- Money Lap
- Posts
- The End of Back Markers: How The Next-Gen Has Transformed NASCAR
The End of Back Markers: How The Next-Gen Has Transformed NASCAR
Are backmarkers a thing of the past?
Kyle Dager
July 17, 2024
The End of Back Markers: How The Next-Gen Has Transformed NASCAR
Historically, NASCAR has always had a clear hierarchy. The powerhouse teams dominated the front, mid-pack teams fought for Top-20s, while smaller teams often languished at the back. However, the pecking order in NASCAR is getting harder and harder to distinguish.
In a recent episode of "The Money Lap," hosts Parker Kligerman and Landon Cassill pointed out the evolution of NASCAR's competitive landscape, highlighting a fascinating shift: the disappearance of back-marker. The duo discussed what’s caused the shuffle in running orders.
The Evolution of Parity in NASCAR
There is one clear catalyst that’s caused the potential disappearance of the backmarker. According to Parker and Landon, the introduction of the Next-Gen car has leveled the playing field, allowing smaller teams to close the gap with the established giants.
Kligerman noted, “The Next-Gen car has fundamentally changed NASCAR. It’s no longer a given who will finish last. The competition from top to bottom is more intense than ever.”
Increased Competition Across the Grid
The two highlighted how this increased competition has changed the dynamics of the sport. Not too long ago, fans could easily predict which cars would be at the back of the pack. However, now even teams like Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports are stepping up their game. Spire Motorsports’ rookie driver, Carson Hocevar, is currently sitting in the Top 25 in points with a pair of Top 10s under his belt.
Parker Kligerman emphasized, “This is by far the most competitive top to bottom the series has ever been.”
“You have Gibbs and Hendrick who have risen to the top and won the most races. But the closeness of the field and the parity amongst everywhere else is so vastly in another level than it's ever been.”
The Impact of the Next-Gen Car
The Next-Gen car has standardized many aspects of vehicle construction, reducing the disparities between teams. Kligerman and Cassill noted how this has allowed smaller teams to attract talent they couldn’t before.
For example, legendary crew chief, Rodney Childers, recently announced his move to Spire Motorsports. With his technical prowess, the small team could compete for more wins and possibly even a championship.
“Now you can sell a guy like Rodney Childers on culture” Cassill explained how a small team can get such a high-caliber asset. “Spire is maybe a more fun place to work than Hendrick or Joe Gibbs, right? Or Penske, right?”
“On any pit box on pit road to choose, he chose to go to Spire because it's like, you know what? These guys have the same equipment as anybody else down pit road, right? They're getting the engines. They've got the technology and maybe the money's probably close, right? So at that point it's like, well, what am I really missing? It's a good place to work. Good people, right? Dickerson, the whole team. Like I'll give it a shot because it's the same race cars.”
The Death of the Back-Marker Team
Producer Josh posed an intriguing question to Kligerman and Cassill: "Is the backmarker team dead in the Cup Series?" Both hosts agreed that the concept of a backmarker is becoming more and more obsolete.
"Being last in the Cup Series is not a given anymore," Kligerman emphasized. "The field is so close that even traditional backmarker teams are fighting for every position.”
The Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive changes, some challenges come with increased parity. While the increased competition seems great for the industry, it could come with costly consequences.
Once one of NASCAR’s top teams, Stewart Haas Racing went from competing for championships to closing up shop. Is this the cost of the increase in parity? A powerhouse team like SHR, can’t sustain competing in the back of the pack.
Looking Forward
As NASCAR continues to evolve, the disappearance of back-marker teams represents a significant shift toward greater parity and competition. Will we continue to see a balance of competition throughout the field? Will large teams struggle to survive with the increased competition?
Let us know what you think! Are back-marker teams are a thing of the past? How do you feel about the increased parity in NASCAR? Let us know in the comments below!
Want More?
If you liked this, you’ll LOVE our podcast and newsletter! Check them out here:
Reply