From helping develop the Next Gen car to playing a central role in the groundbreaking Garage 56 project at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, few engineers might have had a bigger hand in shaping modern NASCAR than Dr. Eric Jacuzzi.
Now, after nearly 13 years with the organization, Jacuzzi recently announced that he is stepping away, closing a chapter that saw him rise through the organization’s engineering ranks and become one of its key technical pioneers.
Last week, the North Carolina State University alumni announced his departure in a post on LinkedIn, sharing a photo of his final NASCAR hard card resting on the hood of the Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro.
“Bittersweet, but after almost 13 years at NASCAR it’s time for something different. Last officials hard card for me!” Jacuzzi wrote.
He went on to thank the colleagues who supported him throughout his journey, while expressing pride in what the team accomplished together.
“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.”
He also singled out engineering partner TotalSim US for its contributions to numerous projects over the years before revealing that he plans to take some time away before beginning the next phase of his career.
Although he did not reveal what comes next, Jacuzzi said he plans to take some time off before embarking on a new chapter, writing, “Looking forward to a little time off and preparing for my next adventure.”
His NASCAR career began in 2014, after earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and later completing a Ph.D. at North Carolina State University. Over the next decade, he steadily climbed the organization’s technical ladder, serving in multiple aerodynamic roles before being promoted to Vice President of Vehicle Performance in 2023.
Beyond stock car racing, Jacuzzi also contributed to a partnership between NASCAR and USA Luge, helping design a sled for the Winter Olympics, highlighting the broad range of engineering work he undertook during his career.
Although his name was rarely in the spotlight, Jacuzzi played an important role in many of NASCAR’s biggest engineering initiatives. In fact, he was among the leading figures behind the development of the Next Gen car, particularly its aerodynamic platform.
The project introduced major design changes, including hood vents, a rear diffuser, a stepped front splitter, and track-specific aerodynamic packages aimed at improving competition while effectively reducing costs for teams.
In addition, his fingerprints were also all over the Garage 56 program, which saw a modified Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. The project was widely praised as one of NASCAR’s boldest leaps, proving that a stock car could compete in one of endurance racing’s most prestigious events.
Not every innovation escaped criticism, though. Case in point: the Next Gen car, which has remained one of the most debated topics in the garage. Drivers, crew chiefs, and fans have long pointed to its niggles, such as excessive downforce, dirty air, and an increased emphasis on track position, particularly at short tracks.
Ironically, Jacuzzi’s departure comes as NASCAR continues refining those very areas. The sanctioning body recently unveiled a new superspeedway package that reduces the rear spoiler from 7 inches to 4 inches, lowers engine output from 510 to 465 horsepower, all while introducing additional aerodynamic tweaks designed to improve passing and reduce fuel-saving strategies.
While the series enters another phase of technical development, Chris Popiela, the organization’s longtime Managing Director of Aerodynamics, is expected to assume leadership of the vehicle performance department.
