Get ready for an exciting twist in NASCAR's upcoming 2026 Cup season! A bold move is about to shake up the racing world. NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell has announced an increase in horsepower for Cup teams at select tracks, and this decision is sure to spark some intense debates among fans and experts alike.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Teams will experience a significant boost, from 670 to a whopping 750 horsepower, on ovals measuring less than 1.5 miles and all road courses. This power surge will impact a total of 21 races out of the 38 scheduled for next year, including some iconic tracks like Phoenix Raceway, Darlington Raceway, and Watkins Glen International.
The tracks that will witness this horsepower increase are:
- Bowman Gray Stadium
- Circuit of the Americas
- Phoenix Raceway
- Darlington Raceway
- Martinsville Speedway
- Bristol Motor Speedway
- Watkins Glen International
- Dover Motor Speedway
- Nashville Superspeedway
- San Diego Street Course
- Sonoma Raceway
- North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Iowa Speedway
- Richmond Raceway
- New Hampshire Motor Speedway
- World Wide Technology Raceway
- Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
And this is the part most people miss...
NASCAR isn't just listening to the fans; they're also considering the perspectives of drivers, broadcasters, manufacturers, and team stakeholders. John Probst, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, emphasizes the importance of feedback from all these groups.
"We are working on a lot of things behind the scenes, and we don't always talk about them until we're ready to announce an implementation plan. Their feedback is crucial to our decision-making process."
So, what do you think about this horsepower increase? Will it make the races more exciting, or is it a step too far? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Don't be shy - let's spark a friendly debate and discuss the future of NASCAR racing!
