After years of fan demand, NASCAR is giving its top-tier Cup Series the muscle it deserves. Beginning in 2026, Cup cars competing on short tracks and road courses will see their horsepower increase from 670 to 750, marking the most significant performance boost since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022.
The move, confirmed by NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell during an appearance on The Dale Jr. Download, is part of a broader plan to improve on-track competition while keeping costs in check — especially with Dodge anticipated return to the series.
According to O’Donnell, the sanctioning body weighed several horsepower options before landing on 750 as a sweet spot between performance and affordability.
“If you went beyond 750, we looked at almost $40–50 million cost to the industry,” O’Donnell explained. “We’re looking at Dodge coming into the sport, we’re looking at other OEMs coming into the sport, and then our current partners. Three-year runway — we didn’t want to say, ‘Alright, it’s 1,000 now,’ and then, just kidding, three years from now we’re changing it again. That’s hundreds of millions of dollars to the industry.”
Why NASCAR Is Upping The Power –
The horsepower increase is a direct response to long-running criticism that the Next Gen Cup car’s 670-horsepower limit made passing difficult and reduced throttle sensitivity on smaller circuits. The new 750-horsepower setup will be used at all road courses (such as Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Chicago Street Course) and ovals under 1.5 miles (like Martinsville, Bristol, and Phoenix).
By adding power, NASCAR aims to create more tire wear, improved throttle control, and increased opportunities for side-by-side racing — all while keeping the cars manageable for teams already operating under tight budgets.
John Probst, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, said the organization sought a balance between more power and mechanical reliability.
“Once you go above that, you start crossing into very short-mileage engines because you’re actually pushing them harder and harder,” Probst explained. “A lot of inefficiencies come in real quick.”
Probst added that fan input played a major role in the decision. NASCAR routinely polls drivers, teams, manufacturers, and its audience when making technical rule changes. “We listen to the fans a lot,” he said. “Our fans are very passionate and provide very candid feedback, so that is all very important to us.”
The Testing Phase –
To prepare for the 2026 rollout, NASCAR will conduct a special test session at North Wilkesboro Speedway this offseason. The goal is to evaluate how the Cup car behaves with an additional 80 horsepower and to fine-tune tire compounds with Goodyear, which has been developing softer, more responsive tires in 2025.
O’Donnell said this test will provide teams, drivers, and Goodyear with critical feedback before the new rules take effect.
“We want to take a step, we want to marry that up with aero, so we’re going to do a test in the offseason at North Wilkesboro,” O’Donnell said. “Just looking at what we can do with the tires now. Goodyear’s stepping up now. Not perfect, right, but yeah — put some ideas together, go and try it at North Wilkesboro and see what happens.”
The test will help determine whether the added power enhances passing, tire wear, and overall drivability — three key metrics NASCAR wants to improve before the 2026 season begins.
The Dodge Factor –
Perhaps the most exciting element of O’Donnell’s comments is the direct mention of Dodge returning to NASCAR. The automaker, which last competed in the Cup Series in 2012, has been frequently linked to a comeback since Stellantis leadership expressed renewed interest in American motorsports.
While NASCAR has not confirmed a manufacturer entry, insiders believe the timing of this horsepower increase is no coincidence. The new 750-horsepower baseline would align perfectly with Dodge’s powertrain expertise and heritage, especially as the brand continues to promote its HEMI® legacy and Direct Connection performance parts division.
If Dodge rejoins the Cup Series, the brand would likely debut with a Next Gen version of the Charger — giving fans another reason to get excited about.
Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis highlighted that the success of Ram’s new NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entries for 2026 will ultimately set the tone for Dodge’s return.
What Fans Can Expect –
NASCAR’s decision isn’t about returning to the wild horsepower numbers of the early 2000s. It’s about restoring the feel of that era — rewarding throttle finesse, tire management, and driver skill over aero dependency.
Fans have long clamored for more power, and while 750 horsepower might not sound like a massive jump, it’s enough to make short tracks and road courses more unpredictable and entertaining. Combined with Dodge’s return in either 2027 or 2028, the 2026 NASCAR Cup season could mark the start of a new golden era for stock car racing.
