Jeff Burton has expressed sharp criticism of the current state of NASCAR, comparing it to a “nuclear arms race.”
Speaking on the On the Crossroads podcast, the former NASCAR Cup Series driver highlighted how the evolution of the sport, particularly with the introduction of Next-Gen cars, has created unforeseen challenges. These cars, introduced in 2022 to cut costs, enhance safety, and improve competition, have instead driven teams to make heavy investments in advanced technology. This, Burton argues, has imposed significant financial burdens on teams without yielding the intended benefits.
The Next-Gen cars were meant to address long-standing issues such as declining sponsorships, soaring expenses, and waning fan interest. However, Burton contends that the anticipated cost savings never materialized, leaving teams caught in an expensive race to acquire cutting-edge tools. This relentless pursuit of technology has intensified financial strains, particularly for smaller teams, which have historically struggled to compete with better-funded organizations.
Fielding a competitive NASCAR team already costs between $8 million and $15 million annually. Wealthier teams can more easily afford high-tech equipment, giving them a significant advantage over their smaller counterparts.
Burton explained the issue succinctly:
“It’s a nuclear arms race in NASCAR. Teams are spending enormous sums on technology just to keep up, but when everyone has access to the same tools, what’s the point? The costs are astronomical across all forms of racing.”
Burton also reflected on how the sport’s approach to car building has evolved. In the past, it was considered an art, relying on craftsmanship, intuition, and experience. Today, technology and data analysis dominate decision-making, replacing traditional innovation with precise measurements and scientific methods.
“We used to rely on our instincts, like artists shaping something and saying, ‘Yeah, that looks right.’ Now, every detail is scientifically analyzed,” Burton said.
As an NBC Sports analyst and director of NASCAR’s drivers’ advisory council, Burton’s perspective carries significant weight in the racing community.
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
