NASCAR driver Ryan Preece has spoken out cautiously regarding the ongoing debate about increasing horsepower in NASCAR’s Next Gen cars. His comments follow recent remarks by NASCAR senior VP Elton Sawyer, who confirmed that discussions about raising horsepower are currently underway. The RFK Racing driver’s input sheds light on the balance between driver desires and the logistical challenges involved in such a change.

Preece, known for his expertise on short tracks, acknowledged during an interview that he had not been fully briefed on the details but shared his wish for increased power. Despite enthusiasm for more horsepower, he recognized the complexity of making such adjustments due to technical and cost obstacles.

“I didn’t hear any of the comments. So I can’t really speak on it, but what I can say is, you know, I’d love it if we were back to the thousand, if we were at a thousand horsepower or whatever,”

Preece remarked.

“For us as a race car driver now, I don’t know the logistics. I don’t know any, I am not informed on, you know, we can’t just add a hundred, a thousand horsepower. I’m sure that gets expensive, but not only from the engine side, but also a lot of other pieces.”

He elaborated on the benefits of more powerful engines from a driver’s viewpoint, highlighting additional control and competitive edge:

“What I can say is from a race car driver, it’s just another tool. You know, you can do things better than somebody else. So right now, it’s challenging, that’s why we’re here.”

Preece’s remarks reference the current 670-horsepower limit, which several drivers, including Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano, have criticized as insufficient for competitive racing.

Inside NASCAR’s Cautious Approach to Power Upgrades

Elton Sawyer’s confirmation of horsepower talks spotlights a complex negotiation process within NASCAR leadership and stakeholders. Mike Forde, NASCAR managing director, explained that while a jump to 900 or 1000 horsepower remains unrealistic due to cost concerns, officials are actively considering a more moderate increase to approximately 750 horsepower.

“We are working closely with all the stakeholders in the industry, and as I said, the collaboration has been better than ever in our sport on all topics,”

Sawyer stated, reflecting an uncommon level of cooperation.

“I know John Probst [senior vice president of innovation and racing development] had a conversation with our engine builder to see what we could do, how that would look, and what changes would need to be made.”

Engine specialist Doug Yates confirmed that boosting horsepower to 750 would not impose significant technical challenges with current equipment:

“If we were to increase the power from 670 horsepower to about 750 horsepower, that probably wouldn’t be much of a change for us today.”

Despite driver demands for more power, the debate highlights conflicting priorities. Three-time champion Joey Logano is one of the outspoken advocates for increased horsepower, emphasizing the excitement and racing dynamics it could bring:

“We want more power. It increases tire wear. It makes the track wider. And it’s more badass.”

However, NASCAR’s John Probst countered with caution, noting potential downsides to simply adding horsepower:

“There’s no guarantee you get there, and it would be any better. And I think there’s some evidence that shows as we add horsepower, they run further apart.”

Fan opinions further illustrate the divide, with some supporters demanding more power to enhance driver skill and control:

“There is no such thing as too much power. That’s why you have a right foot controlled by your Brain!”

Others noted the benefits of throttle precision:

“More HP = More throttle control and needing to finesse the car out of the corner instead of mashing the gas.”

Balancing Excitement, Cost, and Practicality in NASCAR’s Future

Elton Sawyer confirms that discussions about horsepower continue on a daily basis, although no specific timeline for implementation has been announced. Ryan Preece’s measured viewpoint underscores the complexity NASCAR faces as it weighs performance improvements against financial and technical realities. The prospect of raising horsepower to 750 offers a middle ground that could satisfy many drivers and fans, but the final decision will require careful consideration of all factors involved.

This debate is significant because horsepower adjustments can impact racing strategies, vehicle costs, and the overall competitiveness of the Next Gen cars. Stakeholders, including drivers like Preece, executives, engine builders, and fans, remain engaged as NASCAR navigates this critical issue for the sport’s future.