New car renews grueling sense of NASCAR’s longest race

The Coca-Cola 600 is a staple on the NASCAR calendar, no stranger to any veteran driver on the circuit.

But the demanding nature of the race evolved in recent years. As engine strength decreased to 550 horsepower and parts became more reliable, neither drivers nor vehicles were as challenged as they used to be.

To a degree, the toll on both driver and car may return in Sunday night’s rendition (6 p.m. ET, FOX).

Teams are still learning how the Next Gen car reacts in different situations, especially returning with 670 HP after rigorous testing during the offseason. Certain strains on the vehicle are perfectly tolerated while others can lead to race-ending damage.

Kurt Busch, the 2004 Cup champion, will partake in this race for the 22nd time of his career. With resin laid onto the track for grip in addition to the natural obstacles provided by the car, Busch expects to be put to task Sunday night.

“The handling conditions (of) this Next Gen car and the temperatures this year will be difficult — more difficult than most years just because of all the newness with the car,” Busch said Saturday ahead of practice. “We only get 20 minutes of practice. At least the practice is during the race window. A lot of times we’d practice and it would be two in the afternoon or it’d be nine o’clock at night. And so I’m glad the practice is closer to race conditions.

“It’s just the Next Gen car has its challenges. And we don’t know what to expect with the traction spray and the way that it’s been racing.”

That alters drivers’ approaches to the race. The aggression required to wheel the Next Gen car effectively, Busch said, will “absolutely” make Sunday’s race a more physical contest than in prior years.

That stems from an observation raised