The Next Gen car was slated to enter competition next year, but due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), and the challenges surrounding the unprecedented situation, NASCAR will delay its debut of the car until the 2022 season.
Statement from John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Innovation
“Due to challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic, the debut of the Next Gen car will be delayed until 2022. The decision was made in collaboration with the OEMs and team owners. We will continue to develop the Next Gen car, and a revised testing timeline will be shared when more information is available.”
Next Gen car testing debuted at Richmond Raceway in October of 2019 as Austin Dillon piloted the new design. Two months later, Joey Logano clocked laps at Phoenix Raceway.
This season, testing had been well underway prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Erik Jones tested the Next Gen car at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and William Byron drove the Next Gen car at Auto Club Speedway.
Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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