The Steep Learning Curve of NASCAR's Next Gen Cars
Veteran NASCAR analyst and former driver Jeff Burton recently offered a candid perspective on the demanding nature of the Cup Series, particularly concerning the Next Gen car. His insights highlight the formidable learning curve new and even experienced drivers encounter, emphasizing that success at this elite level of stock car racing is far from guaranteed and often requires immense adaptation and perseverance.
Jeff Burton, a 21-time Cup race winner and current analyst for USA Network and NBC, delved into various aspects of NASCAR during an interview with Motorsport.com. He provided a strong defense of the legitimacy of contemporary champions while also expressing openness to potential format adjustments. A significant portion of his discussion centered on the considerable leap from the Xfinity and Truck Series to the Cup Series, a transition that has become increasingly challenging due to the distinct characteristics of the Next Gen car. This new vehicle design has introduced a steeper learning curve, making it more difficult for aspiring talents to consistently perform at their peak.
Burton illustrated this challenge through the experience of his 24-year-old son, Harrison Burton. Despite achieving four Xfinity victories in a single season, Harrison's transition to the Cup Series with Wood Brothers in 2022 proved arduous. Over three seasons and more than 100 races, he managed only two top-five and six top-ten finishes. A surprising victory at Daytona in 2024 propelled him into the playoffs, but the team had already decided to part ways. Harrison has since returned to the Xfinity Series with the smaller AM Racing team, making the playoffs in an underdog narrative. His father believes this return could be an opportunity for Harrison to regain his form and potentially return to the Cup Series.
The path to a Cup career is rarely linear, as evidenced by drivers like John Hunter Nemechek and Ryan Preece, who have navigated fluctuating career trajectories. Jeff Burton views Harrison's move to AM Racing as a strategic one, where his son saw an opportunity to contribute to a team that had previously struggled. He felt he could make a difference and help turn their performance around, a belief that has been validated by their playoff appearance. Burton notes that Harrison's success in the Xfinity Series this year has served as a powerful reminder of his capabilities, both to the racing community and to himself, reinforcing the possibility of a future return to Cup racing, especially given his young age and prior victories.
Looking ahead, the discussion also touched upon rising stars like Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim, who are dominating the lower divisions. Zilisch, a 19-year-old, has already secured a deal to join Trackhouse in the Cup Series in 2026. Jeff Burton shared his thoughts on Zilisch's upcoming transition, acknowledging his talent and humble demeanor, which he believes will aid his adjustment. However, Burton emphasized that the path will not be easy, echoing his son Harrison's sentiment about the intense difficulty of competing even for lower positions in the Cup Series.
Burton further highlighted the unique and challenging nature of the Next Gen car. He pointed out that many drivers struggle to understand the car's grip limits, often exceeding them unexpectedly, leading to spins from even seasoned veterans like Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson. He dismissed any dismissive commentary about the car, asserting that it is inherently difficult to drive at its limit. The current NASCAR field is also incredibly competitive, with mere tenths of a second separating many cars. This tight competition means that any error can be costly, making the racing exceptionally intense and demanding for all participants, as reflected in the contrasting career paths of recent Xfinity champions in the Cup Series.