NASCAR officials are discussing a significant update as Chase Elliott advocates increased NASCAR horsepower for short tracks, potentially raising engine output from 670HP to 750HP. This major development could arrive before the end of the 2025 season, promising to reshape short track dynamics and driver performance.
Plans Unveiled for Short Track Power Surge
The possibility of more powerful NASCAR stock cars was confirmed by Elton Sawyer, the organization’s senior vice president of competition, during a recent interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Sawyer noted that these talks have brought together manufacturers, teams, and leadership, describing the current atmosphere as filled with productive and enthusiastic discussion among all stakeholders.
Drivers and Teams Push for Competition Enhancement
The momentum behind this initiative comes largely from Cup Series drivers and team members who have voiced strong opinions about increasing horsepower. Champions and fan favorites—including Josh Berry, who took victory in Las Vegas earlier this year—have supported the move, arguing that a boost in speed would not only make passing easier on tight tracks but would also deliver a more gripping show for spectators.
Chase Elliott Highlights Complex Negotiations
Chase Elliott, NASCAR Cup Series champion in 2020, has weighed in, drawing attention to the careful balance required between raising power and meeting engine durability expectations from manufacturers like Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford. The ongoing negotiations are intricate, as each manufacturer seeks both competitive advantage and the durability needed for modern racing.
Ryan Preece and Others Call for More Excitement
Driver Ryan Preece has added his voice to the chorus, championing additional horsepower as a way to intensify the driving challenge and fan enjoyment. Preece cited renowned events such as the Coca-Cola 600 and races at North Wilkesboro as prime examples of competitions that have delivered edge-of-the-seat excitement, highlighting the crucial role that car performance and strategy play in these memorable moments.
Fans Anticipate a New Era of Speed and Strategy
With NASCAR evaluating technical and logistical aspects of the horsepower hike, the racing community is bracing for faster action, closer battles, and a reinvigorated viewing experience. This coordinated push from drivers, teams, and officials signals a new chapter for stock car competitions, one where fans might soon witness some of the most thrilling short track events in recent history.
