A debate has erupted between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael McDowell regarding NASCAR’s plan to increase horsepower in Cup Series Next Gen cars. This potential change, aimed at improving passing opportunities, is generating differing opinions about its effectiveness and impact on racing.
The goal behind raising horsepower is to facilitate easier overtaking on short tracks and other circuits that heavily rely on aerodynamics. Supporters argue that more power will make cars more difficult to control, increase speeds entering corners, and extend braking zones—key moments for drivers to make passes.
Different Views on How Horsepower Affects Passing
Passing primarily happens when drivers either slow down or brake, not while they accelerate. Success depends on who can maintain control and push deeper into corners than competitors. However, drivers have expressed contrasting perspectives on whether a moderate horsepower increase will truly improve racing quality.
At a media event in Nashville, Michael McDowell voiced doubts:
I think it’s just an illusion that some of the drivers and media are trying to paint,
he said. McDowell’s stance suggests skepticism about the perceived benefits of a small power bump.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacted to McDowell’s skepticism by sharing a GIF of a scene from The Office with Michael Scott asking,
Why are you the way that you are?
McDowell kept the banter going with a response on Twitter/X:
Because I am in touch with reality. 50hp isn’t going to do anything,
McDowell said.
200hp then it would be a great conversation but we are trying to make it something that it is not. The guys that complain are the guys that had a car advantage over the entire field, those days are gone. The competition is tighter, it is going to be hard to pass regardless of the changes we make. Tell me when we added power or speed and made the racing better?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Supports Horsepower Increase for Short Tracks
Dale Earnhardt Jr. maintains that the horsepower increase is specifically targeted for short tracks that desperately need a boost in passing. He explained:
It was my understanding that it was a consideration for the short tracks,
Earnhardt Jr. wrote.
Knowing that these specific tracks themselves are in serious need of a change, why not go for it. It should induce more tire wear, higher corner entry speeds, longer braking zones. I know it’s a small change but well worth the opportunity to improve the short tracks. As a fan and broadcaster, I can get excited about that, even as a mere possibility.
NASCAR’s Efforts to Enhance Passing So Far
NASCAR has experimented with various methods to aid passing, including testing new tire compounds and aero packages, and even removing splitters from cars. Despite promising results in small-scale tests, these adjustments often do not translate the same way in full races featuring 40 cars. This inconsistency leaves NASCAR searching for a solution that works effectively during competition.
Opinions remain divided within the driver community. Some feel a horsepower increase is necessary, while others, like Michael McDowell, believe the tighter competition and more equalized Next Gen cars are the real reasons passing is difficult. Ross Chastain expressed his indifference, stating he will adapt to whatever power level or car NASCAR delivers.
Potential Impact and Future Possibilities
With tracks like Nashville proving challenging for passing, raising horsepower from the current 670 HP to over 750 HP could be a viable experiment. If a 50 HP bump fails to improve racing, increments to 800 HP could follow as a further measure. This debate highlights the ongoing struggle to keep NASCAR competitive and exciting for fans and drivers alike, reflecting a tension between tradition, innovation, and fairness.
