Jimmie Johnson has returned to the United States after residing in London for two years. Recently, during an episode of the Harvick Happy Hour podcast with Kevin Harvick, Johnson discussed his perspective on the differences he experienced driving the Generation 6 car compared to the Next Gen car, offering insights into how these changes influence his role as a NASCAR team owner. This conversation comes as his drivers at Legacy Motor Club prepare for the upcoming Daytona race.
Comparing Driving Experiences with Generation 6 and Next Gen Cars
Kevin Harvick highlighted Johnson’s mastery of car control during his successful years at Hendrick Motorsports in the Gen 6 era. He observed the contrasting behavior of the Next Gen car, describing it as “an angry beast” that challenges even the most skilled drivers. Harvick remarked on moments when drivers, including Kyle Busch, had to push beyond normal limits to handle the car’s aggressive tendencies, suggesting that when the car gets sideways, it often results in a wreck rather than a saved maneuver.
Johnson agreed with this assessment, pointing out that the spec nature of the Next Gen car places a limit on how teams can adapt, as they face restrictions on the number of chassis and parts they can use per season. This framework gives teams a controlled environment, which Johnson finds important for his role as a team owner. He emphasized,
“I don’t think I would be a team owner if we didn’t have this combination, this setup of a spec car.”
Johnson’s Vision for Improvements in the Next Gen Car
Drawing on his experience driving both car models, Johnson expressed his belief that enhancing side force and yaw—the twisting motion of the car around a vertical axis—would lead to better racing dynamics. He criticized the current Next Gen car for lacking these qualities and explained that achieving such improvements would require all original equipment manufacturers to contribute wind tunnel data and cover related expenses, indicating the complexity of making these changes.
Another technical change Johnson advocates is the reintroduction of taller sidewalls on the tires. He argues that the low-profile sidewalls currently used diminish the driver’s feel for the car, limiting the ability to slide the vehicle and interpret its behavior effectively on the track. These suggestions are informed by Johnson’s extensive driving history and his understanding of the sport’s evolution.
Reflecting on NASCAR’s Technological Evolution and Its Impact
Johnson expressed admiration for the ongoing advances in NASCAR technology and acknowledged the unique advantages available to current drivers, features he had hoped for during his own driving career. His insights highlight how the technical development of cars directly shapes both driver strategy and team management in today’s racing environment.
