Jimmie Johnson Goes Against Fans to Double Down on His Next-Gen Car Favoritism Jimmie Johnson champions NASCAR's Next-Gen car from the owner's seat, defending its cost-saving model while acknowledging

Jimmie Johnson, owner of Legacy Motor Club and a part-time driver for the team, knows the ins and outs of NASCAR machinery after 700 Cup Series starts. The Next-Gen car debuted in 2022 with its first race at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, bringing spec parts for cost control. Johnson stepped away after 2020 but returned in 2023 to tackle this new era, offering a unique view from both cockpit and boardroom. Yet, with his vast experience across car generations, how does he see the ride evolving?

The 2026 schedule adds spots like the San Diego street course and shifts the All-Star Race to Dover, highlighting Next-Gen’s vulnerabilities on road courses and short tracks due to limited side force in yaw and low-profile tires that reduce feel. Chase Elliott recently shared with Johnso