Denny Hamlin has voiced concerns over a significant issue he believes is affecting NASCAR’s Next Gen cars: a “physics problem” that hampers drivers’ ability to pass during races. The difficulty in overtaking is a crucial element in racing, and when the cars themselves limit this aspect, it reduces the creativity and drama that fans expect. According to Hamlin, this issue boils down to the laws of physics.
Hamlin elaborated on this issue on his podcast, Actions Detrimental. He explained the fundamental differences between the Cup Series cars and those used in the XFINITY Series. “In Cup racing, the closer you get to the car ahead, your car loses all downforce, making it difficult to pass,” Hamlin stated. He compared this to the XFINITY Series, where cars lose rear downforce when they get close to the car in front, allowing for more dynamic passing opportunities. The older Generation 4 and 5 cars allowed drivers to make the car in front of them loose by disrupting the air on their spoiler, a tactic no longer viable with the current aerodynamics focused on underbody airflow. Hamlin lamented, “We got a physics problem. I wish they would let us design our own package for a track just once and decide what we’re gonna run.”
As a seasoned and successful driver, Hamlin’s perspective carries weight in the NASCAR community. He contends that the current aerodynamic setup of the Next Gen cars fundamentally changes the dynamics of racing, making it less about skillful driving and more about dealing with unavoidable physical constraints. The question now is what NASCAR will do to address these concerns.
During races, the issue becomes glaringly apparent. Hamlin shared an anecdote from a recent race where his crew chief, Chris, mentioned how close they were to making a pass. However, Hamlin acknowledged the near impossibility of overtaking in the final stage of the race due to these physical limitations. He even referenced Chase Elliott’s frustration during the race, where Elliott humorously wished for a “physics button” to make passing feasible.
Ultimately, for Hamlin and his fellow drivers, the challenge is now akin to a scientific puzzle. They are in a “race” not just against each other but against the constraints imposed by the physics of their vehicles. As they push for changes that could reintroduce the excitement and competitiveness of passing in NASCAR races, it remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved. The racing community eagerly awaits potential solutions that could restore the balance between technology and driver skill, ensuring thrilling races for fans and drivers alike.
