NASCAR President Steve Phelps has announced upcoming changes to the NASCAR Cup and Truck Series cars, signaling a period of evolution for the sport. Speaking during a Race Industry Week webinar, Phelps discussed the future direction of the Xfinity and Truck Series, emphasizing a collaborative approach with manufacturers, race teams, and other stakeholders to innovate and modernize the sport.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series, celebrated for its traditional live axle suspension, narrower tires, and reduced power-to-weight aerodynamic ratio, has been a fan favorite. However, Phelps acknowledged the need for updates that align with advancing technology in the racing industry. He revealed that NASCAR is working closely with manufacturers, Goodyear, and race teams to refine and enhance the Xfinity Series cars. The ongoing dialogue includes current manufacturers as well as potential new Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). “We’ll continue to fine-tune what that car is,” Phelps stated.
While specifics remain undisclosed, Phelps hinted at forthcoming changes for the Truck Series as well. He underscored the importance of collaboration within the industry, emphasizing that any adjustments will require consensus among key stakeholders. “It’s not just NASCAR making decisions—it’s a collaborative effort with manufacturers, Goodyear, and race teams,” he explained. “Any changes to the Xfinity or Truck Series will need garage-wide support to ensure the continued success of these series.”
The sport’s media landscape is also set to undergo a transformation, with a new broadcast agreement taking effect in 2025. The Xfinity Series will exclusively air on The CW as part of a larger overhaul of NASCAR’s media rights, which aims to expand the sport’s reach to a more diverse audience through a variety of broadcasters.
Looking ahead, Phelps remains focused on continuous improvement across all series. “We’re exploring opportunities in the lower series and iterating on the NextGen car. While there’s nothing concrete to announce for the Xfinity Series yet, we’re working with race teams, existing manufacturers, and potential new OEMs to shape its future, as well as that of the Truck Series,” he said.
