NASCAR will increase engine horsepower at several race tracks starting in 2026, but Kevin Harvick on NASCAR horsepower remains unconvinced it will have a noticeable effect. Harvick, who has advocated for more robust engines throughout his driving career, now questions whether fans or even drivers will see genuine changes in racing dynamics.
Harvick’s Ongoing Support for More Power
Kevin Harvick and fellow driver Denny Hamlin have spent the past few years pushing for higher horsepower in the Cup Series. Their stance has been echoed by an increasing number of drivers seeking to inject more excitement and challenge into the sport. Harvick, a past Cup Series champion and prominent figure in NASCAR, is especially vocal about these issues.
On his recent “Happy Hour” podcast episode, Harvick addressed the upcoming horsepower raise. He acknowledged it as a positive move, though he remained unsure about any practical impact on racing quality.
“Well, I think that I’m happy that they did it. I think it’s at least a step in the right direction,”
Harvick said, emphasizing his support for the decision while questioning its significance. He noted that while there is an official jump of 80 horsepower on paper, drivers themselves say the difference is hard to feel behind the wheel. As Harvick pointed out, this suggests an even larger increase may be necessary to truly transform the sport.
Weighing Costs Against Gains
Harvick also highlighted the financial side of implementing more powerful engines, recognizing the legitimate concerns about expenses among teams and officials.
“Now, there’s the counterargument for how much it would cost for everybody to go more horsepower than this. So, my hope is that they’re looking to go more horsepower down the road as they look at how things evolve. But I don’t think we’ll – I’m happy that we did it. Kudos to them for giving the cars more horsepower. I don’t want to knock it. But I don’t think anyone will notice.”
– Kevin Harvick, Cup Series Champion
His comments reflect mixed feelings: satisfaction with the incremental change, but skepticism about its meaningfulness for fans. The conversation comes amid swirling discussions in NASCAR, with many drivers joining the chorus for substantial technical updates. Denny Hamlin, James Franklin, and Kyle Larson have each addressed performance and innovation in the Cup Series, making it a hot topic as the next season approaches.
Perspective on the Engine Update
Despite stepping away from racing, Harvick continues to shape discourse in the motorsports world. His knowledge, as gleaned from years as a successful driver and champion, lends weight to his assessments. He aligns himself, in part, with recent remarks by Cup contender Kyle Larson, warning against overhyping the current changes.
The jump from 670 to 750 horsepower, as Harvick notes, is a measurable upgrade but still far from the significant power boost that some fans and industry veterans desire. Calls for a return to engines producing 900-1000 horsepower remain popular among avid NASCAR supporters. Harvick’s views reinforce the sense that, while positive, the changes may not fully satisfy collective hopes.
Testing Horsepower Changes During the Season
With the new standard launching next season, teams will only gain a true sense of the upgrades by putting all 40 cars on track in live racing conditions. Simulations and pre-season tests are informative, but, as Harvick and other experts note, the real effects will become clear only during actual competition. With many eyes watching, the coming season will be a critical test.
The broader impact of the horsepower change remains uncertain for now. Industry figures like Curt Cignetti, Billy Napier, and Lombardi continue to comment on broader sports issues, but for fans and drivers, the focus is firmly on whether this increase will inject fresh energy into NASCAR’s top series.
The dialogue sparked by Kevin Harvick on NASCAR horsepower underscores an ongoing debate: balancing innovation, costs, and fan expectations. If the upcoming changes prove underwhelming, future calls for dramatic enhancements may grow louder both on and off the track.
