Following massive global pandemic-related delays to the development of NASCAR’s next-gen car, testing is underway. With Kurt Busch’s help, the development team is working relentlessly to iron out any faults with the next-gen car. However, a new report by Motorsport indicates that there is much work to be done.

Busch reportedly pinpointed vital issues surrounding the car’s venting and cooling system. As a result, the next few months will be critical to its development, seeing as teams are expected to begin building their cars by June, says Autoweek.

What’s wrong with NASCAR’s next-gen car?

In November of last year, both Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr got to spend some time on track with NASCAR’s next-gen car. According to Motorsport, this included testing in various track layouts. In this original test, Busch reportedly felt that the car showed excellent acceleration and steering responsiveness.

However, Motorsport reports that Busch found significant problems with NASCAR’s next-gen car. The first involved the steering load generated while on the oval layout. Additionally, Busch reportedly found issues with the brand-new twin-exhaust system. According to Motorsport, Busch stated:

“It’s now a split exhaust system, so it comes out of the left, and the right, which means the exhaust goes right underneath the driver on the left side. We need better insulation, more venting, and a cooler situation”

Kurt Busch via Motorsport

After a 25-lap run, Busch reportedly found that NASCAR’s next-gen car was running slightly hot. However, the racing driver remained optimistic that the problem and others could be solved without major issues.

What is new with the next-gen car?

Since NASCAR’s next-gen car is still undergoing testing, there is plenty we don’t know about it. However, preliminary reports indicate that there are some major improvements.

According to Autoweek, the first of these comes in the form of a six-speed sequential transmission leaving behind the current four-speed transmission. Additionally, the new car features 18-inch wheels with wider and lower-profile tires. The wheels themselves will utilize a single-lug assembly as well. This means that NASCAR’s next-gen car will likely feature larger brakes given the extra available space.

One of the most notable changes coming to NASCAR’s next-gen car is that it will ditch the solid rear axle suspension of old and embrace a brand-new independent rear suspension. According to Hagerty, this means that we will likely see coilover-type suspension both in the front and in the rear.

When can we expect to see it out on the track?

According to Autoweek, you won’t have to wait long to see NASCAR’s next-gen car out on the track. Teams are expected to begin construction of their cars sometime in June if no other delays arise. Autoweek reports that the brand-new car will make its official debut in 2022 during Daytona Speedweeks. However, the next-gen car could appear sooner than that in some unofficial capacity, says Autoweek. As a result, we won’t have to wait much longer to see it in action.