NASCAR is preparing for a major shift in 2026, as Brad Keselowski has revealed plans for a significant horsepower increase that will affect the entire Cup Series. Discussing the upcoming changes, Keselowski emphasized that the Brad Keselowski NASCAR horsepower change will boost excitement and potentially transform the dynamics of racing on the track.
Significant Horsepower Boost Expected for NextGen Cars
Brad Keselowski, a current Cup Series driver and team owner, announced that NASCAR’s NextGen car is slated to receive a major horsepower upgrade for the 2026 season. While the current car, which launched in 2022, operates at a base output of 670 horsepower, the new configuration aims to reach approximately 750 horsepower.
Keselowski made these revelations during an episode of Corey LaJoie‘s “Stacking Pennies” podcast, where he detailed the upcoming adjustments.
“It looks like NASCAR is going to change the rules next year to where we’re like 740, 750 (horsepower),” Brad Keselowski said. “It’s not quite 100, because, you know, right now, technically, they’re at 670, but realistically, they’re like 685, 690, so.”
Other drivers are expressing enthusiasm for the planned horsepower increase, believing it will energize the competition. Among them, three-time series champion Joey Logano, known for his achievements with Team Penske, commented on the anticipated boost and what it means for the cars and racing overall.
“It’s definitely cool. I like it. I want to do it. Like, not just the engine, but the drive train. It’s got to be beefed up more. … You want to just make the racing better, right?”
Along with the horsepower changes, Keselowski has hinted that NASCAR will likely increase the size of the engine spacer, which could make the transition from 670 to 750 horsepower smoother for all teams.
Upcoming Racing Action and Scheduled Events
As teams and fans look ahead to rule changes, attention shifts to the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet at Kansas Speedway. This 267-lap Cup Series playoff race takes place next weekend and will be broadcast on USA Network on September 28 at 3 pm ET. Fans can also follow live coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, as the playoff intensity continues to build heading into the fall.
Mixed Feelings from Keselowski on Current NextGen Cars
Since the introduction of the NextGen car, Brad Keselowski has experienced challenges adapting and achieving victories, mirroring the struggles faced by fellow top contenders such as Denny Hamlin and Jimmie Johnson, as well as Joey Logano.
Keselowski discussed his perspective on the impact of the current car during another segment of LaJoie’s podcast, noting that it has changed his approach as a driver over recent seasons.
“Well, the Next Gen car changed me in some ways for worse as a driver because you have to drive it way differently. You know, the cars in 2008, 2009, first off, were significantly faster. I don’t know if I can put into terms how much faster they were than the Next Gen car.”
The shift in car technology has placed greater emphasis on different driving skills. Previously, throttle control was critical for success, whereas the current NextGen model focuses on how aggressively a driver can apply the accelerator throughout the race.
“I think that that’s been hard for me personally,” Keselowski added.
While Keselowski, a key figure at RFK Racing, is still working toward his first win of the 2025 season and is not competing in the current playoff series, he remains determined to finish the year with a strong performance. The last time he took victory was on May 12, 2024, making these coming months vital for his ambitions and for demonstrating the impact of car changes on career progress.
Looking Ahead: The Implications of the Horsepower Increase
NASCAR’s decision to enhance NextGen horsepower is anticipated to alter the competitive landscape and strategy for drivers, teams, and manufacturers. As the series approaches the 2026 rule changes, participants are preparing for new challenges as well as opportunities for innovation and performance gains. These changes are poised to shape the Cup Series’ future, with drivers like Brad Keselowski and organizations including Penske and RFK Racing closely watching the evolution of racing technology and competition.
