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Mark Martin supports Hamlin and Harvick's concerns about Next Gen cars

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 3:30 AM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Mark Martin supports Hamlin and Harvick's concerns about Next Gen cars

Summary

Mark Martin has expressed his agreement with Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick regarding the concerns over NASCAR's Next Gen car. Speaking on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Martin criticized the emphasis on aerodynamics and downforce, stating that NASCAR's engineering decisions are negatively impacting racing quality. He advocated for reducing downforce while increasing horsepower, drawing comparisons to the balance achieved in Formula 1 and IndyCar. As the conversation continues, Hamlin has also called for more power, indicating that drivers are pushing for changes to improve competition. The debate over the Next Gen car's design appears unlikely to settle soon.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mark Martin joins Hamlin and Harvick in criticizing Next Gen cars.
•Martin calls for zero downforce and more horsepower in NASCAR.
•Hamlin has also publicly requested increased engine power.
•The conversation touches on performance comparisons with Formula 1 and IndyCar.
•Debate on Next Gen car design continues among NASCAR drivers.

Latest Updates

3:30 AMYahoo Sports — NASCAR Hall of Famer Backs Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick’s Next Gen Concerns with Radical Demand

What they're saying

"
The best races in NASCAR history often overshadowed the fact that the field wasn’t tightly bunched together. To create closer competition, NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car in 2022 with more emphasis on aerodynamics.
— Yahoo Sports

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