NASCAR has always had a flair for reinvention. Change is part of its DNA from ditching dirt tracks to debuting superspeedways, reshaping the playoff format, ditching dirt tracks to adding road courses to a once-oval-only schedule. We’ve seen cars evolve, but we’ve also watched entire traditions bend. Just ask old-school fans about stage racing or the Chicago Street Race.
Every tweak stirs up chatter (sometimes backlash, sometimes praise), but it all drives the sport forward. The Gen 6 car gave way to the sleeker, high-downforce Gen 7. The Chase turned into the Playoffs. Atlanta morphed into a mini-Daytona. Nothing is off the table when it comes to what’s next. And now? A trusted insider may have just dropped a breadcrumb that suggests another major shift is on the horizon.
Is Gen 8 already on NASCAR’s radar? Here’s what we know
The current Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, was built to reset the field. It brought independent rear suspension, a center-lock wheel, and a symmetrical body. These were massive, massive shifts from the Gen 6 platform. Designed with cost-saving and parity, it sparked excitement and frustration across the garage.
While the Gen 7 car delivered on its promise to level the competition, drivers quickly pointed out its flaws. Tire failures, stiff rear impacts, and tricky aero made it a tough sell to some veterans. Yet, it’s hard to argue with the result. With Gen 7 cars, there are more winners, tighter racing, and unexpected shakeups. They have become common over the last three seasons, which remains a positive sign for NASCAR.
That’s why a recent fan tweet sparked so much buzz. “Could we be looking at a new car generation in 2028? 2029?” the post asked. Given that the Gen 6 lasted nine years, the math suggests Gen 7 should stretch to 2031. But then came Bozi Tatarevic’s reply: “I would expect an evolution of the current Cup car to happen around 2028 or so to go along with an updated engine formula.”
I would expect an evolution of the current Cup car to happen around 2028 or so to go along with an updated engine formula. https://t.co/C25k9AvqIO
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) April 8, 2025
Tatarevic, a respected industry analyst, doesn’t throw out predictions lightly. His mention of an “updated engine formula” hints at more than just a body tweak. Rather, it could signal a deeper overhaul – something that fans and drivers are asking for. In recent years, NASCAR has quietly tested EV tech with the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype stock car (a timeline remains unclear, though).
By 2024, manufacturers had already begun pushing for new drivetrain solutions to attract next-gen audiences and sustainability goals. The current car may be the most technically advanced in NASCAR history, but it’s not perfect. And if history has shown us anything, it’s that NASCAR isn’t afraid to shift gears, literally and figuratively, when the sport demands it.
Whether it’s 2028 or 2031, all signs suggest Gen 8 won’t just be an upgrade. Instead, as Bozi Tatarevic hinted, it’ll be a statement!
NASCAR’s quiet revolution behind the scenes
While fans speculate about the timeline for Gen-8, NASCAR itself has already fired up the engines on early development. Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell confirmed that planning is underway, emphasizing sustainability. In a statement shared by reporter Adam Stern, O’Donnell revealed, “We’re working on everything,” underscoring just how broad the Gen-8 vision is.
One primary focus area? Environmentally friendly fuels. With automakers across the globe pivoting to cleaner energy, NASCAR is joining the movement. Whether it’s hybrid, hydrogen, or even fully electric, the sport seriously considers green alternatives to gasoline. And it’s not just talk. NASCAR’s R&D team is reportedly exploring these avenues, showing they’re not afraid to break new ground.
Even with an eye on the future, NASCAR isn’t abandoning its roots. According to O’Donnell, preserving competitiveness and keeping costs in check will be critical pillars of Gen-8. That means supporting tight-field parity while making cars affordable enough for new teams and OEMs to enter the mix. It’s innovation without alienation. Plus, safety, as always, will remain a top priority.
The Gen-7 car set new standards with its composite bodies and reinforced crash zones. These lessons won’t be lost in the Gen-8 blueprint. Insiders suggest that even stronger driver protection and smarter sensor systems could be introduced, reinforcing NASCAR’s commitment to both speed and safety.
Perhaps the most exciting part? The potential for new OEMs. With NASCAR’s shift toward sustainability and technology, the series is opening doors for manufacturers beyond Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. If Gen-8 cars promise innovation and inclusivity, don’t be surprised to see fresh badges on the grid come 2028.
The future truly is exciting for NASCAR!
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