NASCAR’s leap from the Gen-6 stock cars to the “Next Gen” platform in 2022 was intended as a bold reinvention. It replaced the piecemeal evolution of Gen-6 with a single-spec chassis, independent rear suspension, sequential transmission, and composite bodies. The new cars run on 18-inch wheels and use 550-670 horsepower, which is restricted at tracks like Talladega and Daytona. These changes made the cars more nimble and aimed to cut costs by standardizing components. Yet handling has fundamentally changed as drivers report that in dirty air, the cars are twitchier and much harder to follow. But fans wonder if the core package itself lost something in the swap.

The growing dissatisfaction is evident from the excitement rates of fans watching the current races. The Athletic ‘s Jeff Gluc

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