Next Gen cars in NASCAR: Something Gained, Something Lost

Today, it’s less about engineering and more about driving.

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Technical innovation in NASCAR has been a feature of the sport since its inception in 1949. Finding a competitive edge meant pushing rules to their limits and beyond, making mechanics as much the stars of the sport is drivers. 

Today’s next-generation NASCAR cup series cars however, are factory built, largely interchangeable and are no longer fabricated by race teams themselves. Similar cars means very close racing, creating a grand spectacle for fans. For many, putting the sport primarily into the hands of the drivers is a step forward, but for fans that love the engineering side of the sport, something has been lost. 
Great builders like Holman & Moody, Petty Engineering, Banjo Matthews and Cotton Owens will be missed. 

Access all episodes of End of the Line on Engineering TV along with all of our other series.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.