Joey Logano urges NASCAR to boost horsepower, calling for a significant shift in how the sport approaches its vehicles. The racing community, including other top drivers like Bubba Wallace, is asking for substantial changes in engine power as NASCAR considers adjustments for future races.
Calls Grow for More Powerful Race Cars
Frustration has been building among many drivers and fans over the current NASCAR Next Gen Car. Though these vehicles have allowed more manufacturers to participate and created a level playing field, drivers feel the current horsepower limits are holding the sport back from its competitive roots. Logano and others believe the solution lies in increasing the cars’ horsepower, rather than minor tweaks.
The ongoing debate has caught NASCAR’s attention, and officials acknowledge that boosting horsepower is a real possibility. As the topic gains momentum, several well-known drivers are intensifying their public push for change.
Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace Speak Out
Joey Logano, a highly visible competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, has been outspoken in recent remarks, making clear that minor improvements in engine output won’t be enough. Logano believes that for the sport to return to its racing heritage, a meaningful horsepower bump is necessary.
“I don’t think it’s going to be game changing, but I do think it’s the right way. … If we’re adding back to 950 hp, I’m going to answer different. If we’re talking about adding 60-70 hp… ehh,”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
Logano’s views echo a similar sentiment recently shared by Bubba Wallace. Both drivers agree that more power would bring racing back into the hands of the drivers, reducing the impact of current technical rule changes that some believe diminish track competition.
“I think that would, you know, put it back in the driver’s hands a lot,”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver
“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, NASCAR Driver
Drivers Demand Meaningful Change
During discussions about the future of NASCAR and the evolution of its vehicles, Wallace pushed for bold actions, not incremental steps. He emphasized that simply making small fixes would not solve ongoing issues and urged leaders to be bold in their decisions.
“I mean, we’re 670 now, right?”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver
Wallace went further, suggesting that only a substantial jump – to at least 750 horsepower or more – would be meaningful. He challenged the notion of minor increases, questioning if a test is even necessary and arguing for immediate and direct action.
“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, NASCAR Driver
What’s at Stake for NASCAR’s Future
As conversations about horsepower continue, NASCAR faces a decisive moment that could shape the direction of the sport for years to come. Leading figures like Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace argue that increasing engine power is not just about speed but about reviving the skill-based competition that defined racing’s golden era. If NASCAR decides to respond to these appeals, fans may see a shift back toward old school racing, where driver ability is once again in the spotlight.
