Bubba Wallace is set to participate in the NASCAR Cup Series test of the new 750-horsepower package at Bristol Motor Speedway this week, representing Toyota as NASCAR prepares for major changes in 2026. The selection of Wallace for this high-profile task places him at the forefront of the significant horsepower adjustment, positioning the “Bubba Wallace NASCAR 750 HP” story as a central focus in the ongoing transition.
NASCAR Initiates High-Horsepower Testing with Top Drivers
In advance of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, the governing body has commenced testing its new 750-horsepower setup. Bubba Wallace from 23XI Racing will take the wheel as Toyota’s representative, joining Alex Bowman for Chevrolet and Ryan Preece for Ford. The tests will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday and Thursday, with the aim of evaluating potential tire configurations that balance grip degradation and durability without causing excessive wear. This move follows community anticipation around the boost in power output, as confirmed by Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR president, during an interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, where he stated the intention to upgrade NextGen cars from 670 to 750 horsepower on select tracks starting in 2026.
Key Tracks Set for Increased Horsepower
The circuit for the 750-horsepower package is extensive, covering notable oval tracks such as Bowman Gray Stadium, Phoenix, Darlington, Martinsville, Bristol, Dover, Nashville, North Wilkesboro, Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire, and World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. The change also encompasses significant road courses, including Circuit of The Americas, Watkins Glen, San Diego, Sonoma, and the Charlotte Roval. Bristol Motor Speedway is slated to host two major races during the 2026 season: the Food City 500 on April 12 and the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, a playoff event, on September 19. The expanded power output is intended to intensify competition across these varied and historic circuits.
Tension Builds Amid 23XI Racing Lawsuit Against NASCAR
The lead-up to these technological changes is colored by legal and organizational conflict, with 23XI Racing engaging in an ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR. The friction began when the team declined to sign the previous charter agreement. As a result, both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports brought an antitrust case against NASCAR, alleging a monopoly orchestrated by CEO Jim France within the sport. This backdrop has introduced a layer of uncertainty and tension as top teams and drivers navigate the evolving landscape.
Bubba Wallace Addresses Legal Dispute and Personal Focus
Amidst the legal turbulence, Bubba Wallace openly discussed his perspective in a November 2025 interview with NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver, held shortly before the Championship 4 race at Phoenix. When asked about his future with 23XI Racing and thoughts on the lawsuit, Wallace delivered candid remarks:
“Honestly, they send out talking points every week, and I never read them because I can honestly tell you I could give two shits. That’s it. And y’all can call me crazy for not giving a damn about my future, but why are you worried about what’s down the road when you can’t even focus on what’s right in front of ya?”
– Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
“That’s the one I’m focused on right now. Whether that is taking care of my kid or going out to qualify here, as lately I’ve stuck with qualifying so need to figure it all out and not worry about lawsuits. I genuinely don’t give a damn,”
he concluded. – Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Driver
Wallace’s Performance in the 2025 Season and What Lies Ahead
Bubba Wallace concluded his 2025 Cup Series campaign in 11th place overall, amassing 2,256 points. His efforts carried him through two playoff rounds, but he was eliminated before the Round of Eight. Over the course of the season, Wallace achieved a single race victory, along with 14 top-ten finishes and six top-five results, highlighting his competitive edge on the track even as off-track issues unfolded.
As NASCAR proceeds with its ambitious horsepower initiative, Bubba Wallace, together with Alex Bowman and Ryan Preece, will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of high-powered racing. The outcomes from Bristol’s testing will inform decisions affecting tire selection and driver performance across the sport’s most iconic venues. With legal battles ongoing between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR leadership, the next chapters promise both technical evolution and organizational drama, keeping the motorsport community on edge about what’s next.
