A spirited conversation over NASCAR’s Next Gen car has erupted after former Cup Series crew chief Cole Pearn publicly challenged Kyle Petty’s recent defense of the vehicle.
Few topics spark as much passionate debate in NASCAR as the sport’s controversial Next Gen car. Since its introduction, the vehicle has been praised for modernizing the series but has also been criticized for its weight, repair complexity, and safety concerns.
While drivers, teams, and fans have continuously called out the car’s shortcomings, some discussions hit the accelerator, and social media reacts instantly. The latest clash began when Petty, one of the sport’s veteran voices, made a strong case in favor of the car.
In his remarks, Petty directly countered Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s recent criticism of the Next Gen car. He even praised the vehicle and urged fans and insiders to embrace it as the sport’s future.
Ex-NASCAR Crew Chief Fires Back at Kyle Petty’s Next Gen Claims
Former Cup Series crew chief Pearn, best known for his championship-winning tenure, disagreed with Petty’s claims and made it abundantly clear.
Taking to X, Pearn launched a blunt critique of the car’s design, performance, and weight, questioning what “advanced tech” it truly offered. He likened it to a heavier, less durable V8 Supercar, and mocked its maintenance design, particularly the need to remove the body to replace the fuel cell.
Replying to Petty on X, Pearn wrote, “What the fuck kind of advanced tech is on that car, it’s like 600 pounds heavier. Gimme a V8 supercar that won’t bend in half in the corners at Dover is all they ordered and then said it’s ok to take the body off to change the fuel cell.”
The NASCAR Next Gen car is a huge leap forward, so let’s embrace the change! Why cling to antiquated tech when the racing is only getting better? “We’re seeing some spectacular stuff.” #NASCAR #NextGenCar pic.twitter.com/NFdRDp65JA
— PRN (@PRNlive) August 11, 2025
NASCAR Fans Rally Behind Ex-Crew Chief
Pearn’s unfiltered remarks quickly gained momentum online. Fans of the sport flooded the replies in support, many accusing Petty of “gaslighting” the community and praising Pearn.
What the fuck kind of advanced tech is on that car, it’s like 600 pounds heavier. Gimme a V8 supercar that won’t bend in half in the corners at Dover is all they ordered and then said it’s ok to take the body off to change the fuel cell.
— Cole Pearn (@colepearn) August 12, 2025
One fan said in support, “Relax Cole, we’re all complaining just for the sake of complaining apparently.”
Another fan replied, “Glad Cole calls it how it is. Keep chirping my man love it!! I know this POS contributed to you and Martin hanging it up. lol.”
Showering his praise, another fan shared, “That’s why we love u Cole best damn crew chief I’ve ever known. Watched u build a badass hot rod in 2017 to Win at Watkins Glen how many wins again that season? 8 lol and a championship one of the best seasons in the modern era.”
“This is why we need Cole back in @NASCAR! @RCRracing back a Loomis truck into his driveway & you’ll see your cars get some damn results!” added a racing fan.
A fan passionately wrote on X, “Cole isn’t the hero we deserve. He’s the hero we need. Nascar needs a true racer who’s now on the outside to smack em with a baseball bat. Scorched earth the Nascar C-suite!”
The debate fueled by Petty’s comments spilled across fan forums and Reddit racing pages, reigniting conversations about whether the Next Gen car is a step forward or a costly misstep. With influential voices like Petty and Pearn taking opposing sides, the divide over the Next Gen car shows no signs of ending.
