The NASCAR results from Iowa Speedway on Sunday were another example of why the Next Gen car needs more horsepower, in addition to softer tires, to improve the quality of racing and frequency of passing for the lead. Fortunately, there appears to be a real likelihood that a NASCAR horsepower increase is forthcoming.
During Sunday night's episode of The Teardown , reporter Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic said that most people are in favor of a NASCAR horsepower increase in the Cup Series and all signs are pointing to it happening.
"It seems like it's going in that direction and most people would be in favor of."
Related: NASCAR Execs on Potential Horsepower Increase
Increasing horsepower in the Next Gen car isn't the only step needed to improve racing quality. However, it would be a small step in the right direction at a time when fuel-mileage racing, which proved key to William Byron's win, is now becoming a far too common race-winning strategy.
Reports first surfaced in May that NASCAR officials were considering a horsepower increase, potentially even coming this season. There are now only three regular-season races remaining on the NASCAR schedule , but there have been minimal updates since.
Related: HMS Exec Says Teams Can Do Significant NASCAR Horsepower Increase
Teams, drivers, and fans have been pleading for NASCAR to increase horsepower for several years now. However, as Denny Hamlin shared on the Actions Detrimental podcast earlier this year, league executives have wanted hard limits on engines that are capable of producing 800 horsepower.
Assuming an increase is coming, likely in 2026, previous comments suggested the focus is on short tracks, since mile-and-a-half tracks have delivered a better quality of racing with the Next Gen car. Even if an increase happens, it would presumably be around 750 horsepower. Recent reports and statements from NASCAR executives and engine builders confirm that a boost towards 750 horsepower, especially at short tracks, is under serious consideration for the near future, but a major increase doesn't seem to be under consideration.
It might be a small step in the right direction, but the change still might only have a minimal impact on the number of passes for the lead. That's because aero blocking is the biggest problem with this car, which drivers have voiced their frustrations about for over a year now. Unless NASCAR is willing to allow modifications to reduce the advantage the leader has using aero blocking as a defense, a horsepower increase to 750 likely won't result in a huge improvement in the on-track product.
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