NASCAR will increase power to 750 HP by 2026

NASCAR relented. After three seasons with the Next Gen car operating at 670 horsepower, the Cup Series will increase power to 750 HP on tracks shorter than 1.5 miles and road courses during the 2026 season. Steve O'Donnell confirmed on October 8th on the Dale Jr. Download that 17 of the 36 races on the schedule will implement the new configuration.

The pressure began in 2022 when the Next Gen car debuted with limited engines. Denny Hamlin was one of the most vocal, arguing that more power would improve competitiveness. Joey Logano pointed out that an increase would make the cars more "fun to drive" and facilitate passing. Bubba Wallace explained that the lack of power creates tight packs that make overtaking difficult.

Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger added their voices during 2024 and 2025, agreeing that even a modest increase would make a difference. Former champions offered more cautious perspectives: Jeff Gordon noted that more power could improve competitiveness, though he warned it wouldn't be a definitive solution. Kevin Harvick expressed on his podcast that drivers didn't notice a difference after previous increases, suggesting other factors also influence performance.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

John Probst acknowledges constant feedback

"We listen a lot to the fans. We listen to the drivers. We have stakeholders in the TV networks, the manufacturers, and the teams both in competition and business," said John Probst, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. "Our fans are very passionate and give us very frank feedback."

The decision came after weekly meetings during 2025 with engine builders and manufacturers. NASCAR chose 750 HP as a middle ground that allows for a power increase without redesigning internal components.

17 tracks receive the change drivers requested

Bowman Gray Stadium, Phoenix Raceway, Darlington Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Richmond Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and World Wide Technology Raceway make up the ovals.

Circuit of the Americas, Watkins Glen International, San Diego Street Course, Sonoma Raceway, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course layout comprise the road courses.

Intermediate tracks of 1.5 miles or more will maintain 670 HP for now. Probst explained that racing at those facilities is working well, and expanding the change requires performance data from short tracks. The superspeedways Daytona and Talladega will continue with restrictor plates at 510 HP for safety reasons.

Why 750 and not the 900 some wanted

Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines, explained the limitation in April: "If we were to increase power from 670 to approximately 750 horsepower, that probably wouldn't be much of a change for us today. But going back to those 900 horsepower engines would be a whole project and would definitely decrease engine life."

Exceeding 750 HP would require redesigning pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft, reducing the current 600-mile lifespan to perhaps 300-400 miles. Development and operating costs would skyrocket. The implementation will use a larger tapered spacer on the intake manifold, improving airflow without touching internal components.

NASCAR's naturally aspirated V8 engines can generate over 900 horsepower on the dyno. The restriction to 670 HP since 2022 aimed to level the competition between large and small teams, preventing budget differences from creating insurmountable power advantages.

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NASCAR wanted to implement sooner but needed more time

NASCAR considered introducing the change during 2025. It rejected the idea for two reasons: it needed more time for durability testing on dynamometers, and it didn't want to modify engines before the Playoffs, risking mechanical failures at crucial moments in the championship.

Five of the first eight races of 2026 will run with 750 HP. This early evaluation period will allow for performance review before deciding on intermediate tracks.

"If everything looks good, I wouldn't rule out considering increasing that power at the mile-and-a-half and larger tracks," said Probst.

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More power generates wear and highlights driver differences

The increase to 750 horsepower places greater emphasis on throttle control. With more power available, drivers must more precisely modulate when and how they apply the throttle in the corners.

The additional power also accelerates tire wear. More force during acceleration generates more stress on the tire compounds, especially on corner exit. NASCAR worked with Goodyear during 2023 and 2024 to develop softer tires that promoted wear and varied strategies. The 750 HP will intensify this effect.

Passing will be facilitated by differences in time with the throttle applied versus time off the throttle. A car that manages power better will gain an advantage in acceleration, while one that degrades its tires faster will progressively lose grip.

Logano pointed out that more power is needed not only in the engine but also in the transmission to improve competitiveness.

NASCAR reported that the complete 2026 rules package will be presented during the offseason. Probst indicated that the organization is working on multiple changes simultaneously. "We're working on a lot of things in the background, we don't always talk about them until we're ready to announce an implementation plan."