Just like Supercars, NASCAR is about to complete a major transition as it debuts the Next Gen Car in February.
First revealed in 2019 and originally set to debut in 2021, however as a result of the global pandemic the new generation of NASCAR was delayed a season, but exhaustive testing has been undertaken by some of the category’s biggest names including recently by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Aiming to attract new OEMs to join Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota, as well as lower costs, improve aerodynamics, while introducing new technological advancements to NASCAR as a hybrid future is envisioned.
Just like in Supercars, the NASCAR Next Gen features distinctive styling in alignment with its road-going counterpart and for the first time in Cup Series history single source manufacturers will build each chassis, produce parts and supply the carbon composite body.
“In my opinion, the importance of this car can’t be overstated,” said NASCAR president Steve Phelps.
“There are many things that Next Gen will do for us as a sport. … The styling is going to be amazing. I think the racing is going to be better based on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
“The costs associated with the vehicle will be lower in terms of its absolute cost as well as the number of cars that will be necessary to run and run up front. Those are all wins for us.
“I believe new OEMs and the relevance of this sport, where this sport now ranks within the sports entertainment landscape, is different than it was a year ago, two years ago, three years ago. With that, as well as the Next-Gen car coming out next year, I think there’s going to be some renewed interest from an OEM perspective.”
Much like Supercars, there is an XTrac gearbox, independent rear suspension featuring Ohlins dampers, while many other world leading organisations are involved in developing and producing components for the Next Gen NASCAR.
The first race for Next Gen will be at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the non-championship Busch Light Clash on February 6.