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Mark Martin Seeks One-Car Test to Trial Setup, Aero Tweaks on NextGen Cup Car

NASCAR has not ruled on the Hall of Famer’s request, which follows a January briefing that reshaped his view of the car’s design.

Overview

  • Martin proposes a single controlled session where he dictates changes using one car and one team to demonstrate potential improvements.
  • He says he would drive only under those test conditions as a development effort rather than a competitive comeback.
  • In January he met NASCAR senior vice president John Probst at the technical center for a deep dive into the NextGen car’s design choices.
  • He contends his decades of hands-on setup and aerodynamics experience still apply today, noting he and Probst discussed a more efficient aero approach.
  • Introduced in 2022 to cut costs and boost safety, the NextGen car has delivered tighter racing in places yet drawn criticism over handling and tire wear on some tracks, and NASCAR has not announced approval of Martin’s proposed test.