Brad Keselowski, a NASCAR Cup Series driver and team owner, has revealed plans for a significant horsepower increase in NASCAR’s 2026 season. The NextGen car, introduced in 2022 and currently running around 670 horsepower, is expected to see its output raised to 750 horsepower.
Keselowski shared his insights on this development during a recent episode of the podcast Stacking Pennies, hosted by former NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie. This boost is aimed at enhancing the performance and excitement of the sport as NASCAR continues to evolve its car specifications.
Details on NASCAR’s Upcoming Horsepower Increase
On the Stacking Pennies podcast, Keselowski explained that NASCAR is preparing to revise the rules for the NextGen car’s engine output.
“It looks like NASCAR is going to change the rules next year to where we’re like 740, 750 (horsepower),”
Keselowski said.
“It’s not quite 100, because, you know, right now, technically, they’re at 670, but realistically, they’re like 685, 690, so.”
This shift marks a substantial power upgrade from the current baseline and is anticipated to usher in faster races and more competitive driving across the NASCAR Cup Series.
Several drivers have expressed enthusiasm about the pending horsepower changes. Penske teammate and three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano commented on the upgrade, emphasizing the broader impact beyond just engine speed.
“It’s definitely cool. I like it. I want to do it. Like, not just the engine, but the drive train. It’s got to be beefed up more. … You want to just make the racing better, right?”
Alongside the horsepower increase, Keselowski suspects that NASCAR will enlarge the spacer size, a change that could facilitate a smoother power jump from the current 670 HP to the new target of 750 HP. These modifications signal a major technical evolution aimed at improving race dynamics.
Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the upcoming playoff event, the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet, held at Kansas Speedway. The 267-lap race, scheduled for September 28 with live coverage on USA Network and radio broadcasts on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, represents a critical moment as the season nears its conclusion.
Keselowski Reflects on the Impact of the NextGen Car on His Racing Style
Since the introduction of the NextGen car, Keselowski has struggled to find winning momentum, reflecting a broader challenge among several top competitors such as Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson. Keselowski candidly shared how the new car has altered his driving approach.
On Stacking Pennies, he said,
“Well, the Next Gen car changed me in some ways for worse as a driver because you have to drive it way differently. You know, the cars in 2008, 2009, first off, were significantly faster. I don’t know if I can put into terms how much faster they were than the Next Gen car.”
Keselowski highlighted the shift in vehicle control dynamics. Earlier in his career, mastering throttle control was crucial to maintaining position on the track. However, with the NextGen car, the focus has shifted to how aggressively the driver can apply the accelerator pedal.
“I think that that’s been hard for me personally,”
he added.
The 41-year-old RFK Racing driver has yet to secure a victory in the 2025 season and is currently outside the playoff field. Nonetheless, he remains motivated to finish strong, aiming to end the year on a positive note after not winning a race since May 12, 2024.
Implications of the Horsepower Upgrade on NASCAR’s Future
The anticipated horsepower increase promises to reshape competition in NASCAR’s Cup Series, challenging teams and drivers to adapt quickly to the augmented performance capabilities. Strengthening components such as the drivetrain alongside the engine enhancements will be critical to handling the additional power reliably. This evolution suggests NASCAR’s commitment to keeping the sport technically progressive and engaging for fans and participants alike.
With the season’s playoff races underway and the NextGen car continuing to test drivers’ adaptability, the 2026 horsepower boost is poised to significantly influence racing strategies and vehicle setups. Observers and competitors will be closely watching how these advancements translate on track and impact overall racing quality in the years to come.
