Josh Berry, the driver for Wood Brothers Racing, has publicly called for NASCAR to increase the horsepower of its Next Gen cars, reigniting a debate that has long intrigued both drivers and fans. The discussion comes as NASCAR considers changes to its current 670-horsepower cap, a figure much lower than the nearly 1,000 horsepower seen in earlier stock car eras.

With the Next Gen car horsepower limit set to improve safety and attract new engine manufacturers, NASCAR had resisted calls for more power, citing the high costs involved. However, recent statements suggest the governing body might be reconsidering this stance, which could mark a significant shift in the sport’s technical regulations.

NASCAR Officials Open to Adjusting Horsepower Limits

Mike Bagley, host of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive, reported that Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, confirmed that discussions about raising horsepower on Cup cars are currently underway. Sawyer conveyed that the possibility is being examined seriously on a nearly daily basis.

Berry Stresses the Need for a Meaningful Horsepower Increase

Speaking ahead of the Nashville Superspeedway race, Berry expressed his view on the potential horsepower boost during a press conference.

“I definitely think it needs more. The question, I think, boils down to how much more does it need to move the needle? I don’t really have an answer to that,”

Berry said. He emphasized that any increase should be significant enough to create a noticeable difference on the track.

Berry cautioned against a modest uptick that fails to produce an impact, pointing out that a small jump in horsepower may not create the excitement or change in performance that drivers and fans expect.

“What I don’t want is for the horsepower to go up 100 horsepower, and it doesn’t really look that different, and everyone goes, Oh, that wasn’t it,”

he noted.

Horsepower Is Just One Part of a Larger Performance Puzzle

The driver further explained that boosting horsepower alone wouldn’t solve all performance issues, citing aerodynamics, tires, and technology as crucial elements that work together.

“It is a combination of a lot of things. It is the aero side of the car, it is horsepower, it’s the tires. Honestly, it’s technology,”

Berry said.

Berry shared an example from his recent experience racing a Pro Late Model, highlighting how aerodynamic effects influence car performance.

“I raced a Pro Late Model on Thursday night, and when I got out front, my car drove a lot better than when I was tucked up behind someone’s bumper. It’s just technology, and the field is that close. It’s just physics and aero. It would definitely be a step in the right direction if they go in that direction. We will see what happens,”

he added.

Potential Impact on NASCAR and Its Fans

Currently, the reduced horsepower output has dulled the excitement of short-track racing, frustrating both drivers and the fanbase. As vocal support grows among competitors for a horsepower increase, the sport could be heading toward a technical evolution that reenergizes race dynamics and restores some of the lost intensity.

Though NASCAR has not announced a target for the new horsepower limits, the ongoing dialogue between drivers like Josh Berry and the sanctioning body indicates that changes could come soon, reshaping the future of stock car racing.