Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed support for Brad Keselowski’s recent announcement about increasing NASCAR horsepower for the 2026 season. Keselowski revealed that engine power will rise from about 670 to 750 horsepower next year, a change Earnhardt believes will improve drivers’ experience without drastically altering the races themselves.
Positive Reception to Increased Horsepower Among Drivers
On his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented on the planned boost in horsepower, calling it a step forward for the sport. While acknowledging the increase may not match what some fans and drivers hoped for, Earnhardt emphasized that the adjustment will likely make driving more enjoyable. He noted,
“It is progress. I’m good with it,”
and explained that even if the races do not visibly change, the drivers’ attitudes toward their cars will improve.
Earnhardt further elaborated on the impact this upgrade could have during races, suggesting subtle effects might be observed in specific contexts. He said,
“If you took them to Martinsville, and you ran back-to-back races, doubleheader with both packages, maybe you’ll see some subtle differences, maybe not. The drivers, though, are going to get out and say better things. That’s also important. That’s as important as anything else, because the drivers have to support stuff for things to work. The drivers have to be positive. For things to be good, we need the drivers liking what they’re doing.”
Background on Horsepower Limits in the Next Gen Era
Brad Keselowski revealed the planned horsepower increase during an appearance on Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast. NASCAR has kept horsepower relatively low since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, setting it around 670 initially. This marked a significant drop from the more than 900 horsepower capacity engines could produce before 2015.
During the podcast, Keselowski detailed the current and upcoming horsepower figures:
“Well, you know, it looks like NASCAR is going to change the rules next year to where we’re like 740, 750 [horsepower]. It’s not quite 100, because, you know, right now, technically, they’re at 670, but realistically, they’re like 685, 690, so.”
NASCAR has historically resisted increasing engine power due to concerns over costs and the desire to attract multiple manufacturers into the series. The focus on cost control aimed to maintain competitive balance and broaden industry participation.
Industry Perspectives and Future Plans for Horsepower Adjustments
Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, addressed efforts to enhance racing quality through horsepower changes, especially at short tracks. In a September interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Sawyer acknowledged ongoing discussions among stakeholders, which include manufacturers like Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, as well as engine builders and race teams.
He stated,
“We’re always trying to make our racing — whether it’s short track, road course, intermediate, superspeedway — we want to make it better. We feel like we have a really good product right now, but we want to build on that. We still have some work to do.”
Sawyer highlighted that increasing horsepower at short tracks remains a priority for the coming season, reflecting the broader goal of enhancing the overall racing experience and supporting the sport’s competitive landscape.
Implications of the Horsepower Increase for NASCAR’s Future
The announced rise in horsepower signals NASCAR’s intention to refine vehicle performance while considering the perspectives of drivers and industry partners. Although the increase may not drastically alter race outcomes, it is expected to improve driver satisfaction and inject renewed enthusiasm into the sport.
This adjustment also reflects NASCAR’s balancing act between innovation, cost management, and manufacturer engagement. As the 2026 season approaches, fans and teams will be watching closely to see how this power boost influences competition across various tracks and race formats.
