Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway delivered a thrilling display of side-by-side racing and high-stakes battles, but it also reignited criticism of the NASCAR Cup Series’ much-maligned Next Gen car.
The Tennessee Lottery 250 on Saturday had everything NASCAR fans crave, from intense battles, daring moves, and edge-of-your-seat drama. But while the on-track action delighted fans, it also sparked a familiar and growing frustration among the sport’s most passionate followers.
Thrilling Xfinity Race Highlights Ongoing Frustration With Cup Series Product
Within minutes of the checkered flag, social media lit up, not just in celebration, but in comparison. For many fans, the Xfinity race’s action served as a stark reminder of what they feel is missing from the NASCAR Cup Series.
Their target of discontent? The controversial Next Gen car, which has struggled to deliver similar excitement on intermediate tracks since its debut.
Fans quickly took to social media to contrast the Xfinity Series’ dynamic on-track action with the shortcomings of NASCAR’s Cup series. “Until the Cup cars can race like this, they are not good enough. End of story,” one fan posted on X, echoing the sentiments of many viewers.
Until the cup cars can race like this, they are not good enough. End of story. https://t.co/OyYiVZKesI
— KLRaceFan (@5KLNASCARFAN) June 1, 2025
The Xfinity race featured frequent lead changes, drivers running multiple grooves, and tight corner battles, all elements fans say they have missed watching in a Cup Series race.
“THIS is how a stock car should behave in the turns! Trailing car packs air on the leader to peek underneath!” another user wrote, praising the Xfinity cars’ more traditional profile.
THIS is how a stock car should behave in the turns! Trailing car packs air on the leader to peek underneath! https://t.co/yds4QYldjm
— Alexander (@AlextheAdm1ral) June 1, 2025
The latest round of backlash is part of a string of ongoing frustration with the Next Gen car that was introduced in 2022. For a long time, NASCAR fans have heavily criticized the product for its single-file racing on intermediate tracks and limiting driver input.
“Sad how this is literally impossible on Sunday,” another racing fan expressed, referring to the Cup Series’ lackluster showings at similar venues.
Another NASCAR fan sharing the same sentiments added, “You can NOT do this in the cup cars.”
“Gen 7 would never 🥀🥀🥀,” another fan remarked.
NASCAR has made several tweaks to the Cup car’s aero package in hopes of improving short-track and intermediate racing.
However, the small changes have not done much. When placed in contrast with the Xfinity product, the Next Gen car continues to draw unfavorable comparisons.
With mounting fan discontent and repeated calls for some change, pressure is growing for NASCAR to reassess its top-tier racing series, especially as lower series continue to upstage it on the same tracks.
To bad we could not watch it. Only on Prime plus addition fee to get program. You can keep it. And you wonder why Nascar is declining.