Joe Gibbs driver Christopher Bell on NASCAR horsepower debate has called for caution as discussions heat up around potential changes in the Cup Series’ short track rules. Although fans and drivers have long advocated for engine upgrades, Bell advises that expectations should remain realistic while NASCAR leadership explores modifications.
NASCAR Leadership Considers Adjusting Cup Series Horsepower
The longstanding call from the NASCAR community for higher horsepower in the Cup Series short track package has recently gained momentum. Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, pointed to new talks about possible changes, stating,
“It’s on the table. Working closely, I know John Probst [senior vice president of innovation and racing development] had a conversation with our engine builders to see what we could do, how that would look, and what changes would need to be made.”
This signals a concrete step forward in an ongoing debate that has drawn attention from drivers like Christopher Bell and major fan groups alike.
Industry insiders, such as NASCAR’s managing director of communications Mike Forde, have further emphasized that the current short track package’s performance issues are being discussed internally and publicly. On Hauler Talk, Forde observed,
“It was something we proactively brought up to have a further discussion of improving the short-track package. Obviously, the drivers all embraced that topic and requested more and more horsepower.”
The focus of these conversations has been on enhancing overtaking possibilities, as recent races—like the one at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the lead changed only four times and Kyle Larson dominated by leading 411 laps—have highlighted limited passing opportunities.
Christopher Bell Cautions Fans About Raising Hopes
While the dialogue around increasing horsepower excites many, Christopher Bell presents a grounded perspective. Bell acknowledged that greater horsepower could help faster cars make their way through the field more effectively, thereby making passing easier. Yet, he remains careful not to let community expectations spiral. He explained,
“Everyone needs to taper their expectations. Is more horsepower going to make us pack race at a short track? No, it’s not going to make us pack race at a short track. But more horsepower will allow the better cars to move through the field. And passing should be easier with the horsepower.”
—Christopher Bell, Driver for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Bell points out that enhancements to horsepower on short tracks won’t suddenly make these events resemble racing on Superspeedways, where cars often run together at maximum speed and face their own criticisms for excessive drag on the next-gen car. Instead, the hope is that a boost in horsepower will break up the status quo among evenly matched vehicles and allow leading drivers to better navigate traffic, enhancing competition at the front.
Understanding Different Perspectives on Racing Improvements
There is no universal agreement on what makes a race better, according to Bell. Viewer preferences vary, with some craving more on-track overtakes, while others might seek different forms of excitement. Bell expressed,
“The fan base’s perception of a good race is sometimes different than what the industry and the drivers feel is a good race. So whenever we talk about wanting more horsepower, I think it stems from a place of wanting to be able to pass better,”
—Christopher Bell, Driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. This illustrates the complexity of satisfying everyone invested in the sport, from passionate fans to Cup Series drivers and team members.
Despite the excitement surrounding a potential horsepower increase, the details remain uncertain. Presently, Cup Series cars run at about 670 horsepower, far from the 900-horsepower era that many recall fondly. It is still unclear how dramatic any forthcoming changes may be, as NASCAR leadership continues consultations with engine builders and teams to weigh the feasibility and potential effects.
With the horsepower debate firmly in focus, and as figures like Elton Sawyer, John Probst, and Mike Forde push the conversation forward, fans can expect more updates as the governing bodies discuss the next steps. For now, Christopher Bell and other drivers urge enthusiasts to remain engaged but measured, as NASCAR works to balance performance improvements with the diverse expectations of its community.
