Kyle Larson offered candid thoughts on the planned increase in horsepower for NASCAR Cup Series vehicles at tracks up to 1.5 miles, suggesting the adjustment is a positive step but will not completely resolve competition concerns. The 2025 update, central to the ongoing Kyle Larson NASCAR horsepower increase discussion, impacts 21 races and reflects NASCAR’s latest moves to promote fairness and excitement on a variety of circuits.
NASCAR’s Horsepower Adjustment: What Will Change in 2025?
NASCAR officials have announced a significant boost in engine power for the Cup Series, raising the standard from 670 to 750 horsepower for all road courses and ovals under 1.5 miles. This decision takes effect in 21 races starting next season, aiming to deliver improved throttle control, greater tire management, and more opportunities for drivers to pass during events. The change is a component of a broader strategy that may, depending on test results and race outcomes, be extended to longer oval tracks in the future. NASCAR has scheduled the first trial run with these new specifications at North Wilkesboro Speedway in December 2025, allowing teams crucial preparation time.
Kyle Larson addressed the topic in a recent conversation with journalist Jeff Gluck, expressing cautious optimism about the implications of the increased horsepower. While NASCAR’s leadership and technical teams anticipate that added power could heighten driver skill requirements and racing drama, Larson stressed that expectations should remain realistic.
“I hope you (media) guys don’t promote the sh*t out of it like it’s going to fix everything, because it’s not way different.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Larson’s Season Highlights: Pushing for the Cup Series Title
Throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Kyle Larson has maintained a high level of performance, targeting another championship run. His campaign began with a milestone victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway—marking his 30th Cup Series win—and was further boosted by triumphs at Bristol and Kansas. Larson has consistently demonstrated his prowess, especially on superspeedways, and is recognized for his tenacity and strategic approach.
These achievements have reinforced Larson’s status as a frontrunner and have kept him in the spotlight as fans and teams analyze the potential impacts of NASCAR’s latest technical changes. The horsepower increase, while not a cure-all for concerns about parity and race quality, is expected to interact in complex ways with Larson’s strengths as both a driver and a tactician on the track.
Charlotte’s Showdown: Larson Praises Shane van Gisbergen After Tight Finish
In early October 2025, Kyle Larson delivered another standout performance at the Bank of America ROVAL 400. The Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course race culminated in a dramatic finish, with Larson crossing the line in second place, just behind Shane van Gisbergen, who proved formidable in the closing stages.
Speaking to NBC Sports after the race, Larson was gracious, highlighting both the fierce competition and the skill displayed by van Gisbergen and Christopher Bell:
“I’m happy with a second-place finish for this No. 5 Chevrolet team. Shane van Gisbergen is just so good. It was a fun battle with Christopher (Bell), too. To start the final stage, we were trying to break up his (SVG) rhythm and race, and I thought it was playing out well. He was just so fast. I tried riding. I tried saving my tires, but I just can’t do it as well as he does. But overall, it was a great finish and momentum to head into the Round of Eight,” Larson said.
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Larson’s weekend at Charlotte showcased both his competitive edge and tactical abilities. Qualifying fourth, he managed to lead 27 laps during the 109-lap contest, with van Gisbergen establishing control by leading 57 laps. The spirited battle kept the audience engaged and demonstrated why Larson remains a central figure in these high-stakes showdowns, further highlighting the level of skill demanded by the NASCAR Cup Series.
What the Horsepower Change Means for Drivers and Fans
The upcoming NASCAR horsepower increase, as spotlighted by Kyle Larson and observed by competitors like Christopher Bell and Shane van Gisbergen, represents more than a technical adjustment; it signals NASCAR’s willingness to adapt in pursuit of closer, more dynamic races. While the increased horsepower will challenge drivers to master throttle and tire management at a new level, expectations remain tempered.
As Larson pointed out, not every racing issue will be resolved by this change. However, the move may promote exciting new battles and place a premium on driving skill, strategy, and adaptability—qualities that current frontrunners such as Larson, van Gisbergen, and Bell have continually exhibited.
With the first test at North Wilkesboro Speedway on the horizon, teams and fans alike will closely watch how the revised power levels influence the racing product. The phased approach gives NASCAR flexibility to further tweak regulations based on observed effects, potentially shaping the future of Cup Series competition for years to come.
