NASCAR driver Ryan Preece has shared his cautious perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding a possible horsepower boost for Next Gen cars, following comments from NASCAR senior VP Elton Sawyer. As NASCAR executives consider raising power levels, Preece’s insights shed light on the balance between driver enthusiasm and the technical realities involved.
Preece spoke after Sawyer acknowledged that discussions about horsepower are actively underway during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio broadcast, igniting conversations within the racing community about the future of car performance.
Preece’s Balanced View on Adding More Power
In a recent interview with Frontstretch, Ryan Preece admitted he had not heard the detailed comments made by Sawyer but shared his ideal scenario if horsepower were increased. Known for his skill on short tracks, Preece conveyed a mix of excitement and practical concerns regarding the technical challenges and costs associated with boosting engine output.
“I didn’t hear any of the comments. So I can’t really speak on it, but what I can say is, you know, I’d love it if we were back to the thousand, if we were at a thousand horsepower or whatever,”
Preece said.
“For us as a race car driver now, I don’t know the logistics. I don’t know any, I am not informed on, you know, we can’t just add a hundred, a thousand horsepower. I’m sure that gets expensive, but not only from the engine side, but also a lot of other pieces.”
He stressed that more horsepower would offer drivers additional options to enhance their racing performance:
“What I can say is from a race car driver, it’s just another tool. You know, you can do things better than somebody else. So right now, it’s challenging, that’s why we’re here.”
This commentary indirectly references NASCAR’s current horsepower limit of 670, a figure that has been criticized by notable drivers including Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano for limiting competitiveness.
Behind NASCAR’s Horsepower Discussions and Constraints
Following Sawyer’s remarks, it became clear that increasing horsepower involves complicated negotiations. NASCAR managing director Mike Forde clarified that escalating power levels to 900 or 1000 horsepower is currently unrealistic due to cost concerns. However, the organization is seriously considering a 750-horsepower package as a feasible middle ground.
“We are working closely with all the stakeholders in the industry, and as I said, the collaboration has been better than ever in our sport on all topics,”
Sawyer said, emphasizing ongoing cooperation.
“I know John Probst [senior vice president of innovation and racing development] had a conversation with our engine builder to see what we could do, how that would look, and what changes would need to be made.”
Doug Yates, the engine supplier, confirmed that moving from 670 to roughly 750 horsepower would be manageable under current conditions:
“If we were to increase the power from 670 horsepower to about 750 horsepower, that probably wouldn’t be much of a change for us today.”
Drivers remain divided on the issue. Three-time champion Joey Logano strongly supports more power, noting its impact on tire wear, track racing lines, and overall excitement:
“We want more power. It increases tire wear. It makes the track wider. And it’s more badass.”
Meanwhile, NASCAR’s John Probst raised doubts about whether higher horsepower would necessarily improve racing quality, warning that greater speed might lead to cars running further apart on the track:
“There’s no guarantee you get there, and it would be any better. And I think there’s some evidence that shows as we add horsepower, they run further apart.”
Diverse Fan Feedback Highlights Passionate Opinions
Fan reactions to the horsepower debate demonstrate a range of views on whether increased engine power would enhance racing. Some fans argue that there is never “too much power,” emphasizing driver skill and control:
“There is no such thing as too much power. That’s why you have a right foot controlled by your Brain!”
Others believe that more horsepower would demand greater finesse from drivers, requiring throttle control and precision:
“More HP = More throttle control and needing to finesse the car out of the corner instead of mashing the gas.”
With Sawyer confirming ongoing daily discussions but no set timeline, Preece’s thoughtful position reflects the broader challenge NASCAR faces in balancing driver needs, fan expectations, and technical feasibility in the horsepower conversation.
