Get ready for a thrilling shift in the world of NASCAR! The iconic racing series is cranking up the power of its cars, but not everyone is cheering. Starting in the 2026 season, Cup Series engines will roar to life with 750 horsepower on ovals under a mile and a half (2.4 km) and road courses, up from the current 670 hp. But here's where it gets controversial: this move aims to reignite the excitement on these tracks, which have struggled since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022. While the Next Gen has revitalized interest in 'intermediate' ovals, it’s come at the expense of 'short tracks,' leaving fans divided.
NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell broke the news on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast, emphasizing that the decision was driven by feedback from fans, drivers, and stakeholders. John Probst, director of NASCAR racing product development, highlighted the importance of balancing fan passion with practical considerations. 'Our fans are very passionate,' Probst noted, 'and their honest feedback is crucial to us.'
And this is the part most people miss: the current short-track package, heavily reliant on aerodynamic efficiency, has been criticized for lacking on-track competition. The Next Gen car, despite its advancements, may not have enough power to compensate, leading to predictable processions in recent seasons. The 750 hp figure was chosen as a middle ground, boosting excitement without compromising the reliability of the V8 engines. Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines, explained, 'Jumping to 900 horsepower would be a massive undertaking and likely shorten engine life.'
If the initial races under the new power rules go smoothly, NASCAR might expand the 750 hp package to all tracks—except the superspeedways of Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta. But here’s the bold question: Is this power boost enough to win back fans, or does NASCAR need to rethink its approach entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
For more updates, don’t miss our coverage of Chevrolet’s new car set to debut in 2026. The future of racing is here—and it’s louder than ever.
