Joe Gibbs Racing star Christopher Bell has voiced strong support for NASCAR’s recent decision to increase horsepower for NextGen cars in the 2026 season. Sharing his perspective during a media day at Las Vegas Motor Speedway before the South Point 400, Bell described the move as a positive shift for stock car racing, spotlighting his enthusiastic reaction to the announcement and adding to the ongoing conversation about competition on the track. The Christopher Bell NASCAR horsepower reaction is generating discussion ahead of a pivotal 2025 playoff race weekend in Las Vegas.
Bell Welcomes NASCAR’s Decision to Increase Engine Power
NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell confirmed on the Dale Jr. Download podcast that the organization plans to raise horsepower from 670 to 750 for NextGen cars on select tracks in the 2026 season. This update marks a significant change in the technical regulations, designed to enhance both the spectacle of racing and the challenge for drivers.
When asked for his opinion, Christopher Bell responded with clear excitement and optimism for the future of the series, highlighting the benefits he anticipates for racing competition and tire performance. During the press availability, Bell stated:
“I mean, I’m super excited about it. And I’m glad that you know NASCAR and the team engine builders have taken a step in the right direction. It’s definitely going to play a role in races, especially with the tires Goodyear has been bringing.”
— Christopher Bell, Driver
He further elaborated on the importance of horsepower increases for more challenging race dynamics, reflecting on his recent experience at the Charlotte ROVAL event:
“A couple of years ago, we were talking about road courses. The cars are just locked down, and I can promise you last week at Charlotte Road Course, those things were anything but locked down. You give us more horsepower. It’s what we had last week. We’re going to be; it is gonna be a big deal. So I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction,” he concluded.
— Christopher Bell, Driver
Momentum Builds for Bell Heading into Las Vegas
Christopher Bell heads into the South Point 400 with momentum, coming off a strong third-place effort at the Charlotte ROVAL. For Sunday’s 267-lap race at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Bell starts from third position on the grid, aiming for more success in a crucial playoff round. The anticipation is heightened as drivers, like Bell and his teammate Denny Hamlin, pursue vital points in the ongoing Cup Series postseason.
Reflections on Toyota’s Dominance During the Playoffs
In a post-race interview at Bristol Motor Speedway with Bob Pockrass, Bell reflected on Toyota’s exceptional form during the 2025 playoffs. Toyota teams, including Joe Gibbs Racing, have been riding a wave of victories, with wins by Chase Briscoe at Darlington Raceway, Denny Hamlin at World Wide Technology Raceway, and Bell himself at Bristol. Bell spoke candidly about the strength of Toyota vehicles and their performance edge:
“I mean, it sure appears to be that way. And just all the Toyotas are super fast right now. And I think I said it last week in my post-race interview that this is the best race cars I’ve had to drive in the Cup Series compared to the competition in my career. And, you know, I think it goes from Joe Gibbs Racing to 23XI; they’ve been really good. Even the legacy cars have had an amazing performance, you know, the last couple weeks.”
— Christopher Bell, Driver
Despite this strong run, Bell finds himself just one position below the cutoff line entering the Las Vegas event, while teammate Denny Hamlin leads the playoff standings by a margin of eight points. Fellow contender Chase Briscoe sits in seventh place, trailing the qualifying line by fourteen points, as the postseason race intensifies.
What Increased Horsepower Means for NASCAR’s Future
NASCAR’s decision to boost engine output has been welcomed by drivers and teams, with many expecting more entertaining races and greater technical challenges. Not only does this shift elevate the driving experience, but it also calls for strategic adaptations as Goodyear and engine teams fine-tune their approach for changing dynamics.
Christopher Bell’s enthusiastic endorsement adds significant weight to the positive reception of this rule change. As the playoffs progress, the upcoming alteration to the horsepower regulations is poised to influence the competition’s intensity and depth, promising fans and stakeholders an invigorated NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2026.
Compilation of drivers being asked about NASCAR increasing horsepower for 2026 in media sessions today. Seems like the thought is that while 750 HP helps, what Goodyear has been doing bringing tires that fall off more really, really helps.
From Josh Berry: "If we keep having the… pic.twitter.com/cYUsPwbG3N
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 11, 2025
