On Tuesday, top NASCAR Cup Series drivers gathered at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina’s foothills to participate in a NASCAR Cup Series test session that showcased a new 750-horsepower engine setup. This highly anticipated engine package, set to be implemented at nearly 20 racetracks during the 2026 season, was revealed before an energetic crowd of NASCAR fans eager to witness the next era in stock car racing.
Testing the New 750-HP Package at a Historic Venue
The event marked more than just a technical trial—it was also a unique opportunity for fans. North Wilkesboro Speedway opened its grandstands, giving the public a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the future of the series, while also allowing early access to tickets for the upcoming Window World 450, taking place July 19, 2026. The chance to purchase single-day tickets ahead of general public sales added to the excitement for spectators.
The significance of the session was heightened by its ties to NASCAR’s heritage. The Window World 450 is set to be the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway since 1996, marking a homecoming for both competitors and fans. As teams collected valuable data, the session also served as a critical step toward adapting to new technical standards, which will apply to numerous short tracks and road courses in the seasons ahead.
Drivers Share Their Experience and Insights
Throughout the day, drivers from teams such as RFK Racing, Wood Brothers Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing, Hyak Motorsports, and Legacy Motor Club commented on the new 750-HP engine and its impact on car performance and overall racing dynamics.
“Wilkesboro, for one, is a very racey track. We have moved around from the start of the day, where we had one and a half lanes in one and two and were just buried on the bottom in three and four. Right at the lunch break, that all opened up. The track itself lends itself to better racing. You probably don’t notice the power from the get-go, but at the tail end of the runs, with some of the falloff and the struggles in the car, I think that’s where you realize, ‘ok, I had more underneath us at the beginning of this run and I may be paying the price at this point.’ There’s no downside to it. This is a track, even though there’s new asphalt, I think you’ll see a little bit more change from it.”
— Chris Buescher, RFK Racing
Josh Berry from Wood Brothers Racing noted the special energy at the venue, citing strong support and anticipation for a full-length, 400-lap race in the summer. He remarked on the positive fan turnout every time the series returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway and the excitement for an extended race format.
“I hope it’s for the better. I don’t see the power hurting the entertainment factor of the race. Hopefully, it allows us to have to peddle the cars at some point throughout a run. There’s a lot of grip out there today, I feel like. But even by the end of 40 laps, there’s a good bit of falloff even for the temperatures we have today. I would have to imagine, we come back here in the summer months, certainly it will be warmer than it is today. You combine that with a lot more cars being on the track and I do think there will be wear. Obviously, more power will impact that as well. Hopefully, we keep inching up on making these long runs more of a challenge.”
— Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports
“This is big. This is valuable. Justin Marks and Trackhouse spend a lot of money and I think they would spend a lot more if we had more days like this. Selfishly, we’re competitors and we just want to do good. The best way to get better at racing is to go drive the car… Repeating something, as human beings, if we keep doing it with intention – not just cruising around in the wrong get – it’s super valuable. Justin (Marks) was here this morning, you know, the first real test of the year. He wanted to be here, smell it, see it, hear it. You really can’t put a dollar amount on it. I don’t pay the bills, but I don’t think Justin could either.”
— Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing
“Short tracks were somewhere we needed to get better at, no matter what the package was. So, throwing in new horsepower and a different package may help us figure it out, or at least get us closer to everybody else. The more horsepower, the better, yes. If we can continue in that direction, I do think Goodyear is doing a good job of bringing us tires that wear out and continuing to evolve them. I think all of us drivers and teams are on board with that. Pairing that with NASCAR adding horsepower, I think everything is moving in the right direction to get us even better racing.”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports
“As far as the power goes, I hope it makes it better. Hopefully gets us some more falloff and gives us some opportunity to save tires. We went to the soft tires at different places, but I don’t feel like it’s quite at the falloff that we need it to really race until we were super late in the run. We saw some falloff already today and it’s going to be forty degrees hotter probably when we get back here.”
— Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club
Fans Welcomed Back to North Wilkesboro with Enhanced Experiences
Tickets for the Window World 450 are being released to the general public, with single-day passes available starting Wednesday to complement weekend ticket packages, premium options, and camping. NASCAR’s return to North Wilkesboro brings not only high-action racing but also championship implications and off-track entertainment, including a pre-race concert by The Sawyer Brown Band, promising a vibrant atmosphere for all attendees.
Fans, including those seeking to follow every trackside development for the NASCAR Cup Series, can secure their place in the grandstands and take part in a renewed tradition at one of racing’s most renowned venues. The continued engagement of drivers, teams, and fans builds momentum for the upcoming North Wilkesboro events and the broader 2026 season.
Looking Forward: The Significance of the Test
This test session has made a notable mark as NASCAR heads toward the 2026 season, highlighting ongoing technical innovation in engine power and tire technology. With feedback from key drivers such as Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Erik Jones, teams are now better positioned to prepare for evolving race-day conditions across a diverse slate of venues and tracks. As anticipation grows for the Window World 450 and other major events, North Wilkesboro Speedway stands ready to host a comeback season rich with competition and opportunity for both seasoned favorites and new contenders alike.
