The world of racing has been thrown into a tailspin as recent data reveals a glaring issue in NASCAR’s Next Gen series. The once unbeatable Cup cars, hailed as the epitome of stock car racing, are now seemingly lagging behind the Xfinity cars on the same track. This shocking revelation, stemming from lap time data collected at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), has ignited a fierce debate among fans and racing insiders.
Historically, the Cup cars were revered as the fastest stock cars globally, but now, due to NASCAR’s cost-cutting measures and the introduction of the Next Gen car, this standing seems to be in jeopardy. The primary culprits? Constraints on horsepower and aerodynamic drag. The Next Gen car’s substantial aero wake, produced by its underbody and rear diffuser, hinders top-end speed, especially on long straights like those at COTA.
Racing enthusiasts had anticipated the Cup cars to set blistering lap times, outshining anything previously witnessed in the Xfinity Series. These cars, after all, were meant to exemplify peak stock car performance with their independent rear suspension, larger brakes, and wider tires. But, the timing screens told a different story. The Cup Series pole time stood at 1:38.08, while the Xfinity Series recorded a faster 1:37.26.
This revelation sent shockwaves through the NASCAR garage. The feeder series had just outpaced the premier level, and this wasn’t an isolated incident. It was a direct consequence of NASCAR’s Next Gen vehicle philosophy, introduced in 2022 to level the competitive field. But, these unexpected side-effects have left Cup teams struggling on road courses.
Racing analyst Bozi Tatarevic’s tweet featuring the qualifying times by car type at COTA further underscored this issue:
LMP3: 1:30.15
GT3: 1:32.60
Xfinity: 1:37.26
Cup: 1:38.08
GT4: 1:39.25
This revelation sparked an influx of criticism, suggestions, and ideas on improving the Cup Racing experiences on road courses.
Is the Cup Series still the top tier of racing? This question has been echoing in the minds of fans and drivers alike. Xfinity driver Josh Bilicki expressed his confusion, saying, “I remember thinking the Cup cars were going to be seconds ahead of the Xfinity cars on road courses.” He questioned why that was no longer the case after NASCAR reduced the Cup cars’ horsepower from above 750 on road courses to just 670.
Meanwhile, Xfinity cars, with almost identical power output but reduced aero drag, are demonstrating better acceleration. One exasperated fan questioned, “Aren’t Cup cars supposed to be fast on road courses?” Furthermore, veteran industry personality Don Frantz pointed out the paradox, noting that if the best stock car drivers are in Cup cars, they should be faster with equal cars.
The most biting critique came laced with heavy sarcasm, directed at NASCAR officials Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell. The comment, which bemoaned the Cup Series as being the fourth slowest on the track, showed the growing displeasure with the leadership’s decisions.
While some argue that Goodyear’s softer tires are a step in the right direction, others believe the only solution is more horsepower. One fan suggested: “It would be nice if Steve Phelps would give the green light to at least get back to 750 HP.” NASCAR now finds itself in a tough spot. The Cup Series is still regarded as the peak of stock car racing, but the data suggests otherwise. If NASCAR doesn’t swiftly address these issues, fans, drivers, and teams will only grow more frustrated.
On paper, Cup cars should still outperform Xfinity cars, thanks to larger brakes, an independent rear suspension for improved handling, and wider tires for better grip. Yet, as one user pointed out, it’s baffling how Xfinity cars, with less power, smaller tires, less aero, smaller brakes, and a worse rear suspension design, are faster.
The Next Gen car has been embroiled in controversy and criticism since its debut, and the debates have only intensified following Ryan Preece’s dramatic flip at Daytona International Speedway. It’s clear that the aero-heavy design and parity aren’t benefiting the premier series. Perhaps it’s time for NASCAR to abandon its patchwork approach and introduce substantial changes to its flagship vehicle, starting with more horsepower.