NASCAR’s Next Gen car has been a lightning rod since its 2022 debut, aiming to cut costs and boost competition with features like independent rear suspension and a spec chassis. But debates rage on, especially after recent races at tracks like Iowa Speedway exposed passing woes and limited tire wear. There’s been pushback against the car’s diffuser and low-profile tires for sometime now. The spark ignited after the August 3 Cup Series event at Iowa, where Dale Earnhardt Jr. voiced frustration on his podcast, labeling the vehicle more of an IMSA sports car than a NASCAR staple due to its modern elements.

Kyle Petty fired back, saying, “People complained in the ’70s when they went to tubular chassis, and they complained when we went to radial tires. They’ve complained all along as the prog

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