The NASCAR garage is buzzing with rumors, and this one’s got fans on edge. The Next Gen car, a game-changer since its 2022 debut, was supposed to get a big upgrade for 2026, with Chevrolet teams expecting new Camaro body panels to replace the discontinued 2018-2024 design. But word’s out that those panels are stuck in limbo, and a key October 20 Roval test for a new ECU and wiring harness, built by NASCAR and McLaren, has been pushed back due to reliability hiccups.

The Next Gen era’s been all about leveling the playing field, with standardized parts like wheels, chassis, and suspensions slashing costs and tightening races. But the ECU, the car’s brain for engine management and data, is hitting snags. Teams reported issues during testing, stalling production, and forcing NASCAR to delay t

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