NASCAR drivers question intermediate track rules package as competition tightens

NASCAR Cup Series drivers are questioning whether the intermediate track rules package needs revision, as five years of development has tightened competition and increased the importance of track position at venues like Las Vegas and Kansas. Tyler Reddick noted cars have gotten faster with more throttle time, while Christopher Bell said the NextGen car has evolved from feeling like an O'Reilly car in 2022 to racing more like a Truck now due to gained downforce. Denny Hamlin added that without major aerodynamic or horsepower changes, lap times have clumped together, making track position more critical. Drivers offered potential solutions, including William Byron and Christopher Bell advocating for more power, and Ryan Blaney suggesting adding horsepower while simplifying the underbody. Joey Logano supports substantial changes every couple of years to create excitement, though he cautioned the current racing is still "pretty dang good."