When it comes to NASCAR, it is fair to say that the auto racing discipline is always evolving (even if fans sometimes feel that the pace of evolution does not come quick enough) and there will soon be another raft of evolution appearing in the headlights.
Because 2022 will see the introduction of NASCAR’s Generation 6 car and although this will mean a continuation of the interest that already comes from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, it is also hoped that new manufacturers will also be lured to the championship.
Like all other forms of top-level motorsport, NASCAR is going through something of an identity crisis at present and it is a crisis that comes in the shape of sustainability, as questions are continually asked regarding the use of the combustion engine.
With a push towards electric racing over the past few years, it has meant all manner of marques have been seduced by this look to the future and because of this, some championships have had to change dramatically in order to survive.
Take Germany’s DTM Championship for example. The pinnacle of tin-top motorsport in continental Europe has undergone radical change in 2021, as their previous Class One regulations have morphed into GT3 rules instead.
This was a deemed as the only potential move that ex-Formula One driver and now DTM Chairman Gerhard Berger could make to keep the legendary competition alive, as his trio of usual suspects all pulled their works manufacturer support.
With BMW, Audi, and Mercedes all calling time on their most recent DTM stints, the paddock was left stunned and although the switch to GT3 has not been universally popular, it has at least opened the grid up to new makes such as McLaren and Ferrari.
Of course, such a radical change meant that the existing tie-up with Japan’s Super GT class is dead in the water for the time being and any hopes of the DTM/Super GT cross-discipline race returning, has been left in neutral for now.
However, it is not just Europe that is undergoing motorsport change and the Supercars within Australia will have a much different look in 2022, as Holden’s link with the sport finally comes to an end.
The Australian manufacturer ended its works support at the end of 2020, although it still offers an element of assistance to those teams who have entered the red badge in this year’s edition of the competition.
While for 2022, the Supercars will take a far different shape and for Holden in the past, you will now have to read Chevrolet in future. They have taken on the General Motors baton from their Australian cousins and will be charged with going up against fellow Americans Ford at Bathurst.
The change in aero shape has been made with the hope of also luring new faces to the grid and who knows there may be something in the way of perfect eventual symmetry with NASCAR, should Toyota join the fold.
Then again, those in charge of America’s premier oval racing discipline do not think three is the magic number and although the sands seem to be shifting in the direction of all things electric, there could be scope to lure a first ever European manufacturer to the grid.
We have recently seen something of an entry drain from Formula E as of late and with BMW and Audi also calling time on this entry, both German car companies will be looking to keep their motorsport departments busy.
It seems as if Audi will not be idle for long, as they plan to return to the famous Le Mans 24 Hour race and be a part of the new Lmdh regulations, which would allow them to race their sportscars in the United States.
Not to mention that when Audi to return to Le Sarthe, their previous pedigree would suggest that they will be favourites to take the chequered flag first and the best sportsbooks will certainly provide the opportunity for such an outcome to be backed.
Which begs the question regarding BMW’s competition status and with previous comments suggesting something of a flirtation with NASCAR, could the Daytona 500 see something akin to a European invasion in the future?
The Generation 6 car would certainly help such a move being facilitated and although 2022 may come along too soon, the BMW decision makers within Germany will be watching next year’s NASCAR championship with an increased level of interest.
