Veteran NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick are grappling with the new era of next-gen cars. Once considered masters of their machines, these seasoned racers are finding themselves powerless and sidelined due to the drastic changes in NASCAR’s vehicle design and regulations.
Busch, who was known for his acute understanding of his car’s mechanics, showcased his expertise in the 2014 Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol. Despite a pit lane speeding penalty pushing him to the rear, Busch’s knack for diagnosing and rectifying his car’s issues made him a formidable competitor. However, the transition to next-gen cars has seen a significant dip in Busch’s performance.
Ahead of the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami, Busch opened up about his struggles with the new car. Despite remaining competitive in 2025 with decent finishes at Atlanta, COTA, and Phoenix, Busch has been vocal about his struggles with the Next Gen car. His 62-race winless streak speaks volumes about the challenges he is facing.
In a revealing conversation with fellow driver Kevin Harvick, Busch disclosed the crux of his struggles. He confessed that he’s been forced into a more passive role, unable to make the specific calls for adjustments that he was once accustomed to. This shift has been frustrating for Busch, who built his career on meticulous car tuning and intricate mechanical understanding.
The introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022 marked a turning point in Busch’s career. With 59 Cup Series wins and two championships under his belt before 2022, Busch managed only one victory in 2022 and finished 13th in the standings – his worst performance since 2012. A subsequent move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing in 2023 did not yield the expected results, with Busch failing to win a single race in 2024.
Busch’s disillusionment with the Next Gen car isn’t new. In 2021, he criticized the car’s design, claiming that it stifled teams’ ability to innovate and make adjustments. This move, he argued, was a step backward and neutralized his greatest strength – fine-tuning a car to perfection.
Busch’s sentiments are echoed by other veteran drivers like Harvick and the retired Martin Truex Jr., who’ve also struggled to adapt to the Next Gen car. This new vehicle design has brought a level of uniformity to the sport, but at the cost of nullifying seasoned racers’ abilities to diagnose and fix their car’s issues.
In addition to grappling with the Next Gen car, Busch is also dealing with a new generation of aggressive young drivers, like Carson Hocevar. The 22-year-old’s fearless driving style has sparked ongoing tension between him and Busch. Despite their frequent on-track clashes, it’s undeniable that these young, audacious drivers bring an exciting and unpredictable dimension to NASCAR.
The shift to Next Gen cars has not only reshaped racing dynamics but also underscored the importance of the drivers’ personalities. While veterans like Busch and Harvick struggle against the tide of change, it’s clear that NASCAR is entering a new era where adaptability and resilience will determine who reaches the finish line first.