Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has issued a pointed caution about the sport’s forthcoming horsepower increase, asking fans to moderate their expectations around the long-awaited change. The Kyle Larson horsepower warning comes as NASCAR confirms the jump from the standard 670 horsepower to 750 horsepower for select races, sparking intense debate across the industry.
Larson Urges Caution Amid NASCAR’s Horsepower Increase
Recently, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell revealed on Dale Jr.’s podcast that several Cup Series races, including short tracks and road courses, will run with the new 750-horsepower package beginning in 2026. The announcement has energized fans who hope it could revitalize the racing, but Larson is setting more realistic expectations. After running a test session at Carolina Motorsports Park in South Carolina—without prior knowledge of the power boost—Larson was left underwhelmed by the impact of the change.
“I would encourage you all and fans to not over-promote it like it’s going to fix everything. Temper your expectations; it’s not drastically different.”
— Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
For many, Larson’s observations raise crucial questions about whether this technical adjustment will produce more exciting races. Although the horsepower jump is set for five out of the first eight races in the 2026 season, Larson’s feedback indicates that the effect may not be as significant as hoped. He candidly assessed his experience, admitting that while some improvement is likely, it will not resolve all performance concerns.
“I think it’ll be better, but it’s not fixed.”
— Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Teammates and Rivals Weigh In on the Horsepower Debate
Chase Elliott, Larson’s teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, described NASCAR’s move as a positive step but admitted he is eager to understand how it will influence car handling and competition dynamics. While the organization’s playoff focus intensifies—with three Hendrick drivers still in championship contention—discussions about horsepower upgrades are just one of many factors on the team’s radar.
Playoff Pressures and the Road Ahead
As the grid sets for the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson faces significant pressure to claim an early playoff victory. His strong history at the track, including a memorable first win for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 and a total of three victories at Las Vegas, puts him alongside fellow champions Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski.
“It’s nice to look ahead a little bit,”
— Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Despite starting in the sixth position, Larson isn’t letting the playoff pressure define his campaign. He emphasizes that winning the opening race, while advantageous, is not the ultimate goal, and remains focused on consistent performance across the postseason. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin holds pole position in Las Vegas, but historical data reminds competitors that no pole sitter has won there since Kyle Busch’s 2009 victory.
Uncertainty and Anticipation Define the Coming Season
As fans debate whether the increased horsepower will transform the racing spectacle, Larson’s warnings highlight the unpredictable nature of motorsports innovation. Previous attempts to shake up the Cup Series have shown that technical changes do not always deliver the excitement or parity fans desire. With the community’s expectations running high and racing heavyweights challenging for the championship, every detail faces scrutiny—including engine power.
The coming Cup Series races—with their new rules and heightened power—promise drama and potential for surprise, but their true impact will only become clear on track. As Larson and other drivers brace for the start of a pivotal season, the only certainty is that NASCAR, its teams, and its fans remain as passionate—and divided—as ever about what the future holds.
