Christopher Bell says NextGen durability is reason for decrease in NASCAR driving ethics

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series has seen a noticeable decrease in on-track incidents, and drivers like Christopher Bell believe the NextGen car is a big reason why.

Bell, who won the season-opening Daytona 500, said the NextGen car is "a lot more durable" than the previous generation of cars, which has made drivers less hesitant to race each other hard.

“The NextGen car is definitely more durable than the old car,” Bell said. “You can hit someone a lot harder and not really do any damage. That's led to a lot more aggressive racing, because drivers are less afraid to make contact.”

Bell's comments were echoed by other drivers, including Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. Hamlin said the NextGen car is "a lot safer" than the old car, which has given drivers more confidence to race each other hard.

"The NextGen car is safer and more durable, so drivers are less afraid to race each other hard," Hamlin said. "That's led to more exciting racing for the fans."

Busch said the NextGen car is "a step in the right direction" for NASCAR. He said the car is more durable and safer, which has made racing more competitive.

"The NextGen car is a step in the right direction for NASCAR," Busch said. "It's more durable, safer, and more competitive. That's what we need in this sport."

The decreased in on-track incidents has been a welcomed change for NASCAR fans. The sport has been plagued by a number of high-profile wrecks in recent years, including the 2020 Daytona 500 crash that killed Ryan Newman.

The NextGen car is still in its early stages of development, but it has already had a positive impact on NASCAR. The car is more durable, safer, and more competitive, which has led to more exciting racing for the fans.