Even though the 2021 Cup season is in full swing, there are a few eyes trained on 2022. In light of this, NASCAR is expected to host its second Next Gen test of the 2021 season. This test is going to kick off on Wednesday at the Richmond Raceway, with 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace piloting the car for the one-day test.

After that, Wallace will join the rest of his contemporaries at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the next race of the season. Obviously, there are still a few details to iron out before the cars can make their grand debut. There have already been several tests conducted since last year, and they are still continuing, to this day.

Bubba Wallace is not the only driver to get a taste of Next Gen machinery

The last time the Next Gen car had a test run, it was in January at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. At that time, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kurt Busch had taken over the reins. According to reports, his primary objective was to test some component adjustments of the Next Gen car.

Prior to that, the Next Gen car ran on a superspeedway for the very first time. Around that time, Roush Fenway Racing’s Chris Buescher drove the car at the Daytona International Speedway. Other tests included a multi-car run at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Martin Truex Jr. and Kurt Busch had the honor of running the cars on track.

Truthfully speaking, the Next Gen cars were supposed to make their debuts this year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a giant spanner in the works.

On the bright side, this has only served as a temporary setback and the Next Gen cars are definitely making an appearance. In addition to that, it gives NASCAR more time to work out any kinks.

READ MORE: NASCAR Officials Provide Major Update on the Development Phase of Next Gen Car