Joey Logano calls for major NASCAR horsepower increase as the sanctioning body reveals plans for a small bump to the Next Gen car’s power, drawing sharp criticism from the two-time Cup Series champion ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400. Logano, who competes for Team Penske, believes the move is too minimal and fails to deliver the intensity fans and drivers crave.
Logano Unimpressed by NASCAR’s Proposed Tweaks
Logano did not shy away from expressing disappointment when NASCAR announced it would raise the Next Gen car’s horsepower by about 60–70 units. As the No. 22 driver prepared for the Cracker Barrel 400, he addressed the ongoing debate by emphasizing that the planned increase simply falls short. The announcement follows talks between NASCAR, teams, and drivers, reflecting attempts to inject new energy into Cup Series races where, according to insiders, excitement had faded.
He highlighted that short tracks were once the epicenter of chaos in NASCAR, with aggressive passes and heated on-track battles. But lately, the combination of advanced aerodynamics and subdued engine output has led to unremarkable racing where drivers like Joey Logano struggle to overtake. This sentiment is echoed among many drivers and race fans, who have watched the sport shift away from its thrilling roots as cars became harder to maneuver and competitive drama diminished.
When questioned by Frontstretch about the planned changes, Logano explained his position candidly:
“I think it’s directionally better. I don’t think it’s gonna be game-changing, but I do think it’s the right way,”
—Joey Logano, Driver
He continued, outlining that substantial gains would look very different:
“If you’re talking about adding back to 950 horsepower, I’m gonna say something different. We’re talking about adding 60-70 horsepower. Yeah, it’s not gonna be much, right, but it’s definitely cool.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Concerns Over Broader Technical and Financial Implications
Logano explained that simply giving cars a small boost won’t unravel the deeper technical and financial knots affecting the sport. He flagged that upping horsepower isn’t just about pushing engines harder; everything from drivetrains to rear ends would endure extra stress and cost. These changes could hit smaller Cup teams especially hard, as teams already stretch budgets thin to stay competitive in an expensive environment.
He pointed out these concerns directly:
“I also think there’s a lot of pieces that have to go together to make all that work, right,”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Logano expanded on the need for upgrades across multiple components and the potential impacts on budgets:
“Like not just the engine, but the drivetrain, all like it’s got to be beefed up more, there’s added cost to some other things, too… maybe we need to start thinking about some other pieces to that.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
NASCAR faces the dual challenge of improving on-track action while keeping racing accessible for smaller teams. Speculation also grows over future plans, including hybrid engines and alternative fuel adoption, which could dramatically alter the sport’s landscape and further complicate costs for organizations across the grid such as Team Penske and independent teams alike.
Looking for Lasting Solutions, Not Short-Term Fixes
Logano’s outspoken stance stems from a place of wanting NASCAR to thrive while maintaining the heart of its competition. He stresses that increasing horsepower by a modest amount is not a meaningful fix, but rather a temporary measure that fails to resolve the core issues. The input and experience of drivers who race these cars every week—like Logano and his Cup colleagues—are crucial in shaping the series’ direction.
With NASCAR poised between tradition and technological change, the ideas raised in driver meetings and events like the Cracker Barrel 400 hold critical weight. Joey Logano’s call for a genuine boost in horsepower, rather than a minor adjustment, underscores a rising sense of urgency shared by many drivers and fans who want the sport’s excitement restored without sacrificing accessibility or its financial sustainability.
As the debate continues, NASCAR’s decisions in the coming months will determine whether the series reinvigorates its competitive edge, or if the frustrating status quo remains in place, leaving drivers like Logano still waiting for the real change they demand.
