NASCAR’s Horsepower Increase: What You Need to Know for 2026

In a highly anticipated announcement, NASCAR has officially confirmed that it will increase horsepower for short tracks and road courses in the Cup Series starting in 2026. This change raises the target horsepower from 670 to 750, affecting several tracks on the upcoming schedule. Notable venues include Circuit of The Americas, Watkins Glen, San Diego, Sonoma, Charlotte Roval, Bowman Gray Stadium, Phoenix, Darlington, Martinsville, Bristol, Dover, Nashville, North Wilkesboro, Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire, and World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

Listening to Fans and Stakeholders

John Probst, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, emphasized the importance of feedback from fans and stakeholders during a recent discussion. Probst stated, "Just like any other changes we consider for the cars, we take fan feedback seriously." He noted that drivers and stakeholders from broadcasting, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and team competitions also contribute valuable insights. "Our fans are very passionate and provide candid feedback, which is crucial for us," he added.

Although the current focus is on short tracks, Probst did not dismiss the possibility of a horsepower increase for intermediate tracks in the future. "We want to take a cautious approach," he explained. "This is just the beginning, and we will evaluate how the increased power performs on short tracks before considering any further adjustments."

Early Testing of the New Power Level

Next season, five of the first eight races will utilize the new short track package, allowing NASCAR to gauge the performance of the engines at the increased power level. Probst mentioned that this approach would enable them to "sample some of the short tracks and road courses early in the season." He expressed optimism about the potential of the new horsepower level, stating, "If everything looks good, we won’t rule out the possibility of increasing horsepower for mile-and-a-half tracks and above."

However, he cautioned that NASCAR would proceed with care to avoid disrupting the current competitive balance. "The package consists of various elements, including downforce, drag, power, and tire wear," Probst explained. "It’s essential to consider all these factors when making adjustments to ensure we don’t inadvertently harm the on-track product."

Industry Demand for Increased Horsepower

The demand for higher horsepower on short tracks and road courses has been a recurring theme within the industry over the past four years, especially since the introduction of the NextGen car. Many industry insiders believe that increasing horsepower from 670 to 750 will not significantly raise competition costs. This change aligns with what drivers experienced during the final years of the previous generation of cars, which had 550 horsepower for intermediate tracks and 750 horsepower for short tracks and road courses.

Probst noted that the decision to pursue a horsepower increase was made after careful consideration. "We felt that 750 was a comfortable number that wouldn’t require a redesign of the internal engine parts," he said. "Going beyond that would necessitate creating engines with shorter mileage, which introduces inefficiencies."

Engaging with OEMs

Another integral aspect of these discussions is the ongoing dialogue between NASCAR and various manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. For some time, NASCAR officials have cited the interest of OEMs as a reason to maintain a lower horsepower range. Probst stated, "The interest from OEMs in NASCAR remains very high." He confirmed that discussions with multiple manufacturers are ongoing, but he refrained from disclosing any specifics regarding their preferences for horsepower levels.

NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell also weighed in on the implications of increasing horsepower. He pointed out that exceeding 750 horsepower could result in a substantial rise in competition costs, estimating that it might increase expenses by $40 to $50 million for the industry. "We want to make informed decisions, keeping the long-term view in mind," O’Donnell said. "We are in talks with Dodge about re-entering the sport and exploring other OEM partnerships."

A Cautious Approach to Engine Changes

O’Donnell emphasized that while the decision to increase horsepower to 750 is promising, it is essential to maintain stability within the sport. "Our current partners appreciate the engine as it stands," he explained. "We are eager to stick with a proven setup rather than making frequent changes."

The president also mentioned the potential for new engine architecture in the future. "If we move to 750 horsepower, we want to ensure that our manufacturers are on board," he said. "This could provide a runway of around three years for any significant changes."

Exploring Alternative Technologies

As part of its forward-thinking strategy, NASCAR has also been exploring alternative fuels and electrification. The organization is keen on staying ahead of technological advancements while also considering the environmental impact. In addition to Dodge’s return to the Truck Series next year with RAM, there are discussions with Honda about utilizing a different platform, which NASCAR could regulate using wheel sensors.

O’Donnell noted the importance of a thoughtful approach to these changes. "We want to avoid saying we will implement a major shift now, only to reverse it in three years," he cautioned. "Such changes could potentially cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars."

Off-Season Testing and Collaboration with Drivers

As part of the preparations for the new horsepower levels, NASCAR has scheduled an off-season test at North Wilkesboro in December. This test will focus on experimenting with Goodyear tires and aerodynamic elements of the short track package. O’Donnell highlighted the collaborative nature of this testing phase, stating, "We will involve drivers, including members of the drivers’ council like Christopher Bell and Joey Logano, to gather their insights on what works best."

The testing will also include evaluations of different setups to optimize performance for the new horsepower levels. "Our goal is to try various configurations and see how they perform in real-world scenarios," O’Donnell explained. This approach aligns with NASCAR’s commitment to maintaining competitive racing while allowing for innovations that enhance the sport’s appeal.

In conclusion, NASCAR’s decision to increase horsepower on short tracks and road courses marks a significant shift in its approach to competitive racing. By prioritizing fan input and stakeholder feedback, NASCAR aims to create a more thrilling experience for both drivers and fans alike. As the organization navigates this transition, it will remain vigilant in assessing the impact of these changes and ensuring that the integrity of the sport is preserved.