Christopher Bell Sounds Off on NASCAR; Demands Performance Changes

When asked about the NextGen superspeedway package, Bell labeled it "atrocious." He is the latest driver to criticize the car, which demands fuel saving and has zero ability to pull out of line. Denny Hamlin even hailed earlier this week that nobody could be like Dale Earnhardt these days, running 20th to 1st in 10 laps. The aerodynamics of this car do not allow it to have the drag, notably on the back spoiler.

"I think it's time to change the speedway package in general," Bell went on to exclaim. "It's literally a lottery race, and now the strategy is all spelled out... it is all about fuel saving." Bell had a ton to say about the package, voicing what every driver and fan has been thinking. Bob Pockrass featured the media session in this link, from earlier on Saturday.

What Can Be Changed?

As reported on Hauler Talk, Mike Forde confirmed that NASCAR will meet with a group of drivers, including Hamlin, to discuss changes to the package. On the contrary, Tony Stewart interviewed earlier this week with Barstool Sports' 'Rubbin is Racing' podcast. Stewart explained that back in his day, they did a similar thing: build a committee of drivers, hear their feedback, and work off of it. Instead, Stewart explained that NASCAR had dismissed all ideas.

It is now 2026, and times have changed. Steve O'Donnell seems willing to hear drivers out and to make races at Talladega and Daytona more entertaining; a change must be made ASAP.

These changes may include reducing drag by trimming the rear spoiler or removing it altogether. The cars can also add more underbody, thus creating more downforce and aerodynamic speed in dirty air, outside of the draft. Drivers then also ask for their favorite thing of all: more horsepower.

It is unclear what NASCAR might do come 2027, but Bell clearly adds to the list of unhappy drivers. So, as the fans are annoyed by the fuel-saving, non-competitive racing, changes can be anticipated rather than hoped for.