NASCAR is contemplating raising the horsepower in its Cup cars from the current 670 to potentially 750, possibly as soon as later this season, according to Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer. This potential change adds fuel to the ongoing debate in the sport, with drivers like Bubba Wallace advocating strongly for more horsepower to bring more control back to the drivers.

The discussion around horsepower grew louder after the introduction of the Next Generation Car in 2022. Former driver and current FOX Sports commentator Kevin Harvick supports boosting power, and Bubba Wallace shares a similar viewpoint during a media session in Nashville, expressing frustration over the limitations imposed by current car setups.

Bubba Wallace on Why More Horsepower Is Essential

Wallace emphasized that increasing horsepower would benefit racing across all tracks. He highlighted how Kevin Harvick has been pushing for cars powerful enough to “blow the rear tires off,” a style that places more responsibility and skill in the hands of the drivers. According to Wallace, this is precisely the direction the drivers want the sport to move.

“I think (more horsepower would) help out everywhere, honestly,”

Wallace said, pointing out that the current constraints reduce overtaking opportunities and restrict driver creativity. He elaborated on the tight competition and how cars these days often make passing more about following restricted rules than driver skill.

“These cars are so close now and some of these tracks that we go to, shifting just deletes the option of passing. We’re having to just operate inside the sandbox that we’re given. It is what it is,”

Wallace added. He believes restoring horsepower would bring back an “old school feel,” which he insists would excite both drivers and fans alike.

When pressed about how much more power would be ideal, Wallace joked about 1,000 horsepower but quickly returned to a more realistic stance, simply stating, “More than what we’ve got.”

Kevin Harvick Echoes Calls for Immediate Testing of Higher Horsepower

Earlier in the week, Kevin Harvick voiced his support on his show, Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, urging NASCAR to test increased horsepower as soon as possible. He challenged engine builders to develop a higher-horsepower engine to see if it improves racing quality.

“First thing we need to do is put the freakin’ horsepower in the car at one of these damn tests and let’s see if it’s better,”

Harvick insisted. He invited engine builders to create and test new engines, promising to support the change if improvements are evident.

He further stated,

“If it is better, let’s give the engine departments a runway to get there next year so we can have more horsepower. If not, let’s just be done with it… Let’s quit talking about it and let’s just get it over with.”

Wallace Insists Small Horsepower Increases Won’t Solve Issues

Many drivers demand a substantial jump to at least 750 horsepower. Wallace argued that minor horsepower increases are pointless and likened them to “sticking a band-aid on something.” He wants a significant step forward.

“I’m not asking for nine (hundred) but 750 at least or higher, just to see if it’s as easy and somewhat cost-efficient as they’re saying,”

Wallace stated, emphasizing the need for a real change rather than incremental adjustments.

Contrary to others suggesting collaborative testing between engine builders, Wallace prefers NASCAR to make an immediate, automatic boost to 800 horsepower at an upcoming short track race to evaluate the results firsthand. “It should show from there,” he said, underscoring the urgency and decisive action he believes is necessary.

Wallace challenged the hesitation, saying,

“I think we need a big step. What are we scared of? We’ve been saying it for years that we want more horsepower and we’ve been told they’re waiting for other manufacturers. Well, they ain’t in, so let’s do something.”

The Growing Movement to Restore Driver Control Through Increased Power

Both Wallace and Harvick’s viewpoints reflect a rising consensus within the NASCAR community that more horsepower is essential to reinstate driver influence on the track. The ongoing debate around how to best enhance racing excitement and competitiveness hinges on returning power to the drivers, literally.

As NASCAR eyes the possibility of a horsepower increase later this season, drivers continue to voice frustration with current car restrictions and hope for a change that balances modern safety and technical regulations with the thrill of driver-controlled racing.