Denny Hamlin supports increasing NASCAR engine horsepower, joining the ongoing discussion about raising power output in the top racing series. Recently, the focus in NASCAR circles has shifted toward whether the current 670 brake horsepower (bhp) engines are sufficient, and Hamlin is in favor of boosting this figure to improve competition.
Hamlin Advocates for More Powerful NASCAR Engines
NASCAR has historically reduced engine power to try to create more equal racing conditions and close the gap between top teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Trackhouse Racing. Yet, some believe this approach has resulted in less exciting events. Calls to raise the horsepower from 670 to 750 have grown, with Hamlin among those supporting the idea.
Appearing on a recent episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin openly shared his preference for engine output to reach the 800 horsepower mark, but stressed that he is willing to accept any improvement over the current setup. He pointed out that even a moderate increase should make a positive difference on track performance.
“I think we need to just take whatever they’re willing to give us and shut up and move on. Because it will absolutely be better than 670, which we currently have,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Expected Effects on Racing and Team Strategies
Despite his push for more horsepower, Hamlin acknowledged the upgrade may not fundamentally change the racing experience. Instead, he expects a moderate benefit of about 5-10 percent improvement. Additional horsepower is likely to increase tire wear, which could lead to notable adjustments in team tactics, car settings, and even how teams select drivers.
In Hamlin’s view, teams and engine suppliers should focus on efficient ways to achieve these changes, aiming for economical modifications rather than expensive overhauls. This suggests an emphasis on maintaining cost-effectiveness within the sport when increasing engine output.
Technical Solutions and Industry Perspectives
The possibility of more powerful engines has support from other industry voices as well. Scott Maxim, Vice President of Hendrick Motorsports‘ Powertrain Department, has discussed how current-generation engines are already capable of higher performance. According to Maxim, engineers use a tapered spacer to limit horsepower, but adjusting this part could allow more power almost immediately.
Maxim explained that this process is familiar to his team, having successfully made similar adjustments in the past. He emphasized that such changes to the spacer size are moderate and easily managed, reinforcing the idea that increasing NASCAR engine horsepower may be achieved with minimal disruption for teams.
Looking Ahead to NASCAR’s Next Steps
The current debate highlights a shift within NASCAR, as prominent drivers like Denny Hamlin and key executives such as Scott Maxim advocate for increased power and improved on-track excitement. As discussions progress among league officials and teams, any upcoming changes to engine specifications are expected to shape future races and strategy across organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports. The motorsport community now waits to see how NASCAR officials balance these calls for more dynamic racing against the organization’s broader goals and regulations.
