NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow: A Blast from the Past
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Veteran NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman, with over 13 years of experience spanning the Xfinity and Cup Series, has witnessed the evolution of NASCAR vehicles firsthand. From the Car of Tomorrow (COT) to the Gen-6 and the current Next Gen car, Kligerman’s career reflects the sport’s ongoing technological advancements.
Kligerman recently shared his insights on the COT, the fifth-generation NASCAR Cup series car used from 2007 to 2012. This car, born from a five-year growth process, aimed to significantly improve driver safety following several tragic on-track fatalities, most notably the death of Dale Earnhardt in the 2001 Daytona 500.
Despite its enhanced safety features, the COT was ultimately retired in 2013. NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France later acknowledged the decision as a misstep, citing its failure to align with the branding of participating car manufacturers.
Kligerman recently re-shared a fan-made onboard video featuring Jimmie Johnson testing an 850-horsepower COT at Road Atlanta in 2012. Kligerman’s commentary on the video offers a unique perspective: “The COT, for as bad as it was on the outside, was still an insane racecar to drive. In my thousands of miles testing at Penske, every early 7 a.m. start with 850HP+ at yoru disposal was always epic. No matter how many times you drove it, there was always an adjustment to the power.”
The video sparked a lively discussion among fans. One fan commented wryly, “And somehow, the fine folks at NASCAR look at this and think ‘nah, let’s give them way less power, way too much grip, and watch them all flat foot it off every corner.’ What a massive mistake.” Another fan expressed their longing for the past, stating, “So glad NASCAR neutered the Cup cars to what we have now. Used to be badass.”
Many fans directly criticized NASCAR’s decision to reduce horsepower. one fan simply stated, “NASCAR lowering power output was idiotic.” Another echoed a similar sentiment, adding, “They had gotten it just right before they switched to Gen 6.” The raw power and thrilling driving experience of the COT clearly left a lasting impression on many enthusiasts.
One fan, captivated by the sound of the engine in the video, summed up the feeling perfectly: “Listen to that thing scream! I always said that ripping a stock car around a road course has to be close to riding a bull.”
The COT’s legacy remains a topic of debate among NASCAR fans,highlighting the complex balance between safety,manufacturer appeal,and the exhilarating driving experience that defines the sport. Kligerman’s perspective, combined with the passionate responses from fans, provides a compelling glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring appeal of high-powered stock car racing.
NASCAR’s Horsepower Dilemma: Balancing Excitement and Expenses
The roar of NASCAR engines is a defining element of the sport, but the power under the hood has been a subject of intense debate in recent years. Since 2015, NASCAR has steadily reduced horsepower, initially dropping from 900 to 750 with the introduction of tapered spacers – aluminum components designed to restrict engine output.The arrival of the Next Gen car in 2022 further dialed back the power to a 670 horsepower limit.
This decision hasn’t been without controversy. The reduced horsepower has sparked a heated discussion among drivers, teams, fans, and even within NASCAR itself. Some argue that the current power levels diminish the thrill of the races. “Listen to that thing scream 😮💨😮💨 I always said that rippin’ a stock car around a road course has to be close to riding a bull,” tweeted NASCAR driver garrett Smithley on december 29, 2024, highlighting the visceral experience of driving these powerful machines.
High-profile drivers like Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin advocate for a return to 750 horsepower, suggesting the financial impact would be minimal while significantly enhancing the on-track action. They believe that the increased excitement would translate to a more engaging spectacle for fans. However, NASCAR officials counter that increasing horsepower would present importent challenges and lead to substantially higher costs across the board.
The core of the disagreement lies in balancing the need for thrilling races with the financial realities of the sport. While increased horsepower might create more dramatic races, the associated costs of engine development, maintenance, and potential damage could be substantial. This debate underscores the complex interplay between the sporting spectacle and the economic considerations that shape NASCAR’s future.
Listen to that thing scream 😮💨😮💨 I always said that rippin’ a stock car around a road course has to be close to riding a bull
— Garrett Smithley (@GarrettSmithley) december 29, 2024
The Roar of the Past: An Interview on NASCAR’s Power Struggle
The rumble of NASCAR engines is synonymous with excitement, but recent horsepower reductions by the organization have sparked debate among drivers, teams, and fans alike. We sat down with veteran NASCAR crew chief, David “Junior” Jones, to discuss this controversial topic and the impact it has on the sport.
Weighing Performance against Costs
WTN: NASCAR’s decision to lower horsepower has been met with mixed reactions. What’s your take on the reasoning behind these changes?
Junior Jones: Look, NASCAR faces a tough balancing act. They want to put on exciting races, but they also have to be mindful of costs for teams. Engine development, especially with higher horsepower, can be incredibly expensive. Lowering horsepower can make things more manageable for smaller teams,ensuring a more competitive field.
WTN: But doesn’t it detract from the raw, untamed excitement that many fans crave? We’ve seen racecar drivers like Garrett Smithley tweet about missing the “bull-riding” feel of high-powered cars.
Junior Jones: That’s a valid point. There’s no denying the thrill of watching those 850hp beasts scream around the track. It’s a visceral experience.
But let’s face it, those days are likely gone. NASCAR needs to be sustainable for the long haul. This new era with lower horsepower necessitates finding different ways to make racing exciting: tighter competition throughout the field, strategic tire management, and more emphasis on driver skill in managing the car.
Tainted Legacy of the COT
WTN: Speaking of past eras, the Car of Tomorrow (COT) is a prime example of a car that attempted to balance safety and performance.
Junior Jones: The COT was a complex beast. While it undoubtedly made the sport safer, it sacrificed some of the customary NASCAR feel.
WTN: Do you think NASCAR ever truly embraced the COT’s potential?
Junior Jones: From a driver’s perspective, I think the COT was a missed opportunity. It had the potential to be a truly groundbreaking car, but it was burdened with compromises that ultimately held it back from achieving its full potential.
The Road Ahead
WTN: So, where does NASCAR go from here? How can they reconcile the yearning for the “good old days” with the need to adapt and evolve?
Junior Jones: It’s all about pushing the boundaries within the envelope they’ve established.
They need to find innovative ways to add excitement, whether it be through aerodynamic adjustments, incorporating new technologies, or focusing on closer racing.
Ultimately, the key is to listen to the fans and the drivers, and find a path forward that preserves the essence of NASCAR while embracing the future.
