ^ Long, Dustin (July 9, 2021). "Analysis of NASCAR Next Gen car crash test underway". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  93. ^ Utter, Jim (July 9, 2021). "NASCAR awaits final sign-off of crash results on Next Gen car". Motorsport Network. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  94. ^ "Next Gen chassis headed to teams this week". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  95. ^ "Will heat be an issue inside Next Gen cars?". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  96. ^ Tatarevic, Bozi (November 16, 2021). "NASCAR's Latest Tweaks to Solve Excess Cabin Heat in the Next Gen Car". Road & Track. Retrieved February 17, 2022.
  97. ^ "NASCAR Will Continue to Allow Drivers to be Towed to Pit Road". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  98. ^ "Daytona Post-Race Penalties Announced; No Penalties to Penske or RFK". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 23, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  99. ^ "UPDATE: Auto Club Post-race Penalties Announced; Todd Gilliland Loses Crew Chief for 4 Races". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 3, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  100. ^ "Phoenix Post-Race Penalties; Corey LaJoie Loses Crew Chief for 4 Weeks". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  101. ^ "Kaulig Racing, Front Row Motorsports Lose Penalty Appeals". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  102. ^ "COTA Penalties Announced; Bootie Barker Suspended Four Races". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 29, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  103. ^ "NASCAR penalizes No. 78 Live Fast team for losing wheel at Talladega". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 27, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  104. ^ "Kaulig Racing No. 31 team penalized for lost wheel at Kansas". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  105. ^ Nguyen, Justin (February 1, 2023). "Ross Chastain Rule, road course stage break deaths among 2023 NASCAR changes". The Checkered Flag. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  106. ^ "Heat Causes Inspection Issues at Talladega". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  107. ^ Long, Dustin (April 22, 2022). "Umbrellas key tool for NASCAR Cup teams on sunny day at Talladega". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  108. ^ "Kurt Busch of 23XI Racing ruled out for Sunday's Cup race at Pocono". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  109. ^ Pockrass, Bob (July 26, 2022). "Kurt Busch's concussion raises questions about Next Gen safety". Fox Sports. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  110. ^ Spencer, Reid (September 1, 2022). "Next Gen crash impacts in spotlight, under observation". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  111. ^ "NASCAR Continuing to Investigate Cars Catching Fire". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 6, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  112. ^ "Toyota to Examine Darlington Engine Failures". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  113. ^ "Cody Ware released from infield care center after Stage 2 crash at Texas". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 25, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  114. ^ "Cody Ware Treated and Released After Texas Accident UPDATE". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 30, 2022. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  115. ^ Weaver, Matt (September 27, 2022). "What Was Up with the Texas Tire Failures?". Racing America. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  116. ^ Long, Dustin (September 29, 2022). "Alex Bowman to miss Talladega due to concussion-like symptoms". NBC Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  117. ^ Taranto, Steven (October 31, 2022). "Alex Bowman medically cleared to return for NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Phoenix". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  118. ^ "DNFs Up After 23 Races in 2022". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
  119. ^ "Next Gen Safety Continues to be an Issue Among Drivers". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  120. ^ "NASCAR to Test Rear Bumper Updates Next Week". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  121. ^ "NASCAR Meets With Drivers About Safety". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 8, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  122. ^ Gelston, Dan (April 30, 2023). "Larson: Aftermath of violent Talladega wreck 'unsettling'". ABC News. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  123. ^ Crandall, Kelly (April 25, 2023). "Preece to meet with NASCAR to analyze Talladega crash". RACER.com. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  124. ^ "NASCAR to mandate air deflector on right side of car following Michigan flip". NASCAR. August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  125. ^ Cain, Holly (August 21, 2024). "Harrison Burton lands first Cup Series win at Daytona, secures 100th for Wood Brothers". NASCAR. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
[edit]