NASCAR Just Made HUGE Car CHANGES after Driver BACKLASH from Bristol CONTROVERSY
NASCAR is at a pivotal moment, spurred by a firestorm of criticism following a lackluster Bristol Motor Speedway race in April 2025 that left fans and drivers fuming. The event, marked by minimal passing, negligible tire wear, and a parade-like procession, prompted a rare outcry from drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, who demanded sweeping changes to the Next Gen car. In response, NASCAR has introduced significant adjustments, signaling a potential shift in the sport’s trajectory. This move, driven by growing dissatisfaction with the car’s performance on short tracks, aims to restore the gritty, edge-of-your-seat racing that defines stock car racing’s legacy.
The Bristol race exposed deep flaws in the Next Gen car, introduced in 2022 with promises of tighter racing and cost control. However, three seasons later, the car has struggled to deliver, particularly on short tracks like Bristol, where passing is nearly impossible. Hamlin, a veteran with a vested interest in the sport’s future, didn’t mince words on his Actions Detrimental podcast, calling the car’s rollout rushed and under-tested. He revealed that NASCAR realized just two months before its debut that passing was a major issue, yet pressed forward. The result? Races like Bristol, where Larson led 125 laps on a single tire set with no wear, epitomizing what Hamlin called “follow the leader at 100 mph.” Fans echoed this frustration on social media, decrying the lack of drama and side-by-side action that once defined NASCAR.
Hamlin and other drivers have pinpointed the root issues: restricted horsepower and inadequate tire compounds. NASCAR’s current 650-horsepower limit, down from the 900-plus of yesteryear, prioritizes parity but stifles racing dynamics. Hamlin advocates for a boost to 750 horsepower to spread the field and allow skillful overtaking. He also criticized Goodyear’s tire compound at Bristol, which failed to produce the necessary fall-off to create strategic racing. “Give us tire wear, give us fall-off, give us a chance to race,” he urged. Larson, despite dominating Bristol, admitted the racing lacked excitement, aligning with Hamlin’s call for a better product.
NASCAR’s response has been swift, at least in part. Elton Sawyer, senior vice president of competition, acknowledged the shortcomings, emphasizing that the organization is “not going to sleep on this.” One immediate change is an overhaul of the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP), allowing teams to replace diffuser flaps—critical for aerodynamic stability—during repairs. This adjustment, first implemented at Talladega in 2024 and reinforced in Kansas, ensures repairable cars aren’t prematurely sidelined, addressing a long-standing grievance. Sawyer also hinted at ongoing collaboration with Goodyear to improve tire performance, particularly for Bristol’s summer race, where hotter conditions could necessitate softer compounds.
The broader question looms: will NASCAR go further? Drivers are pushing for more than quick fixes, proposing direct collaboration with engineers to address the Next Gen car’s aerodynamic and horsepower limitations. Hamlin’s vision—shared by many in the garage—is a return to NASCAR’s roots, where raw power, rivalries, and unpredictable battles captivate audiences. The sport’s history of evolution, as Sawyer noted, suggests change is possible, but skepticism persists. Fans and drivers alike wonder if NASCAR will cut through bureaucratic inertia to deliver meaningful reforms or settle for cosmetic adjustments.
As NASCAR navigates this crossroads, the stakes are high. The Bristol backlash has united drivers, fans, and insiders in demanding a renaissance for stock car racing. With the spotlight on every decision, from potential horsepower increases to tire innovations, the sport has a chance to reclaim its thrilling essence. Whether NASCAR seizes this moment to deliver the tire-smoking, drama-filled races fans crave remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the voices calling for change are louder than ever, and they won’t be ignored.
