Ryan Preece, a driver for RFK Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, has expressed his desire for comprehensive testing of 1000 horsepower engines before NASCAR proceeds with plans to raise engine power in the 2026 season. Preece emphasized the importance of allowing drivers to experience these higher-powered engines in controlled test runs to identify necessary adjustments well ahead of the next season’s start. This measured approach aims to ensure safety and performance standards are properly addressed.
Currently, engines in the Next Gen Cup Series produce about 670 horsepower, a significant decrease from the nearly 1000 horsepower engines used previously. Discussions within the industry and among fans have brought up the possibility of increasing horsepower back to around 750, or even up to 1000. However, NASCAR has considered factors like cost control and appealing to automotive manufacturers, which has kept horsepower levels near their existing threshold.
NASCAR’s Electrification Plans Highlighted by High-Powered Prototype
In line with evolving technology, NASCAR recently revealed a prototype electric vehicle capable of over 1,000 horsepower, approximately 1,341 HP. This all-wheel-drive car serves as a development model to showcase NASCAR’s direction toward electrification and carbon neutrality by 2035. Despite its impressive power, this electric prototype is separate from the standard combustion-powered cars currently raced in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Ryan Preece’s Perspective on the Need for a Significant Power Increase
During a call with CBS Sports reporter Steven Taranto, Ryan Preece elaborated on his views about the horsepower increase. He advocated for testing engines that exceed the target first, allowing teams to dial back power levels if needed. Preece explained the importance of a substantial horsepower increase to make a noticeable impact, considering the weight of the cars.
“From the driver’s standpoint, I wish we would be able to go to a test and overshoot it. Give us too much and just have to dial it back from there because, you know, I feel like we need, I know a thousand horsepower seems like a big number, but in my eyes, with the car weighing 3,500 pounds, you’re going to need a big percentage increase to notice, I think, what we’re trying to accomplish. But, yeah, I think there’s so many different ways you can go about it. I’d just like to see us try to test on the a lot more side.”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR driver
A Closer Look at Ryan Preece’s 2025 NASCAR Season Performance
Competing full-time with RFK Racing in the No. 60 Ford for the first time, Ryan Preece has shown strong performance throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. He has earned ten top-ten finishes, including a career-best third place, and has maintained an average finishing position near 18th. Preece has also led 53 laps across 23 races, demonstrating consistent competitiveness.
Ryan Preece Highlights Team Dynamics and Strategy with Brad Keselowski
Preece attributes part of his success to the positive relationships within RFK Racing, notably with team co-owner Brad Keselowski and teammate Chris Buescher. Their support has helped Preece remain focused and improve during the high-pressure playoffs.
“Once we settled in and we got about 20 laps into that run, I just started getting really loose, and Brad caught me. Even though I hate losing another spot in the points, I knew it was the right thing to do with how fast he was at the time and how many laps he led,”
—Ryan Preece, NASCAR driver
He also credited his longstanding friendship with Buescher for contributing to his performance improvements over the season.
Implications of Testing High-Powered Engines for NASCAR’s Future
Ryan Preece’s insistence on testing 1000 horsepower engines before implementing power increases reflects a cautious optimism about NASCAR’s evolution. As the series balances fan excitement, manufacturer involvement, and cost management, comprehensive testing will be critical to ensuring that any horsepower boost enhances competition without compromising safety or vehicle performance. NASCAR’s shift toward electrification alongside maintaining traditional combustion engines highlights a complex path forward where power, technology, and sustainability intersect.