The Next Gen era was supposed to fix intermediate racing, but now the conversation is shifting again. What started as a golden stretch for mile-and-a-half tracks is beginning to show cracks, and fans are starting to notice.

• Are intermediates quietly drifting back toward Gen 6-style aero problems, with dirty air and aero blocking creeping in again?
• Has the early 2026 schedule exposed real issues, or are we overreacting to a couple of underwhelming races?
• Could factors like aging, track surfaces, and tire wear be masking deeper problems with the current package?
• And most importantly, should NASCAR act now with horsepower and aero changes, or wait until things fully decline?

There is still reason for optimism. Tracks like Charlotte, Nashville, and Michigan have consistently delivered, and upcoming races could easily shift the narrative back in a positive direction. But at the same time, the warning signs are there, and NASCAR has an opportunity to be proactive instead of reactive for once. This video breaks down what’s really happening with intermediate racing, why the fan perception is changing, and what NASCAR could do next to avoid another long-term problem.

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