Jimmie Johnson delivers verdict on controversial | Sports News

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has joined the likes of Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in calling for modifications to the much-maligned Next Gen car.

Brought in to exchange the Gen 6 car in 2022, the Next Gen has come beneath seemingly growing scrutiny of late for its aerodynamic points, tire put on complaints, and basic lack of energy. These points have been maybe by no means more evident than during qualifying for the Iowa Corn 350, the place the Next Gen vehicles have been outpaced by their Xfinity Series siblings.

And whereas elevated horsepower assessments have been not too long ago carried out at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, supposedly to blended success, it isn’t energy that Johnson, who not too long ago revealed graphic particulars behind his worst-ever wreck, has highlighted because the car’s greatest problem.

Speaking to Harvick on his ‘Happy Hour‘ podcast, the 49-year-old admitted, “I would like to see some changes. I think a car that gains sideforce and YAW is a better car, one that drives better, more interesting, puts on a better show. This car does not do that.

“But, to make those changes in the way you’ll have to…all three OEMs (original equipment manufacturers – Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota) will have to submit wind tunnel time, all the expenses that go with it, I know it’s a slow-moving machine.

“The other thing that I would like to consider is a taller sidewall on the cars. The lower profile sidewall, I think, takes a lot of the feel out of it and being able to slide it and understand it.”

But whereas Johnson would favor to see modifications made, he additionally famous that for a lot of of the present drivers, and particularly the up-and-coming stars similar to injured Xfinity Series chief Connor Zilisch, the Next Gen car, with all its strengths and weaknesses, is all they know.

“A lot of these drivers have never experienced anything else, and certainly the next generation that’s coming in, and you watch these guys exploit it and go fast,” Johnson mentioned.

“So, it’s wild how evolution just continues to move, and the things that I’ve always looked for, I mean, you can’t make them go. Even Chase Elliott, I had a conversation with him in Richmond on Saturday night, and he’s like, ‘Man, it’s just not like it used to be. You can’t drive them the same.’”

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Since the Next Gen arrived on the scene, Johnson, who had retired from full-time racing after the 2020 season, has made 14 appearances for his group, Legacy Motor Club, and it appears he has largely struggled to become familiar with the new machinery.

However, his exceptional third-place end on the 2025 season-opening Daytona 500 represented by far his best end result behind the wheel of a Next Gen car, having beforehand not completed increased than twenty sixth.

Looking forward to the 2026 season, Johnson mentioned he “would like” to race as soon as again, though it appears his focus is popping to the management aspect of the business. “I am finding that I am more impactful for the business side of the house out of the car and in the suite or in our hospitality area with our sponsors,” he commented.

Exactly the place Johnson sees himself returning behind the wheel, he didn’t clarify.