The NASCAR Truck Series spec truck rumors have sparked considerable debate in the racing community, as industry chatter points toward widespread vehicle standardization by the 2028 season. Insiders say this unprecedented move could change the series’ atmosphere, bringing one of NASCAR’s most cost-friendly development categories in line with other technical mandates seen in recent years.
Growing Speculation Surrounds Potential Rule Change
Speculation about the future of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series intensified after Denny Hamlin, the three-time Daytona 500 winner, discussed the topic during his Actions Detrimental podcast. Hamlin referred to conversations circulating in the garage, stressing that, while these are rumors and not yet confirmed, the possibility of mandated spec trucks by 2028 remains strong.
“From what I’m hearing, in the Truck Series, NASCAR’s telling them – this is what I’ve been told, this is a rumor; I don’t know if this is factual, but it’s a rumor – that they need them to go to spec trucks by 2028,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and podcast host
Freddie Kraft, a recognized veteran spotter within the NASCAR community, further fueled these discussions on the Door Bumper Clear show. Kraft suggested a transition could take place in
“either the ’27 or ’28 season,”
and noted the next generation of race trucks may look like
“something that we see on Sundays,”
drawing a direct comparison to the current Cup Series Next Gen cars, which adopted full spec racing in 2022.
“The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series could shift to spec trucks as soon as 2028, according to growing speculation in the garage. Find out more on The Daily Downforcehttps://t.co/c5iJKIqWUs pic.twitter.com/ynR0RKgfIQ”
—The Daily Downforce via X
Examining the Present Level of Standardization
While the rumored changes are significant, the Truck Series already operates under strict technical guidelines in certain areas. Since 2018, all competing teams have been required to use Ilmor NT1 V8 engines, which produce between 650 and 700 horsepower when unrestricted. This engine uniformity sets the series apart from both the Xfinity and Cup divisions, which still permit more variation under the hood.
Despite the standardized powerplants, teams currently have the freedom to build their own chassis and engineer their own suspension systems. This technical flexibility allows more experienced and well-funded groups to pull ahead through advanced design and higher budgets, creating an uneven playing field for smaller organizations. Some teams have compensated by buying older chassis from top contenders to remain competitive, revealing a gap in resources across the Truck Series field.
Possible Ripple Effects Across Other NASCAR Series
The ongoing dialogue about spec trucks has also drawn attention to the Xfinity Series, as Denny Hamlin indicated that similar overhauls may be on the horizon. Hamlin remarked on the dated nature of cars used in the Xfinity Series, highlighting how many teams operate vehicles that have seen years of prior competition.
“It’s going to happen in the Xfinity Series as well. Those guys are running cars that are old, old, old, old, old, old,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and podcast host
If both series were to fully embrace a spec-based format, the effect would be profound, streamlining team operations but also altering the way organizations develop talent and manage equipment budgets. Such a shift would closely follow the pattern set by the Cup Series’ Next Gen era, influencing how teams, drivers, and manufacturers engage with NASCAR‘s development ladder.
What Lies Ahead for NASCAR’s Development Divisions
The escalating NASCAR Truck Series spec truck rumors reflect broader trends toward cost control and technical parity across the sport. As figures like Freddie Kraft and Denny Hamlin continue to discuss these changes, the community remains alert to upcoming announcements from NASCAR leadership. Should the rumors prove accurate, teams, drivers, and fans could see a dramatically new landscape in both the Truck and Xfinity Series by the 2028 season, with wide-reaching impacts on competition, technology, and motorsports economics.
