Kyle Larson‘s horsepower push has gained momentum this week, drawing support from NASCAR icons Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader as frustrations mount around the sport’s current power limits. The ongoing debate centers on Larson’s call to revisit engine power rules, especially as recent seasons revealed performance inconsistencies and diminished excitement within the field.
NASCAR’s Reduced Engine Power Sparks Debate
Since the introduction of the Next Gen rules, NASCAR has capped Cup Series engines at 670 horsepower, a drop from previous Gen-6 models that sometimes surpassed this figure. Several high-profile drivers, including Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, have argued that this reduction has contributed to a lack of dynamic racing and unpredictable results during the current season.
In an interview shared by Epartrade, Hendrick Motorsports’ Larson discussed how fluctuating performances, including those seen by himself and other drivers, have become commonplace behind the wheel of the Next Gen car.
“Just shows like how inconsistent everybody is, you know, in the NextGen era. Like it’s so easy to get caught up in crashes or have mistakes happen and whatnot,” Kyle Larson said (11:50).
Veteran Ken Schrader addressed this issue on the Herm & Schrader podcast, comparing contemporary racing to years past. He looked back at the 1997 Atlanta event, where Jeff Bodine recorded a much faster qualifying time compared to the current season’s pole run, insisting that reduced horsepower was to blame for slower racing action and diminished competition.
“The NASCAR Cup racing is getting stale. Atlanta in 1997, 28 years ago, right? Jeff Bodine ran a 27:08 to get the pole. This year, the pole was a 30:90. That’s close to four seconds slower. Did Atlanta become a drafting track because they put four more degrees bank in it or whatever? No, they slowed the cars down so damn much that you don’t have to let off. So I think the cars do need more power,” Ken Schrader said.
The conversation, which was highlighted by Dirty Mo Media, further reflected the growing sentiment among fans and competitors about the effects of limited horsepower on NASCAR’s flagship series.
“2025: the year we learned everyone’s true feelings about horsepower…🏎️”
NASCAR Targets Horsepower Bump for 2026, Drivers Remain Skeptical
In response to mounting pressure, NASCAR announced in October a plan to boost horsepower up to 750 hp for certain 2026 events, including road courses and ovals less than 1.5 miles. However, this incremental change received a lukewarm response from drivers, who questioned whether the small jump would restore true competition or simply act as a temporary fix.
About 17 races on the 2026 schedule are slated to use the new engine package. Kyle Larson, the reigning 2025 Cup Series champion, took part in tests of the higher-output motor, but found little to get excited about:
“I would encourage you all, and fans, to not over-promote it like it’s going to fix everything. … It’s not way different. I did a test recently at Kershaw, and nobody told me that I had higher horsepower, and I never really realized it, so I wouldn’t say it’s going to feel different or look crazy different,” Kyle Larson said in October.
Other experienced voices, such as former champion Kevin Harvick, echoed Larson’s skepticism. Harvick highlighted feedback from both drivers and crew chiefs across the grid, who described the new package as a minor adjustment lacking a transformative effect on competition or car handling. Many believe only a more significant horsepower increase will create a marked difference in race dynamics under the Next Gen ruleset.
Looking Ahead: Will NASCAR Deliver Meaningful Change?
As influential figures like Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader throw their support behind Larson’s campaign for change, NASCAR’s decision-makers face mounting scrutiny over the direction of the Cup Series. The persistent disappointment voiced by drivers, coupled with historical comparisons to past races and legendary competitors such as Jeff Bodine, underscores dissatisfaction permeating the garage.
While NASCAR’s plans for a modest uptick in engine power offer a slight concession, most believe it is unlikely to resolve the deeper issues highlighted this season. With stars like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ken Schrader, and Kevin Harvick speaking out, the focus will remain fixed on whether governing bodies and manufacturers will take bold steps to revive the on-track spectacle that once defined the sport.
2025: the year we learned everyone’s true feelings about horsepower…🏎️
The newest Herm & Schrader #BestOf2025 is out now! 🔥
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