Chase Elliott supports increasing Next-Gen car horsepower in NASCAR, joining drivers and teams calling for higher engine power after concerns that current 670-horsepower cars haven’t offered enough passing on the track. As ongoing conversations within NASCAR evaluate boosting seventh-generation car horsepower to at least 750, Elliott weighed in at a recent Nashville Superspeedway media event, highlighting key factors influencing this debate.
Elliott’s Take on Next-Gen Horsepower Debates
Since the introduction of the Next-Gen car, horsepower has dominated discussions in the NASCAR garage, with many arguing that the existing 670 hp doesn’t produce the kind of close competition fans and drivers want. Several prominent drivers, including Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace, have been especially invested in this issue, pressing for a return to higher power levels. While Elliott admits he isn’t as involved in the technical side as some of his peers, he acknowledges the benefits of experimenting with more horsepower if manufacturers agree to it.
“I’m not super in-tune with what those numbers are or like what’s being talked about as far, as how far they want to go with it. So, I don’t know that I’m super educated on kind of what’s possible, what’s even true or not true. I think it’d be worth a shot, you know, if the engine manufacturers are willing to do it.
—Chase Elliott, at Nashville Superspeedway Media session.
There is a complex set of considerations attached to increasing horsepower. NASCAR must initiate direct conversations with engine manufacturers, as any change impacts not only performance but also the lifespan and durability of race engines. With current regulations requiring teams to use the same engine for at least three events, pushing output above 670 horsepower could create new engineering challenges.
“And that’s probably going to be a question for them, truthfully, because they’re going to dictate how much power we can give the current packages that we have and still have the longevity and the reliability we expect to have because I think we have to run them three times.
—Chase Elliott
Elliott’s remarks echo the reality that engine suppliers will ultimately determine what’s feasible, balancing fans’ hunger for more exciting racing with teams’ operational needs and the durability expected from racing equipment.
Key Influences: Manufacturers and Team Considerations
The possibility of increasing the Next-Gen car’s horsepower depends heavily on input from engine manufacturers such as those partnered with Hendrick Motorsports and rival teams. These organizations would need to adjust designs to handle higher power levels, ensuring engines remain reliable throughout multiple race weekends.
NASCAR faces a series of high-stakes negotiations as it navigates requests from its most high-profile drivers while considering the implications for costs, supplier relationships, and the broader competitiveness of the series. Drivers trust that car builders and manufacturers will explore all options, but a final decision will likely hinge on balancing performance gains against technical risks.
Shifting Popularity in NASCAR’s Fanbase
Beyond technical debates, Chase Elliott’s standing among fans is facing new challenges, as teammate Kyle Larson narrows the gap in popularity. Once the unchallenged most popular driver, capturing the sport’s top fan accolade every year since 2018, Elliott now faces stiffer competition both on and off the track.
Lately, Larson’s on-track success and broad appeal—spanning several racing disciplines and a growing base of dedicated supporters—have contributed to his surge. For example, Larson recently overtook Elliott in NASCAR merchandise sales, demonstrating his rising influence among fans. Reflecting on his achievement, Larson acknowledged the prestige of this shift and his respect for Elliott’s longstanding legacy.
“Yeah, I mean, I think it’s something that is cool. And I’m just going to be proud of it because Chase Elliott is the man when it comes to fans and merch. But [I have] obviously had a couple of years of double and stuff. I think that’s why the merch stuff. But yeah, either way, it’s cool.
—Kyle Larson
Larson’s comments highlight an ongoing shift in the NASCAR fan dynamic, where performance and engagement beyond the Cup Series circuit now influence who claims top billing. Whether Elliott will reclaim his leading position or see Larson’s ascendance become the standard remains an open question, adding another layer of intrigue to the current NASCAR landscape.
The Road Ahead for NASCAR’s Next-Gen Era
As NASCAR weighs potential changes to its Next-Gen technical package, the stakes are high for teams such as Hendrick Motorsports and their drivers. The racing community and supporters will be watching closely to see if engine manufacturers, series officials, and drivers can reach common ground. Any decision to raise horsepower could reshape competitive racing, bringing new excitement to fans and presenting fresh engineering puzzles for teams to solve.
The current debate underscores how complex the world of stock car racing has become, where questions of technology, reliability, manufacturer readiness, and fan enthusiasm all play crucial roles. For athletes like Chase Elliott and rival Kyle Larson, the evolution of the sport’s technical rules runs parallel to changes on the leaderboard and in the hearts of fans, setting the tone for NASCAR’s future.
