Joey Logano expressed frustration over NASCAR’s decision to implement only a modest 60-70 horsepower increase to the Next-Gen car, arguing the change is insufficient to produce a major impact. Meanwhile, fellow driver and 2022 Cup Series champion Denny Hamlin urged the racing community to accept the adjustment as a step forward rather than demand a complete overhaul.
Mixed Responses to Incremental Horsepower Increase
The NASCAR Next-Gen car, introduced in 2022 with 670 horsepower, has faced criticism for its performance, particularly on short tracks. Drivers and fans alike have called for more power to improve racing quality, prompting NASCAR to consider a horsepower boost. However, the planned increase of around 60-70 horsepower has sparked debate on whether it will truly make a difference.
Joey Logano, a prominent voice in the garage and reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, dismissed the change as minor and lacking significant impact. He remarked,
I don’t think it’s gonna be game-changing,
reflecting his skepticism about whether the modest boost addresses the sport’s underlying challenges.
Logano’s concerns were echoed by Michael McDowell, who called the idea a superficial solution. McDowell stated,
I think it’s just an illusion that some of the drivers and media are trying to paint. I don’t think it’ll make a lick of difference.
Conversely, Denny Hamlin took a more pragmatic view, recognizing the limitations and complexities involved in adjusting the cars’ performance.
Denny Hamlin Emphasizes Acceptance and Practicality
In a recent appearance on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin acknowledged the small nature of the horsepower increase but encouraged drivers and fans to embrace it. He said,
You know, I mentioned it in the media center, and I heard a lot of drivers say, ‘Well, that’s not enough.’ I think we need to just take whatever they want to give us and shut up and move on. Because it will absolutely be better than 670, which we currently have. Is it going to be a total game-changer? It will not. But there’s no question, it will make it better. I don’t know. It could be 5% better, 10% better. It will create more tire falloff.
Hamlin’s perspective highlighted his experience and understanding of both the sport’s competitive and economic realities. He emphasized that while the increase won’t transform racing overnight, it still represents progress. Acknowledging the financial struggles faced by some teams, Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing, noted the economic considerations NASCAR must navigate. He added,
Economically, there’s gonna be a number where they [engine builders] say, ‘We don’t have to change a lot in our engines if we stay under blank horsepower.’
This pragmatic approach contrasts with voices like Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry, who insists on a significant upgrade, saying,
It probably needs to be pretty significant.
Similarly, Logano articulated that the improvements should include more than just the engine, stating,
Like not just the engine, but the drivetrain, all like it’s got to be beefed up more.
Challenges Behind Incremental Adjustments to the Next-Gen Car
The Next-Gen car has been a source of mixed reactions since its launch. Initially, NASCAR decreased horsepower to 550 hp in 2019 to control costs and improve safety by limiting speeds. However, this led to concerns about racing quality. When the Next-Gen model was introduced in 2022, horsepower was increased to 670 to strike a balance between performance and parity through spec parts.
Since then, NASCAR has explored various solutions to address ongoing criticisms about the car’s handling and competitiveness, especially on short tracks. Tire falloff has been a key focus, with Goodyear developing softer compounds to increase degradation and thereby strategy complexity. Though these changes provided marginal improvements, they were not seen as a lasting fix.
The possibility of a horsepower increase was confirmed as under active discussion, with NASCAR Managing Director of Racing Communications Mike Forde indicating uncertainty about timing but openness to change. On the Hauler Talk podcast, Forde said,
We’ll see if this is something that’s put into place this season.
He also confirmed that NASCAR is collaborating with engine builders on the plan, stating,
That is something that we said, ‘You got it. We’ll look into it.’ So we are working with the engine builders now on that exact topic.
Balancing Performance Gains with Economic Realities
The tension within the NASCAR community stems not only from desires for improved racing but also from practical issues surrounding cost and sustainability. While fans and many drivers advocate for a more powerful and robust car, NASCAR faces the challenge of managing expenses so that smaller teams remain viable. An extensive horsepower increase risks inflating costs beyond acceptable thresholds.
Denny Hamlin’s recognition of these economic pressures informs his more tempered stance. Pushing for substantial changes might not be feasible or wise in the current climate of team sustainability issues. His ability to view the matter through both a driver’s and owner’s lens adds nuance to the debate, suggesting compromise may be necessary to keep the sport moving forward.
What’s Next for NASCAR’s Power and Performance Debate?
The impending horsepower boost, while small in scale, symbolizes NASCAR’s willingness to listen to driver input and fan feedback, signaling an openness to adapt and refine the Next-Gen car. Whether this incremental step satisfies the broader community remains to be seen.
If the change yields positive results, it could pave the way for future enhancements, potentially revitalizing racing excitement without dramatically increasing costs. Conversely, should the improvement prove ineffective, NASCAR will likely return to the drawing board for alternative solutions aimed at balancing competition quality, safety, and affordability.
As the discussion continues, drivers like Joey Logano remain vocal about their expectations for more substantial innovations, while veterans like Denny Hamlin counsel patience and realism in approaching these incremental developments. The future of NASCAR’s power regulations and car design will undoubtedly be shaped by this ongoing dialogue among teams, drivers, and sanctioning bodies.
