NASCAR is set to implement a notable racing change in 2026 as Cup Series cars will run with 750 horsepower on road courses and oval tracks shorter than 1.5 miles, and Erik Jones has provided his candid reaction to the decision. This Erik Jones NASCAR horsepower change comes after sustained calls from drivers and fans for increased power in pursuit of more competitive racing.
NASCAR Announces Significant Horsepower Boost
The upcoming horsepower increase, disclosed by NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell during an appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, will shift Cup Series car output from the current 670 to 750 horsepower at specific tracks starting in 2026. The change will apply to notable venues including Watkins Glen, Sonoma, Phoenix, Martinsville, Bristol, and Darlington. NASCAR officials have indicated that a detailed 2026 rules package will be revealed later in the offseason.
Fan and driver advocacy for adding power intensified in recent seasons, particularly concerning the predictability and limited overtaking options seen at short tracks and road courses. Many within the sport, as cited by NASCAR.com, believe that increased horsepower will enhance throttle control, contribute to more tire wear, and ultimately allow for greater passing opportunities. These adjustments are being positioned as a response to persistent feedback that the racing product on certain tracks has become too formulaic.
Erik Jones Shares His Perspective on the Change
Erik Jones, a long-standing Cup Series driver with multiple victories to his credit, weighed in on NASCAR’s proposed change through comments shared by journalist Kelly Crandall. While Jones recognizes that the current product at short tracks and road courses has not matched expectations, he remains measured in his outlook regarding the forthcoming horsepower increase.
“We probably need to just try it,”
Jones said. – Erik Jones, Driver
Jones’ remark reflects a pragmatic attitude toward experimentation, acknowledging both the desire for improved racing and the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of the new engine rules.
Details of the 2026 Implementation Plan
Under the new plan, five of the opening eight races in the 2026 NASCAR season will be set to feature the 750-horsepower configuration. NASCAR has stated that it will closely evaluate the performance and outcome during these early races. Depending on the results and overall feedback from teams, drivers, and fans, officials may consider deploying the higher horsepower setup at additional venues throughout the season.
This phased approach shows NASCAR’s intent to carefully monitor the effects on competition and racing quality, especially as the series seeks to balance fan excitement with technical parity among teams. The expanded horsepower limit has its proponents, but industry voices like Erik Jones underline the unknowns that come with adjusting the competitive landscape.
Erik Jones Marks 300th NASCAR Cup Series Start
While attention has centered on the technical changes coming to NASCAR, Erik Jones experienced a career milestone in May 2025 when he made his 300th Cup Series start at Texas Motor Speedway. This achievement places Jones among a select group of drivers within the Legacy Motor Club and the series at large. Jones, who drives the No. 43 Toyota for a team co-owned by Jimmie Johnson—a seven-time Cup champion—entered the Cup Series in 2015, initially filling in for Denny Hamlin at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Reflecting on reaching the 300-start mark, Jones commented:
“I don’t know how many guys have made 300 or more starts in the Cup Series, but you know, being around for that long is never easy,”
Jones said.
“You know, there’s 36 guys that get to do it every week at the Cup level, and to be one that’s done it… I’m gonna push in a decade now… so that’s really neat.”
– Erik Jones, Driver
Jones has collected three career wins in the Cup Series, including memorable triumphs at the Southern 500. His decade of experience at the top level underscores his insights into the evolving nature of the competition and the impact that technical changes like the horsepower boost can have on driver strategy and race outcomes.
Current Season Performance and Looking Ahead
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season advances, Erik Jones currently stands 25th in the points with 616, highlighted by five top-10 finishes, four top-5 results, and 11 laps led over 32 starts. These results, while solid for Jones and the Legacy Motor Club, place increased attention on the effectiveness of future changes in performance and competitiveness across the field.
The broader implications of the Erik Jones NASCAR horsepower change will become clearer as NASCAR releases the full technical rules package later in the offseason. The sport’s leadership, including Steve O’Donnell, remains focused on using feedback and real-world data to inform future decisions, while teams and drivers like Jones prepare to adapt to a rapidly shifting competitive environment. The coming seasons will reveal whether these bold changes succeed in reigniting more unpredictable and thrilling NASCAR races.
