The Next Gen NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 represents General Motors in the NASCAR Cup Series, which is the highest level of North American stock car racing. Its standardized composite body style is based on the sixth-generation Camaro, which spans the 2016 through 2024 model years.
NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Quick FactsModel years:2022 – Present Layout:Front-Engined, Longitudinal Engine(s):5.86L V8 Horsepower:Up to 750 Torque:Series Specified Transmission:5-Speed Sequential manual Driven Wheels:Rear-Wheel-Drive Predecessor:NASCAR Gen 6 Chevy Camaro Successor:Chevy Blazer EV.R
Overview
The Chevy Camaro entered Cup Series competition in 2018, replacing the Chevrolet SS while the division was still racing under the sport’s Gen 6 regulations (not to be confused with the sixth-gen Camaro, upon which the NASCAR-going entry is based). The following year, NASCAR began testing its seventh-generation “Next Gen” car, which was originally slated to debut in 2020. Pandemic-related delays, however, pushed its on-track introduction back to the start of the 2022 season.
The Next Gen race cars were unveiled to the public in mid-2021, debuting the NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford Mustang, and Toyota Camry. The NASCAR Camaro ZL1 features a lower greenhouse than its Gen 6 counterpart, along with a widened track, an independent rear suspension, sequential X-Trac manual transaxle, and single-lug 18-inch alloy wheels.
The race car’s undercarriage is completely sealed, and features an underwing and a larger rear diffuser for increased downforce. Its body is composed of strong, lightweight composite material, increasing its durability compared to the sheet metal bodies used through the Gen 6 era. It also sports hood air extractors similar to that of the sixth-gen, street-legal Camaro for greater track-to-street overlap.
Under the hood, the Next Gen NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 harnesses a series-specified naturally aspirated 5.86L V8 mated to a five-speed sequential gearbox. Output depends on the racetrack. For example, at most intermediate (1.5-mile) oval tracks, it is tuned to deliver 670 horsepower, while 510 horsepower is used at superspeedways including Daytona and Talladega. In 2026, maximum horsepower was increased to 750 ponies at select oval tracks and road courses; reduced horsepower is still in play at superspeedways. The race car is rear-wheel-drive (RWD).
While the Next Gen race car is still powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE), it was initially developed with electrification in mind. It was designed to accept a battery and electric motor without major modification, meaning it could easily be turned into a hybrid or all-electric race car. However, while the idea of an all-EV series has been floated in the past, it hasn’t materialized; at this time, ICE is still king in NASCAR.
Motorsports
GM’s use of the Camaro in the NASCAR has proved slightly problematic for the automaker. Production of the street-legal Camaro ceased in 2024, and without any coupe or sedans in its Chevy portfolio, GM chose to keep racing with the Camaro in 2025. However, it didn’t explicitly call the race car a Camaro and even removed all model-specific branding. Broadcasters and official communications simply referred to the race car as the “NASCAR Chevrolet,” although it retained its ZL1 badging.
GM may continue to run the Camaro nameplate in NASCAR as long as it wants – guidelines state that since the model was in production as a street vehicle in 2018 when it was introduced to the sport, it is perfectly legal to continue racing it.
2026 NASCAR Chevy Camaro ZL1
In late 2025, Chevy Racing revealed its 2026 NASCAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 body style, which features aesthetic updates modeled after the ZL1 Carbon Performance Package. This body style includes a larger hood power dome, plus a revised front grille that gives it a more aggressive expression and more pronounced rocker panels.
Looking ahead, the Camaro ZL1 will likely be replaced by the all-electric Chevy Blazer EV.R race car in the Cup Series.
Teams and Drivers
More than half of the Cup Series teams are allied with Chevy and GM. As of the 2026 racing season, eight teams field Camaro ZL1 race cars. Comparatively, four are allied with Ford, and three with Toyota.
Haas Factory TeamNo. 41 Camaro: Cole CusterHendrick MotorsportsNo. 5 Camaro: Kyle LarsonNo. 9 Camaro: Chase ElliottNo. 24 Camaro: William ByronNo. 48 Camaro: Alex BowmanHyack MotorsportsNo. 47 Camaro: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Kaulig RacingNo. 10 Camaro: Ty DillonNo. 16 Camaro: AJ AllmendingerRichard Childress RacingNo. 3 Camaro: Austin DillonNo. 8 Camaro: Kyle BuschRick Ware RacingSpire MotorsportsNo. 7 Camaro: Daniel SuarezNo. 71 Camaro: Michael McDowellNo. 77 Camaro: Carson HocevarTrackhouse RacingNo. 1 Camaro: Ross ChastainNo. 88 Camaro: Connor ZilischNo. 97 Camaro: Shane Van Gisbergen