In comparison to the "current" cup car, I think that it'* an improvement. It'* got some kinks to work out, like the burning foam issue, but they will get fixed. I suppose that safety is better, but the main reason I like it is because they actually look a little more like their street cars. The racing itself seems similar, so far. Like someone else said though, the larger 1.5 mile tracks, etc. will be the real test of that.

I also really like the idea of a true "stock car" series. Whatever governing body was in charge of it would have to be very choosy about what vehicles to allow in it though, or one model would dominate everything. And obviously you couldn't just run a car right from the dealership for safety reasons. What might work as a compromise though, would be to have a standardized roll cage/frame under the stock sheetmetal, using the stock wheelbase, track width, etc. No modifications to the sheet metal whatsoever. Maybe a standard issue front and rear spoiler. Then make them use the same engine size, location, orientation as stock. Same drive wheels as stock. Let them build the engine like they do now, but using stock blocks, heads, etc. I imagine that a series like that would provide vastly different racing than NASCAR currently does, probably not as close as things are there. But a far better test of who makes the best street car. I'd sure watch it.

But back to the topic... So far, I do like the COT.

Personally, I don't like ti so far, but I am going to hold judgment to see what happens. I certainly understand the changes, especially for safety'* sake. I REALLY do not like the front splitter and new wing, but what can you do. Personally, I think the cars look like toys, but that'* just my opinion.
The changes make make things more equal for a while, but ultimately the big teams ( Hendricks, Rousch, etc) will dominate.