NASCAR’s major concern might have reached a boiling point

Between injuries and racing incidents, the Gen 7 car has been a cause for concern in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it has reached a boiling point.

The brand-new Gen 7 car debuted at the start of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, but it has come with several points of controversy.

A number of tracks have fallen victim to the new aluminum rim and tire issues, and hits that were overlooked in previous generations of stock cars now have drivers and teams holding their breaths over safety concerns.

23XI Racing’s Kurt Busch was the first to sustain a serious injury from a Gen 7 crash, suffering concussion-like symptoms after his qualifying wreck at Pocono Raceway in July. More than two months later, he still hasn’t returned.

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin also sat out of an Xfinity Series race due to soreness from a crash in the Gen 7 car. Most recently, Rick Ware Racing’s Cody Ware suffered a devastating crash in the Gen 7 car, which led to him collapsing when he got out.

Outside of injuries, the racing product in the Cup Series has taken a turn for the worse as well. With a record-tying 19 different winners with six races still remaining on the schedule, the parity the Gen 7 car offers is noted, but it has come at a cost.

Several drivers have been leading races, only to have random blown tires ruin their shot at taking the checkered flag, and the first few playoff races have amplified the issue.

Bristol Motor Speedway saw a plethora of cautions and lack of passing due to the tire issues and speeds, and Texas Motor Speedway saw a track record of 16 cautions, affecting multiple playoff drivers. Eight of those 16 took place as a result of tire failures. Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, and Martin Truex Jr. all wrecked out while leading.

With injuries, crashes, and non-favorable racing, concerns surrounding the Gen 7 car have reached a boiling point.

While NASCAR has seen many sold-out crowds this season and is looking to head in a direction that can bring the sport the popularity it has hoped to regain over recent years, the Gen 7 car issues must be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, the recent success could serve as a fever dream and not a rebirth.

Drivers are risking their safety and wellbeing more than before in a sport that has looked to distance itself from the violent nature which has taken the lives of competitors in the past. Teams are seeing what was once billed as a cost-efficient car as a 50-50 shot of a totaled vehicle, and fans are seeing “wreck fests” over stock car races.

While NASCAR has always shown its desire for innovation, it’s safe to think that the 2022 season will serve as a learning experience for everyone involved in the process of creating a new car and racing product. But change has to come sooner rather than later. If not, the aforementioned problems could reach a new low.