Former NASCAR champion Kyle Busch added his voice to criticism of the sport’s NextGen cars in 2025, following comments from Dale Earnhardt Jr. about the handling issues of earlier models. Both drivers expressed frustration with NASCAR’s vehicle designs, highlighting difficulties with control and performance during races at tracks like Kansas Speedway and Richmond International Raceway.
Past and Present Concerns Over NASCAR Car Designs
The debate over NASCAR car handling reignited when stock car analyst Kelly Crandall shared a critical view on her own automotive frustrations, which soon attracted attention from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Known for his tenure in the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series, Earnhardt Jr. took aim at the Car of Tomorrow (COT) – the Gen5 cars competing from 2007 to 2012. During a race at Richmond International Raceway, he struggled with vehicle control and finished 13th after a spin mid-race.
Reflecting on those poor handling experiences, Earnhardt Jr. stated:
“These cars handle terrible – but they’re like tanks – you can beat and bang and run ’em into anything: other cars, the wall, anything. I hit ’em all today, got bounced around and it just keeps going.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr., former Cup Series driver
In 2026, Earnhardt Jr. revisited his critique on Twitter, reaffirming his negative view of the COT by saying:
“Had a similar experience with the COT. Do not recommend.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Years later, in 2025, Kyle Busch echoed comparable complaints about NASCAR’s latest Gen7 NextGen cars, which debuted at the 2022 Daytona 500. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion racing for Richard Childress Racing, described the new cars as challenging to manage during race preparation for the upcoming season.
Busch commented to Kyle Dalton of Athlon Sports:
“It’s a different animal. It’s a different beast. And for me, I would say that I haven’t been able to tame it as much as I was able to the older version cars. There’s definitely still some things with this car that I would like to see different.” – Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
He also expressed his frustration plainly on social media:
“I’ve had a very similar experience with the Next Gen car. Do NOT recommend!” – Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is currently in his fourth season driving the #8 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing but has struggled to return to victory lane since the 2023 Enjoy Illinois 300. This season, his best finishes include 15th place at Daytona and 34th at Atlanta.
Kyle Busch’s Frustration Boils Over During Kansas Race
During the 2025 event at Kansas Speedway, Busch voiced his anger on the team radio after getting trapped behind Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing. Starting the race outside the top 30 following a difficult qualifying session, he managed to climb into the mid-pack but found himself hindered by the aerodynamic traits of the Gen7 cars, which limited opportunities to pass.
On the radio, Busch exclaimed:
“Un-fucking-believable. These cars suck so bad. Thank you NASCAR!” – Kyle Busch
The race took a further turn as a collision between Noah Gragson and Josh Berry on lap 207 pushed Busch off track and into the grass along the backstretch. He ultimately finished 21st, just ahead of teammate Austin Dillon. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace’s race ended prematurely with a DNF (Did Not Finish).
The Impact of Vehicle Design on Driver Performance and NASCAR’s Future
The dissatisfaction voiced by veterans like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch highlights ongoing challenges in NASCAR’s car development, particularly concerning the NextGen model. While designed to improve safety and competitiveness, drivers report difficulties in managing the new vehicles’ handling characteristics, which in turn affect race strategies and on-track battles.
With criticisms mounting about both the Gen5 and Gen7 car eras, NASCAR faces pressure to address these concerns as the sport continues evolving. The feedback from prominent drivers emphasizes the importance of balancing durability with performance to maintain driver confidence and fan engagement.
As the 2025 season progresses, the responses to these criticisms—whether through technical adjustments or policy changes—will likely influence NASCAR’s direction and the overall racing experience for competitors and audiences alike.
I’ve had a very similar experience with the Next Gen car. Do NOT recommend!
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) February 26, 2026
