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‘It’s Worse Now’- Tony Stewart Claims NASCAR’s ‘Deaf Ears’ Mindset Has Stunted the Sport’s Growth for Last 20 Years

Ever since NASCAR rolled out the Next-Gen race car, ex-drivers, veterans and even experts have raised questions regarding the platform’s glaring shortcomings.

Yardbarker

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 10:27 PM

Key Things to Know

Tony Stewart claims NASCAR's refusal to heed driver feedback on aerodynamics has worsened the sport's racing quality.
Stewart stated on the Door Bumper Clear podcast that modern aero-dependent cars limit a driver's ability to impact races.
A meeting between 2013 and 2015 with around 20 drivers was dismissed by NASCAR executive Gene Stefanyshyn.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart criticized the sanctioning body on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, claiming leadership has ignored driver feedback regarding aerodynamic dependency for over two decades. Stewart stated that issues have worsened with modern racing platforms, reducing the driver's ability to manipulate the car compared to the mid-2000s.

Stewart recalled a meeting between 2013 and 2015 where approximately 20 drivers urged NASCAR to reduce aero dependency. After then-executive Gene Stefanyshyn dismissed their concerns using contradictory data, Stewart decided to formulate his retirement plan from the sport.

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