NASCAR is poised for significant changes as Brad Keselowski revealed that an increase in engine output is likely for the 2026 season, marking a potential shift in the competitive landscape. The topic of a Brad Keselowski NASCAR horsepower increase was discussed on Corey LaJoie’s “Stacking Pennies” podcast, where Keselowski hinted that teams could see a return to higher horsepower next year.
Keselowski Details Expected Horsepower Upgrade
During the podcast, Brad Keselowski explained that rule changes might put engines in the 740 to 750 horsepower range for the 2026 NASCAR season, after several years of reduced output. This would be a notable jump from the current output, as Keselowski clarified:
“Well, you know, it looks like NASCAR is going to change the rules next year to where we’re like 740, 750 [horsepower],”
Brad Keselowski, Driver/Owner
Keselowski went on to add,
“It’s not quite 100, because, you know, right now, technically, they’re at 670, but realistically, they’re like 685, 690, so.”
Brad Keselowski, Driver/Owner
NASCAR’s engine regulations have evolved significantly over the past decade. Since 2015, horsepower has gradually been reduced from figures exceeding 900; it was formally capped at 670 with the debut of the Next Gen car in 2022. These reductions were meant both to attract new manufacturers and maintain budget sustainability, but fans and some industry voices have continued to debate the merits of higher horsepower for better racing.
NASCAR’s Ongoing Debate Over Engine Power
NASCAR executives have long argued that the current 670-horsepower package benefits the sport’s future by making it appealing to potential manufacturers such as Ford, Toyota, and Chevy, while also managing costs for existing race teams. But recent discussions have indicated the appetite for a power increase is growing, especially for short tracks in the Next Gen era. Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, said the idea was being actively considered as recently as May and reiterated last month that raising horsepower for short tracks in time for the 2026 season remains a central goal.
“We’re always trying to make our racing — whether it’s short track, road course, intermediate, superspeedway — we want to make it better. We feel like we have a really good product right now, but we want to build on that. We still have some work to do,”
Elton Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Competition
Sawyer emphasized that any update to the power level would require careful consideration of which tracks qualify for the change, noting that certain venues, such as Martinsville or Richmond, clearly meet the short track criteria, while others like Loudon and Dover—though each a mile in length—occupy a gray area because of their unique racing characteristics.
“So, we still continue to have very positive conversations around that and some of it boils down to if you look at a Martinsville, you look at a Richmond — it’s pretty straightforward because that’s a short track. But then, you look at a Loudon, and Loudon is a mile, but it races like a short track, so does it fall into that same bucket? We have to look at racetracks like that — Dover — it’s a mile racetrack, but speeds are up there. Is that also in that engine package that may be on the short track? … We’re optimistic that we’re going to get there, but still a little bit more work to do on that.”
Elton Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Competition
Other Potential Changes on the Horizon
While a Brad Keselowski NASCAR horsepower increase may be the headline, NASCAR could soon see additional shifts in the way its champion is crowned. According to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, a member of the playoff committee has suggested that a traditional 36-race season championship could return, replacing or revising the current elimination style playoff format. While these changes are still under review, they reflect a broader conversation within NASCAR about keeping competition compelling for fans and teams alike.
What Changes Mean for Teams, Manufacturers, and Fans
If NASCAR does move forward with the proposed engine rule adjustment, teams such as Ford, Toyota, and Chevy will need to recalibrate their engine programs and prepare for different racing conditions. Race tracks like Martinsville, Richmond, Loudon, and Dover may see distinct strategies or setups as the horsepower package could vary depending on each venue’s characteristics. The conversations between stakeholders—manufacturers, engine builders, race teams, and NASCAR—are still ongoing, but optimism remains that an agreement can be reached by 2026.
The anticipated Brad Keselowski NASCAR horsepower increase could bring a fresh competitive edge and renew excitement among fans seeking more powerful racing. As stakeholders continue to shape these upcoming changes, the 2026 season may mark a new era for the sport, both in terms of vehicle performance and how championships are decided.
