NASCAR’s 750 Horsepower Plan: Big Change Coming in 2026
NASCAR will boost engine power to 750 horsepower in 2026 on select tracks, aiming for faster, more exciting races for fans and drivers.
NASCAR is planning something exciting for the 2026 season. The sport’s officials are thinking about increasing the power of their race cars to 750 horsepower. Right now, NASCAR cars mostly run at 670 horsepower, which is still powerful but not as thrilling for some fans and drivers. This new plan is being called NASCAR’s “750 horsepower gamble.”
What Is Changing???
The main change is the engine power. NASCAR wants to give cars more strength, which will make them faster and more challenging to handle. However, this higher power won’t be used on every track. It will only be used on road courses (tracks with turns in both directions) and short ovals (tracks smaller than 1.5 miles).
Some tracks that might use the new setup include Watkins Glen, Sonoma, Charlotte ROVAL, Martinsville, Bristol, and Dover. These are places where extra horsepower can make races more exciting and give drivers more control over how they overtake others.
Why NASCAR Is Doing This??
The main reason for this change is to make races more exciting and competitive. With 750 horsepower, the cars will respond faster when drivers press the gas pedal. This means drivers can push harder into corners and take more risks. Fans will likely see more passing, speed, and drama on the track.
Many drivers and fans have said that the current 670-hp setup makes cars too easy to control and less thrilling to watch. NASCAR hopes this new rule will bring back some of the “old-school racing feel” where skill, reaction time, and bravery matter more.
When Will It Happen??
The plan will not start right away. NASCAR wants to make sure everything works safely and smoothly. That’s why they plan to begin in 2026, giving teams plenty of time to prepare. Before then, they will do tests with Goodyear tires at tracks like North Wilkesboro Speedway to see how the higher power affects the car’s performance and tire wear.
This idea has both positive and negative sides.
Advantages:
Fans will enjoy faster and more exciting races.
Drivers will have more control and more chances to overtake.
The cars will feel more powerful and old-school, which many love.
Disadvantages:
Engines will face more pressure and might wear out faster.
Teams might need to spend more money to handle the extra power.
Smaller teams could struggle to afford the upgrades needed.
NASCAR knows this, which is why they’re being careful not to go overboard. Reports say that going above 750 horsepower could add $40–50 million in extra costs across all teams a huge amount for the sport.
Over the next year, NASCAR will test this setup and get feedback from drivers and teams. If it goes well, 2026 could bring a whole new level of excitement to the sport. The hope is to make races more competitive, fun to watch, and skill-based, without making it too expensive for smaller teams.
This “750-horsepower gamble” shows NASCAR’s effort to balance power, performance, and cost, while keeping fans thrilled and engaged.
