The introduction of the Next Gen car in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series has created challenges for many drivers, including Tyler Reddick. Discussing the Tyler Reddick Next Gen Car Challenge, Reddick shared how this new vehicle design has taken away a significant advantage he once held, particularly affecting his performance at tracks like Darlington Raceway during the ongoing playoffs.
The Impact of Changes from Gen 6 to Next Gen Cars on Driving Style
The Next Gen car brought several technical updates when it replaced the previous steel-bodied Gen 6 car. One consequence of this update is that the newer composite body is more forgiving when drivers make slight contact with the walls, unlike the harsher penalties with the old steel bodies. Reddick explained on the Stacking Pennies podcast how this shift has removed a key element of his racing strength.
He said,
“I kind of hate it, if that makes sense. I really loved the way that, you know, the amount of precision you had to have with the steel-bodied car at places like Homestead, Darlington.”
Reddick added,
“Anywhere that you would run the highline, run near the fence, because I felt like, you know, that was something I was really good at. I could run really close to the wall and not hit it.”
This skill, which gave him an edge during the Gen 6 era, has become less advantageous with the Next Gen car’s design changes.
Challenges at Darlington Raceway with the Next Gen Vehicle
One of the critical factors in Reddick’s previous success was his precise knowledge of where his car’s body ended, especially when driving close to the wall on the high line. He used to rely on both visual and auditory clues, such as listening to the exhaust, to gauge his distance from the wall accurately. With the Gen 6 car having a single exhaust, this was a reliable tool.
However, the Next Gen car exhaust exits on both sides, making this method unreliable. Reddick confessed that he and fellow driver Kyle Larson found themselves repeatedly brushing against the wall during the closing laps of the Southern 500 at Darlington without facing significant penalties or damage. This adjustment in the car’s build and handling characteristics has made it difficult to keep the same level of control and precision.
Playoff Position and What Lies Ahead at Bristol
Despite these difficulties, Reddick managed a standout performance at Darlington, finishing as the runner-up in the Southern 500, which improved his position in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. If he maintains this form, especially in the upcoming Bristol race, he is positioned well to advance to the Round of 12. However, adapting his driving style further to counter the effects of the Next Gen car remains a crucial challenge.
This shift in vehicle dynamics is significant because it alters how drivers exploit their past strengths. For a racer like Reddick, known for his precise wall-riding skills, the Next Gen car is forcing a reevaluation of racing tactics. How effectively he and other drivers adjust will influence competitor standings as the season progresses and could shape the future driving strategies in NASCAR.
