Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Next Gen NASCAR Race Car: Team Insights

CHEVROLET RACING

JIM CAMPBELL, GM Vice President of Performance and Motorsports

"Chevrolet engineers and designers worked alongside our race teams to develop this race car while staying true to the styling essence of the Camaro ZL1. This cooperation will benefit Chevrolet both on the track and the street."

ERIC WARREN, Director of NASCAR Programs

"The Next Gen Camaro has a much stronger link to the production Camaro ZL1 in terms of styling integration, improved proportions and relevant technologies. From an engineering standpoint, this is a seismic shift. It's a completely new car that really brings with it a lot of opportunity from a technical standpoint.”

PAT SUHY, Manager, NASCAR Competition

"This is a revolutionary change for the sport. Modernizing the chassis and introducing independent rear suspension and a transaxle put this car on par with vehicles found in other forms of auto racing and dealer showrooms.

The updated body specifications with improved proportions better matches the production Camaro ZL1 visually. Contemporary aerodynamic elements like the full underwing and ducted radiator outlet present new challenges for OEMs and teams alike. I'm looking forward to seeing our GM NASCAR Competition Engineering team work with our race teams to turn those challenges into opportunity on the track starting at Daytona in February 2022."

ADAM GOLEMBESKI, Program Manager NASCAR Cup Series

"What many don't realize is NASCAR is one of the more technologically advanced forms of motorsports. The Next Gen vehicle is taking the current generation race car to another level with improved safety, enhanced aerodynamics, an advanced drivetrain and reduced cost, to name a few examples.

Like GM, NASCAR is evolving its technology. The Next Gen platform will enable the integration of future technologies and build stronger similarities between Chevrolet's production and race vehicles."

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

RICK HENDRICK, Owner of Hendrick Motorsports

"The new Camaro will be more advanced in every area, and we are all very excited about getting these cars to the track next season. Chevrolet's commitment to winning races and championships in NASCAR is unsurpassed, and I look forward to a fierce manufacturer battle when these new cars debut. General Motors deserves tremendous credit for leading the effort in collaborative development with its Chevrolet race teams.”

KYLE LARSON, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"I have yet to drive the 2022 Chevrolet, but I believe I have a test in the car later on this season and I can't wait to see how it drives. I'm also excited to see what the car looks like up close. This should be a good and exciting change for NASCAR, and I'm looking forward to racing the new Camaro ZL1."

CLIFF DANIELS, Crew Chief, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"I have heard a lot about the NextGen car – we have a lot of great people working on that project here at Hendrick Motorsports – but I haven't been able to attend any tests with it yet. I've observed the tests from afar and seen a lot of the notes from the tests. It seems when we have been on track with the Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that it's been competitive. The cars definitely drive different, which is great. It's a totally different aerodynamic platform, different chassis, different suspension – it's a complete overhaul. The fact it's a new challenge for the drivers and teams to learn, study and adapt to is really going to be exciting for us and the fans. I know that Chevrolet is going to give us a great product and I can't wait to get it on the track."

ALEX BOWMAN, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"I think it's really cool to see the Next Gen Camaro ZL1 be so similar to the current street car. Tying that all back together is really neat. There's a lot of new technology and innovation, and I'm all for a new challenge. It's definitely going to be a challenge to adapt to a new race car, but I'm excited for it."

GREG IVES, Crew Chief, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"Really looking forward to getting the 2022 Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro out on the racetrack. It's always exciting when there is new innovative technology being put on the track to allow us, as crew chiefs and engineers, to manipulate and outperform our fellow competitors."

CHASE ELLIOTT, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"A new car brings a lot of unknowns to the equation, but we have always enjoyed a challenge. I know everyone on the 9 team and at Hendrick Motorsports is going to put a ton of work into it and put us in a good place come next season.”

ALAN GUSTAFSON, Crew Chief, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"I'm excited about the Next Gen car coming in next year. As a racer, you love the challenge of trying to be faster than the competition and this car gives everyone a new opportunity to work in a lot of different areas. We're looking forward to getting going to work as a company to get up to speed as quick as possible. In the past, I feel like Hendrick Motorsports has really excelled at adapting quickly and that gives me a lot of confidence for what we can accomplish as a company."

WILLIAM BYRON, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"With the Next Gen car, I think what I'm most interested in is seeing the parity throughout the series. I think it may be even higher now. I feel like we've seen that happening though the last couple years but I think that will be more evident with the Next Gen car. I feel like we'll be a little bit more similar to IndyCar now. We can build things out but everyone has similar parts and pieces to work with. Every weekend will come down to engineering and setup really. I'm excited for it. I think the same drivers, teams and manufacturers are going to excel but it will make it that much harder to hit it just right every week. I'm looking forward to the challenge for sure.”

RUDY FUGLE, Crew Chief, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 1LE

"I'm excited to work on the Next Gen car. It's a new style aero package with an under wing and a new top body which is more of a composite-style. It's going to be exciting to see what it's like to work on not only those components but to be able to combine that with the new independent suspension in the rear. This is totally new technology which is exciting to be a part of. We'll have to see what we can come up with but I think it's always fun to be able to challenge yourself with something new.”

CHIP GANASSI RACING

ROSS CHASTAIN, No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE

"The challenge of hitting the ground running fast with the new car is going to be difficult. But we are racers and we love the competition! I can't wait to get on track for the first time in the new Next Gen Chevrolet and start developing a plan to win!”

PHIL SURGEN, Crew Chief, No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE

"Adapting to the Next Gen car will require major changes across the board, both on the race track and through the entire car assembly and setup process. But, with change comes opportunity, which can give Team Chevy a chance to gain a competitive advantage over the competition.”

RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING

RICHARD CHILDRESS, Owner of Richard Childress Racing

“RCR has been working very hard behind the scenes to help introduce the Next Gen to our sport. We built the prototype in collaboration with Chevrolet and NASCAR, and both Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick have tested the car. It's great to see all of the hard work, research and effort come together with the unveil today. We're one step closer to seeing the Next Gen on the track, and I think fans and competitors alike are really going to be impressed with the racing this car produces, along with the speed, precision and technology."

TYLER REDDICK, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE

"I had the opportunity to test the Next Gen car at Darlington Raceway a couple of weeks ago, and I am really excited with what the sport has developed. The car is a challenge and it is going to test the limits of the current drivers in the Cup Series. Darlington will be even more challenging than it has been in years past, which is great. I think it's important tracks like Darlington become more and more challenging every time we race at them. I think being in the Next Gen cars in 2022 and the challenges that'll give the drivers and teams will make for a really good show for the fans."

RANDALL BURNETT, Crew Chief, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE

"It has been exciting to see the development of the Next Gen car come to life, especially with the large role RCR played in building the prototype. I know Tyler (Reddick) was impressed with it at his test at Darlington Raceway a couple of weeks ago, and based on what he said when he got back, the speed, handling and technology in the Next Gen is going to be really cool to work with. A lot of hard work and dedication has been put into this next development between NASCAR, Chevrolet, the other OEMs and the teams, so I'm really excited to see it on track in 2022."

AUSTIN DILLON, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE

“RCR has put in a ton of work getting the Next Gen car ready for its on-track debut. We put a team of guys together at RCR to work on the car, and we were able to build the first prototype, and do it in a short timeframe. There's a lot of engineering in the Next Gen car. It drives a lot different. It reminds me of an asphalt super late model. It turns differently so you have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations with the car to get to know the feel of it. I think a lot of guys are going to love it, and I'm excited to start racing in it next year. I had a blast driving it. It's definitely something different. I think it's great for our sport. I'm usually a positive guy, and like change, but I don't feel like even the guys that aren't usually on the positive side can say much bad about it when they get in it."

JUSTIN ALEXANDER, Crew Chief, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE

"It's going to be a challenge for all of us to be working on something different, but I'm really excited for the opportunity. Everyone at RCR has been working really hard on the Next Gen for a long time, and it's been fun to play a role in that first-hand. It's a big change for our sport. There's a lot of engineering and technology in the Next Gen. It's a new challenge for both drivers and teams."