The all-new Gen 7 car debuted in early 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, but it has generated several points of controversy.
A number of tracks have fallen victim to the new problems with aluminum rims and tires, and crashes that were overlooked in previous generations of stock cars now have drivers and teams holding their breath for safety reasons. .
23XI Racing’s Kurt Busch was the first to suffer a serious injury in a Gen 7 crash, suffering concussion-like symptoms after his qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway in July. More than two months later, he still hasn’t returned.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin also sat out an Xfinity Series race due to pain following an accident in the Gen 7 car. Most recently, Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing suffered a devastating accident in the Gen 7 car, causing him to collapse on the way out.
Aside from injuries, the Cup Series racing product has also deteriorated. With a record 19 different winners and six races remaining on the schedule, the parity offered by the Gen 7 car is noted, but it comes at a cost.
Several drivers led races, but randomly blown tires ruined their chance to take the checkered flag, and the early playoff races magnified the problem.
Bristol Motor Speedway had a plethora of cautions and a lack of passing due to tire and gear issues, and Texas Motor Speedway had a tally of 16 cautions, affecting several playoff drivers. Eight of those 16 occurred as a result of tire failures. Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. all wrecked while leading.
Even though NASCAR has seen many sellout crowds this season and trying to move in one direction which can bring the sport the popularity it hoped to regain in recent years, the problems with the Gen 7 cars need to be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise, recent success may serve as a fever dream, not a rebirth.
The drivers are risk their safety and well-being more than before in a sport that has sought to distance itself from the violent nature that has cost competitors their lives in the past. Teams see what was once touted as a profitable car as a 50-50 shot of a total vehicle, and fans witness “wreck parties” during stock car racing.
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Although NASCAR has always shown a desire for innovation, it is safe to assume that the 2022 season will serve as a learning experience for everyone involved in the process of creating a new car and product. race. But change must come as soon as possible. Otherwise, the aforementioned issues could reach a new low.
