SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 21: NASCAR, Motorsport, USA CEO Steve ODonnell during the NASCAR Cup Series Anduril 250 Race the Base event on Sunday June 21, 2026 at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, CA. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: JUN 21 NASCAR Cup Series Anduril 250 Race the Base EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9532606211036

Jul 25, 2026, 5:22 PM CUT

Fans breathe a sigh of relief as NASCAR parts ways with lead executive behind Next-Gen car

Eric Jacuzzi, the Vice President of Vehicle Performance at NASCAR, announced his departure from the sport, thus bringing an end to a nearly 13-year tenure that included a key role in developing the Next Gen race car.

Jacuzzi announced the same in a post on his official LinkedIn handle, where he described his exit as ‘bittersweet’ while thanking his colleagues and industry partners for their support over the years.

“Bittersweet but after almost 13 years at NASCAR it’s time for something different. Last official hard card for me! Cannot thank my colleagues and everyone who believed in me enough. We did some amazing things, and I hope I left the sport better than when I found it.

"I had some amazing teammates who I could not have done any of it without. Especially want to thank TotalSim US for all of their help in so many different projects over the years.”

The same was also reported by Bob Pockrass on his official X handle, where he pointed out that Jacuzzi was ‘NASCAR's lead aerodynamicist & played pivotal role in aero package development.’

JOLIET, IL - JULY 05: The NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Next Gen car is parked in the garage area before the NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 on July 5, 2026, at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire AUTO: JUL 05 NASCAR Cup Series eero 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon260705071400

Jacuzzi joined NASCAR in 2014 and steadily rose through the competition department before becoming Vice President of Vehicle Performance. His responsibilities included overseeing aerodynamic development, vehicle simulation, and technical research of the current Cup Series car.

He did not reveal what his next role will be, saying only that he plans to take some time off before beginning his ‘next adventure.’

Introduced in 2022, the car introduced major technical changes, including independent rear suspension, wheels with a single lug nut, a sequential gearbox, and standardized supplier parts, among many other things.

However, when NASCAR fans responded to the tweet by Bob Pockrass, it appeared like they were relieved.

What fans think of Jacuzzi’s departure

Although the Next Gen car was developed to reduce costs and create closer competition, it has remained one of the most debated projects in modern NASCAR history, drawing criticism from both fans and drivers.

Clearly displeased with the current car, one user commented, “A pivotal role in the development of the current NASCAR aero package isn’t something I’d put on my resume right now.”

Another user added, “So he helped create some of the worst packages for NASCAR. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.”

One more user was critical of the entire leadership group in the current NASCAR setup, and said, “Anyone a part of the current NASCAR regime of the last ehh 10 years or so...I will be celebrating their departure. A few exceptions.”

Another user was more balanced in their approach, while also crediting Jacuzzi for the lower-tier series in NASCAR.

They said, “Appreciate what he attempted to do… but the current Aerodynamic package with the Next Gen Car is atrocious and a disaster, especially at short tracks and restrictor plates. I do think we need to thank Eric Jacuzzi for the O’Reilly and Trucks packages though. Those are 🔥💪”

Do you think Jacuzzi's departure was good for the sport? Share your thoughts!

Written by

Aaradhya Singh

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason