NASCAR Announces Power Boost for Select 2026 Cup Series Races: What’s Behind the Decision?
NASCAR has officially decided to increase the horsepower for certain NASCAR Cup Series events in 2026, settling a debate that’s stirred conversations among fans and insiders for years. This change will raise the engine power target from 670 to 750 horsepower specifically for short tracks and road course races.
This update applies to a broad list of tracks on the 2026 calendar, including 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.
John Probst, NASCAR's Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, explained in a statement on the sanctioning body's website that fan feedback played a crucial role in shaping this decision. ‘‘We pay close attention to what fans want,’’ he said, ‘‘but we also listen to drivers, broadcasters, manufacturers, and team management. There's a lot of voices, and the passion from our fans really guides us.’’
But here’s where it gets interesting: NASCAR isn’t closing the door on increasing horsepower for intermediate tracks (mile-and-a-half ovals and similar) in the future. Right now, the first eight races of the 2026 season will include five events using this new increased power package on short tracks and road courses. Probst elaborated, ‘‘This approach lets us monitor engine performance early in the season. If it all goes well, expanding horsepower to intermediate tracks might be next. However, this is a gradual process—we want to walk before we run.’’
This cautious strategy acknowledges the complexity of race car dynamics, where downforce, drag, power, and tire wear interact to produce the exciting racing fans enjoy. Probst emphasized, ‘‘We don’t want to fix one element and accidentally damage the overall product. We have to be careful.’’
Since the introduction of the NextGen car about four years ago, there has been a strong push within the community to boost horsepower at short tracks and road courses. Many agree that increasing from 670 to 750 horsepower won’t inflate competition costs significantly—this new level is comparable to what the previous generation cars ran during their final years (550 hp on intermediate tracks, 750 hp on short and road courses).
The NASCAR.com story highlighted that 750 horsepower was chosen as it’s the sweet spot that teams can achieve without redesigning engine internals. Going beyond that point risks heavier engine wear and inefficiency, leading to costly setups that don’t last the full race distance.
Another layer to this conversation involves efforts to diversify NASCAR’s manufacturer lineup, which currently includes Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. NASCAR still maintains a strong dialogue with these OEMs and potential new manufacturers, working to balance power levels that accommodate all parties. Probst noted, ‘‘Interest from OEMs in NASCAR remains high, and while I can’t share specifics about horsepower preferences, we actively engage with them to broaden our manufacturer base without upsetting current partners.’’
In an interview on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell added a financial perspective, noting that boosting horsepower above 750 could add $40-$50 million in competition costs industry-wide. ‘‘We want to make decisions that look not just at the short term but consider the next several years, especially with Dodge’s planned return and ongoing talks with other manufacturers,’’ O’Donnell said.
This long-term outlook also ties into NASCAR’s exploration of alternative fuels and electrification. Dodge, re-entering the Truck Series soon with RAM, brings experience from previous Cup Series engine platforms, while Honda is proposing different engine architectures potentially monitored with new tech like wheel sensors. O’Donnell explained, ‘‘We didn’t want to make a major power change now, only to reverse it in a few years, which would cost the industry hundreds of millions.’’
Looking ahead, NASCAR plans an off-season test at North Wilkesboro this December, aiming to experiment with Goodyear tires and aerodynamic adjustments tailored for the new short track setup. O’Donnell highlighted the collaborative approach, ‘‘We’re working with driver representatives—like Christopher Bell and Joey Logano—and heads of competition from all three OEMs to test ideas and observe results before making further decisions.’’
Here’s the part most people miss: while horsepower gets much attention, it’s just one piece of a complex puzzle that includes aerodynamics, tires, and car chassis setup. Changing one aspect without carefully weighing the others can backfire.
So, what do you think? Is NASCAR making the right call by cautiously increasing horsepower first on short tracks and road courses? Could this spark a new era of thrilling racing, or could it upset the delicate balance that makes NASCAR so exciting? Share your thoughts below—are you excited for the horsepower rise, or do you worry about potential unintended consequences? Your opinion matters in this ongoing discussion!
Photo by: David Jensen / Getty Images
