Ross Chastain responds to NASCAR Cup Series changes in a direct way, showing little interest in potential tweaks to the sport, as speculation about raising car horsepower grows. The Trackhouse Racing driver shared his perspective following recent statements from NASCAR’s senior leadership about possible future adjustments to car performance.
NASCAR Leadership Considers Potential Adjustments
Earlier this week, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer, discussed ongoing conversations surrounding the Cup Series’ direction, confirming that increasing horsepower is being considered. This potential change has sparked discussion among fans and drivers nationwide, fueling debates about how Next Gen car modifications could impact races moving forward.
Chastain made headlines following his Coca-Cola 600 victory, when reporters pressed him about his thoughts on upcoming technical shifts in the Cup Series. Instead of engaging with the speculation, Chastain kept his response to just two words, asserting his position bluntly: “Don’t care.”
Chastain Shares Unfiltered Thoughts on Technical Debates
When asked to elaborate on his stance, Chastain explained his reasoning in plain terms and refused to get drawn into the technical debate. He stated,
“I don’t know what we need, what we should do, and I just don’t put any thought into it,”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing driver. Chastain went on to point out that each racing vehicle contains distinct differences, with varying components and requirements, and that he simply adapts as needed on the track.
Chastain emphasized his mindset heading into each race, further clarifying his approach:
“They can accomplish the feat ‘more horsepower’ with either more horsepower in the engine. They could adapt a new tire, they could build a new tire that is narrower, less rubber on the road, they could change the suspension, they could do so many things aerodynamically to give us less grip if they want us off throttle. Sure, if Elton wants to talk about it, okay, whatever. I don’t… It’s like, I’m just going to go try to win the race. So, don’t care.”
—Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing driver
Other Veteran Drivers Voice Perspectives on Changes
While Chastain refuses to dwell on technical changes, other respected names in the sport have contributed their opinions. Dale Earnhardt Jr.—known for his candid analysis—has also spoken about the ongoing conversation regarding horsepower and the broader effects of car adjustments. He remarked,
“I’m telling you, even with all of that (horsepower talk), I still want them to try and work on getting rid of the shifting,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., retired NASCAR driver. Earnhardt suggested that the current requirements for constant shifting might actually detract from driver skill, explaining,
“I do not think that even though they are getting to where it’s second nature to them to shift, having to drive into a corner and downshift and then do another shift on the next straightaway, doing that for every single corner, for 500 laps at Martinsville, right? That takes away from your processing on how to set the corner up, how to set up the car in front of you, how to make a difference in the corner.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., retired NASCAR driver
Chastain, fresh off a significant win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, stands out for his singular focus on racing performance, regardless of any technical adjustments looming on the horizon.
Awaiting Official Decisions About the Future of the Cup Series
NASCAR fans and teams now wait for further clarification on what changes might arrive for the Cup Series, especially concerning 2026 and beyond. As leadership explores different avenues for improvement, including enhanced horsepower, the focus remains on how these decisions will impact competition, driver adaptability, and overall excitement. For Chastain, however, such details remain distant from his primary goal—claiming victory race after race, no matter the machinery or technical regulations in play.
