The NASCAR Cup Series is set to introduce a significant horsepower increase for vehicles competing on all road courses and ovals shorter than 1.5 miles in length starting in the 2026 season, a change that will be closely monitored by drivers and fans alike. The first real test of this adjustment will take place during a lengthy five-hour session at the 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway on January 13, providing early insights into how this new rule might impact competition and racing dynamics.
High Expectations as North Wilkesboro Prepares for Cup Series Return
North Wilkesboro Speedway, which is set to host its first Cup Series points race in nearly three decades on July 19, will serve as the proving ground for these horsepower changes. Seventeen venues on the upcoming schedule will see this update implemented, a move designed to address fan and driver calls for improved racing, especially at shorter tracks where the current package introduced with the Next-Gen car has drawn mixed reviews. The testing session at North Wilkesboro will be open to the public, providing a direct view of how updated cars handle the increased power.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Offers Candid Thoughts on Upcoming Change
Among the drivers taking part in the January test is Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who drives the No. 47 Chevrolet for HYAK Motorsports. In a recent SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, Stenhouse Jr. discussed his expectations for the upcoming horsepower increase, voicing both optimism and realism about its potential impact.
“I’m looking forward to the horsepower,”
Stenhouse Jr. said.
“Hoping it’s in the right direction. I don’t think it’s going to be earth-shattering different. But I think it’s gonna be in the right direction.”
– Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Cup Series Driver
Stenhouse Jr., along with other key drivers like Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez, Chase Elliott, and Joey Logano, will take part in the North Wilkesboro test that aims to evaluate the new setup in real race-like conditions.
Tire Degradation Seen as Key Factor for Improved Racing
Addressing the broader changes in the Cup Series, Stenhouse Jr. also highlighted the evolving role of tire management, especially with Goodyear providing tires that display more fall-off—a factor that could improve racing action at short tracks. Stenhouse Jr. pointed to tracks such as Richmond, where he believes the combination of higher horsepower and increased tire degradation will benefit the sport.
“We’re starting to see Goodyear get us more tire fall-off at places,”
Stenhouse Jr. said.
“At a Richmond, you throw some more horsepower in there, the tire wear is going to be more, I think the racing’s going to be better. All in all, everything we’re doing is in the right direction.”
– Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Cup Series Driver
Wide Field of Drivers Set to Participate in Key Test
A substantial group of drivers will participate in the North Wilkesboro session, including Josh Berry, Chris Buescher, Chase Briscoe, AJ Allmendinger, Cole Custer, Erik Jones, Tyler Reddick, Cody Ware, and Zane Smith. Each will provide valuable feedback that NASCAR and manufacturers will use to determine whether further adjustments are necessary before the new rules take effect for points races in 2026.
Potential Impact on Racing Experience Moving Forward
The planned horsepower increase and focus on tire strategy represent a coordinated effort by NASCAR and its partners to enhance the on-track product, addressing concerns raised since the introduction of the Next-Gen car. As the first Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro in nearly thirty years approaches and with a broad lineup of competitors involved in testing, attention will focus on how these measures might improve close-quarter racing and driver satisfaction in the upcoming season and beyond. The 2026 season, with Stenhouse Jr.’s horsepower opinion in mind, promises to be a pivotal moment for NASCAR’s evolution on short tracks.
