NASCAR driver Ryan Preece has added his voice to the ongoing discussion about increasing engine power in the sport, providing a measured take on the subject as NASCAR leadership debates changes to the current horsepower limits. This conversation around the Ryan Preece opinion on NASCAR horsepower debate reflects growing tension between what drivers desire and the practical constraints facing teams and officials.
Preece’s Balanced Perspective on Horsepower Changes
Ryan Preece, a member of RFK Racing, addressed the subject following recent statements by NASCAR executive Elton Sawyer, who indicated possible considerations to boost the Next Gen car’s horsepower. During an interview with Frontstretch, Preece acknowledged he was not fully informed about the specifics of Sawyer’s remarks but shared his own vision for the sport’s technical future. He is known for his expertise on short tracks and offered a viewpoint shaped by a blend of enthusiasm and an understanding of real-world complexities.
“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,”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
Preece went on to highlight the logistical and financial challenges involved in simply adding engine output, stating that increasing horsepower involves far more than just adjusting the engines. The costs are not confined to the engine compartment but would impact multiple aspects of team operations and car construction.
“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.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
Preece has consistently supported the view that more power could make driving more dynamic and offer skilled drivers new ways to excel. He pointed out that horsepower serves as another variable distinguishing drivers on the track, especially in challenging situations. This theme echoes opinions shared by other drivers like Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the current 670-horsepower cap, labeling it as insufficient.
“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.”
—Ryan Preece, Driver
Pressure Mounts as NASCAR Considers a New Power Formula
The debate intensified after Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, stated publicly that increasing horsepower is a topic open for discussion. This acknowledgment has led to continued negotiation among NASCAR’s key decision-makers, team representatives, and engine suppliers to examine potential solutions.
Mike Forde, NASCAR’s managing director, clarified that restoring the engines to the 900–1000 horsepower range remains unlikely because of the anticipated costs. However, he indicated that a 750-horsepower setup is under careful consideration. This middle ground has been presented as a compromise approach, potentially satisfying driver demands for more power while managing team budgets and technical standards.
Sawyer expressed confidence about industry progress, noting,
“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,”
—Elton Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Competition, NASCAR
John Probst, senior vice president of innovation and racing development, has held discussions with engine builders to forecast what technical changes would be required in the event of a power increase. This dialogue aims to explore the possible modifications needed across cars and parts to safely accommodate higher horsepower levels.
“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.”
—Elton Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Competition, NASCAR
Doug Yates, an established engine supplier, provided assurance that an incremental rise from 670 to 750 horsepower should not introduce major technical hurdles. He signaled the feasibility of such a change from a supplier standpoint.
“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.”
—Doug Yates, Engine Supplier
Drivers continue to advocate passionately for higher numbers, believing it would positively alter racing strategies and overall competition. Joey Logano, a three-time NASCAR champion, described the benefits he expects from additional power, including increased tire wear, a wider racing surface, and a more exhilarating experience for drivers and fans.
“We want more power. It increases tire wear. It makes the track wider. And it’s more badass.”
—Joey Logano, Driver
Not all officials share this optimism. John Probst cautioned that increased power is no guarantee for competitive improvements and suggested that additional horsepower may spread competitors further apart on the track rather than tighten the field.
“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.”
—John Probst, SVP of Innovation and Racing Development, NASCAR
Fans and Drivers Echo Their Expectations
Debate around horsepower is not confined to drivers and executives; fans also express strong opinions. Some call for unlimited horsepower, pinning the responsibility on drivers’ skill and restraint. Others argue that more horsepower demands greater throttle control and precision, especially when exiting corners, potentially leading to more exciting races.
“There is no such thing as too much power. That’s why you have a right foot controlled by your Brain!”
—Fan
“More HP = More throttle control and needing to finesse the car out of the corner instead of mashing the gas.”
—Fan
With NASCAR leadership holding ongoing discussions, and no clear deadline for a decision, Ryan Preece’s cautious but open stance encapsulates the challenges facing the sport. Reconciling the expectations of elite drivers, the realities of team budgets, and the evolving demands of fans will require careful negotiation and technical planning.
As the conversation about possible horsepower increases continues, figures like Elton Sawyer, John Probst, Doug Yates, and Joey Logano—alongside veterans such as Preece—will remain central to shaping NASCAR’s next move. For now, the future direction of the NASCAR horsepower debate remains unresolved, with new developments highly anticipated by the racing community.
