Jeff Burton Slams NASCAR Next-Gen Car Problem – ‘Like a Nuclear Arms Race’

Jeff Burton Slams NASCAR Next-Gen Car Problem – ‘Like a Nuclear Arms Race’

Jeff Burton has voiced strong opposition toward the current state of NASCAR, likening it to a “nuclear arms race.” His comments came during the On the Crossroads podcast, where Burton, a former NASCAR Cup driver, discussed the changes in stock car racing in comparison to when he was competing. He claimed that the introduction of Next-Gen cars, initially meant to help teams economically, instead pushed them toward heavy technological investments, creating immense financial pressure with minimal competitive gain. Back in 2022, NASCAR rolled out Next-Gen cars with hopes of slashing costs, improving safety, and boosting competition. These newer cars were supposed to address persistent challenges like dwindling sponsorship deals, the sport’s fading appeal, and rising costs.

However, things didn’t pan out as expected by NASCAR’s stakeholders. The intended cost reduction hasn’t materialized, according to Burton, leading many teams into a vicious cycle marked by the drive to outspend each other on cutting-edge technology. The financial pressure on the smaller teams has historically been an issue, but it’s intensified with the rising costs associated with keeping up technologically. Operating a competitive team in NASCAR has always been an expensive venture, requiring somewhere between $8 to $15 million each year. Yet, because bigger teams have more resources, they find it easier to afford advanced technology, thereby putting smaller teams with fewer funds at a clear disadvantage.

Burton explained: “We have an arms race. It’s a nuclear arms race in NASCAR. Whoever can buy the most technology, that’s what they’re all after. And now once everybody has it, why does it matter that you have it? Because everybody’s got it. So, the cost of it is through the roof in every form of racing.” Burton also addressed how this technological surge changed the way cars are built. Historically, car building was more of an art form among NASCAR teams; builders relied heavily on experience, intuition, and craftsmanship.

Nowadays, however, data and scientific precision drive decisions, replacing old-school innovation with meticulous measurements and analytics. Burton laments this shift, reminiscing about times when a more hands-on approach dominated the scene. He added: “Before, we were like artists saying, ‘Yeah, that looks good, let’s do it like that.’ Now, everything is measured, scienced out.”

As a current analyst for NBC Sports and director of the drivers’ advisory council, Burton’s insights carry significant weight. 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule Regular Season Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) – 8 p.m., FOX Feb. 16: Daytona 500 – 2:30 p.m., FOX Feb. 23: Atlanta – 3 p.m., FOX Mar. 2: Austin – 3:30 p.m., FOX Mar. 9: Phoenix – 3:30 p.m., FS1 Mar. 16: Las Vegas – 3:30 p.m., FS1 Mar. 23: Homestead – 3 p.m., FS1 Mar. 30: Martinsville – 3 p.m., FS1 Apr. 6: Darlington – 3 p.m., FS1 Apr. 13: Bristol – 3 p.m., FS1 Apr. 20: Off (Easter) Apr. 27: Talladega – 3 p.m., FOX May 4: Texas – 3:30 p.m., FS1 May 11: Kansas – 3 p.m., FS1 May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) – 8 p.m., FS1 May 25: Charlotte – 6 p.m., Prime Video June 1: Nashville – 7 p.m., Prime Video June 8: Michigan – 2 p.m., Prime Video June 15: Mexico City – 3 p.m., Prime Video June 22: Pocono – 2 p.m., Prime Video June 28: Atlanta – 7 p.m., TNT July 6: Chicago street course – 2 p.m., TNT July 13: Sonoma – 3:30 p.m., TNT July 20: Dover – 2 p.m., TNT July 27: Indianapolis – 2 p.m., TNT Aug. 3: Iowa – 3:30 p.m., USA Aug. 10: Watkins Glen – 2 p.m., USA Aug. 16: Richmond – 7:30 p.m., USA Aug. 23: Daytona – 7:30 p.m., NBC Playoffs Aug. 31: Darlington – 6 p.m., USA Sept. 7: St. Louis – 3 p.m., USA Sept. 13: Bristol – 7:30 p.m., USA Sept. 21: New Hampshire – 2 p.m., USA Sept. 28: Kansas – 3 p.m., USA Oct. 5: Charlotte road course – 3 p.m., USA Oct. 12: Las Vegas – 5:30 p.m., USA Oct. 19: Talladega – 2 p.m., NBC Oct. 26: Martinsville – 2 p.m., NBC Nov. 2: Phoenix – 3 p.m., NBC