Bubba Wallace urges NASCAR to increase Cup car horsepower at a time when the sport is enjoying fresh attention, calling for bold steps to bring more excitement and put driving skills front and center. The 23XI Racing driver’s comments, made during a media session in Nashville, reflect a growing call from Cup Series drivers and fans for more power and thrilling races.
Wallace champions horsepower increase in modern Cup cars
Wallace believes that the current lack of horsepower in NASCAR’s Next Gen vehicles is affecting the quality of racing, especially on short tracks. North Wilkesboro remains the only multi-groove short track in the schedule, with most others struggling to deliver competitive action. Wallace, a vocal proponent of more horsepower, points out the excessive similarity between cars and the impact of modern transmission designs, which have minimized passing opportunities and placed less emphasis on driver skill.
“I think that would, you know, put it back in the driver’s hands a lot,”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Wallace emphasizes the need for the sport to shift back towards a setup where the driver’s abilities play a larger role, something he feels is hindered by current regulations. He voices support for a return to an “old school” feel driven by increased horsepower, stating that such a move would give drivers more control and reinvigorate the racing spectacle. This push for change is echoed by both competitors and fans, as recent short track races have failed to live up to expectations.
“That’s what we want. These cars are so close now. Some of these tracks that we go to, the shifting, you know, just deletes the option of passing. … It’s why teams are getting so much more competitive. Then the gap is decreasing, you know? I think horsepower brings you back to the old school feel. Just puts it back in the drivers’ hands. That’s what we want.”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
How much horsepower does Wallace want?
When pressed on how much more power he believes is appropriate, Wallace is clear that he doesn’t want small, incremental increases. With current Cup cars making approximately 670 horsepower, Wallace advocates for at least a jump to 750 horsepower or more, urging NASCAR to address the issue more decisively rather than treating it with minor adjustments.
“I mean, we’re 670 now, right?”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Wallace expresses skepticism about gradual upgrades, arguing that these only provide temporary solutions and fail to address the underlying problems with the racing product. He calls for a more direct approach—a full test at an upcoming short track, allowing the entire field of drivers to experience the effects of added horsepower at once, rather than the limited tests NASCAR has recently conducted with only a handful of participants.
“Have a test, no, not even a test. Why don’t we all just show up somewhere, wherever our next short track is, and give it more horsepower? If it’s a shitshow, then go from there. But you’re going to get a 720 package, and one driver is going to be like, ‘Oh, I thought it was pretty good! We’re done! Good job!’ No, that’s not the case. So, we need big moves here. What are we scared of?”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
His call echoes recent feedback from drivers across the garage, who argue that changes only tested by small groups don’t scale up effectively when implemented race-wide.
Recent context: manufacturers and cost concerns
NASCAR’s Cup Series cars operated with nearly 1000 horsepower in past decades, but these powerful engines led to high costs, as teams cycled through separate practice, qualifying, and race engines. The push for affordability over the past ten years has resulted in sustained reductions in engine output, which some, like Wallace, now see as detrimental to the sport’s excitement and competitive spirit.
“We’ve been saying it for years, we want more horsepower, and we’ve always been told we’re waiting on other manufacturers to come in and they ain’t in!”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
NASCAR’s defense for limiting horsepower has been partly based on encouraging new manufacturers to join, but Wallace points out that this strategy may no longer be justified. Dodge is set to re-enter NASCAR, beginning with the Truck Series before moving to the Cup Series, and GM has committed significant investment towards next-generation V8 engines. These developments undermine the argument that reducing horsepower is needed to lure in new brands.
“So, let’s do something. Yeah, we need to think. We have all the momentum on our side with our sport right now, right? I think bringing something exciting, I think they need to look at it from an exciting standpoint than a worrying standpoint.”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Wallace also clarifies his position regarding NASCAR’s current momentum, expressing both appreciation for improved media coverage such as Prime Video and frustration with reluctance to take risks.
Wallace calls for bolder moves to energize the sport
He highlights the positive attention around NASCAR, with new media partners and strong viewership statistics from recent broadcasts. Wallace believes that this environment presents the perfect opportunity to implement significant changes, rather than cautious, incremental ones.
“We’re just bringing in all these different media partners, and there’s a lot of traction for the sport. The number one thing the drivers are saying is ‘horsepower.’ Let’s just follow that, one week, just one week. Then we can go right back to their comfort zone, you know? I think we’re in a spot in society where we’re scared to step out. We don’t want to ruffle any feathers. Well, it’s time to ruffle some feathers, let’s see what we got.”
—Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Discussions among NASCAR officials, such as Elton Sawyer, indicate that considerations for a horsepower increase are ongoing, suggesting that Wallace’s demands are reaching influential ears. His argument aligns with a wider sentiment among drivers and fans alike that a meaningful increase in power could revitalize short track racing, put more onus on driver talent, and ride the wave of renewed public interest in the Cup Series.
With incoming manufacturers and strong media coverage, Wallace feels NASCAR is well-positioned to make these bold adjustments. Whether a full-field horsepower test or an immediate jump to higher engine output will take place remains to be seen, but Wallace’s challenge has sparked renewed debate on the direction of the Cup Series’ competitive formula.
