The call for more horsepower in NASCAR is growing louder across fan forums and pit boxes, but a top Hendrick Motorsports insider is dousing the flames.

As NASCAR explores adding power to improve short-track racing, Hendrick Motorsport’s powertrain director Scott Maxim says it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Momentum for more horsepower has picked up in 2025 with drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson advocating for it.

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NASCAR’s managing director of communications Mike Forde recently said on the Hauler Talk podcast that they are working on bringing back 750 horsepower to select tracks.

The current Gen 7 cars run around 670 horsepower on most tracks. A jump to 750 horsepower would require changes to the tapered spacer. That’s the piece NASCAR uses to regulate airflow and control horsepower. But anything above 750 would get much more technical and expensive.

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But Maxim recently told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio it’s not that easy. “750 would be an 80 horsepower increase over where we are currently at,” he said. “you know, there’s a lot of folks involved. We have four engine suppliers, we have three manufacturers and we have NASCAR. So it will take a lot of collective effort.”

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“If it’s a moderate power increase, we have a pretty good understanding of the changes required,” Maxim added. “If we were to have a higher horsepower target than that, then that would require some more extensive changes. But we’d have to be given clarity on the direction.”

And clarity seems to be in short supply. While Maxim’s comments leave room for small changes, the bigger picture is less rosy. Doug Yates of Roush Yates Engines said earlier this year that going back to 900 hp would shorten engine life and increase costs. “That would be a big project,” he said. “You’d need a new engine every race.”

Also, NASCAR officials are skeptical. VP Elton Sawyer recently said increased horsepower could scare off new manufacturers by increasing costs and NASCAR’s John Probst noted there’s no evidence more power equals better racing.

In the end, the dream of high-horsepower stock cars may be just that, a dream. While the technology exists, getting everyone on the same page with execution, safety and cost is a tall order. For now, Scott Maxim’s comments suggest the future is about small tweaks not a full-on return to the past.

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And for Hendrick Motorsports whose drivers like Larson and Byron are already winning with the current package, the need for raw horsepower may not be as great as it is for others.

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Sunday

At Nashville Superspeedway

Lebanon, Tenn.

Lap length: 1.33 miles

(Start position in parentheses)

1. (15) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 300 laps, 54 points.

2. (26) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, 300, 39.

3. (2) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 300, 52.

4. (9) Joey Logano, Ford, 300, 42.

5. (3) William Byron, Chevrolet, 300, 48.

6. (12) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 300, 31.

7. (14) Erik Jones, Toyota, 300, 36.

8. (28) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 300, 29.

9. (4) Tyler Reddick, Toyota, 300, 37.

10. (7) Christopher Bell, Toyota, 300, 34.

11. (5) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, 300, 27.

12. (25) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 300, 25.

13. (27) Zane Smith, Ford, 300, 27.

14. (10) Chris Buescher, Ford, 300, 23.

15. (11) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 300, 27.

16. (32) Daniel Suárez, Chevrolet, 300, 21.

17. (1) Chase Briscoe, Toyota, 300, 28.

18. (16) Austin Cindric, Ford, 300, 24.

19. (29) Cole Custer, Ford, 300, 18.

20. (17) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 300, 17.

21. (8) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, 300, 19.

22. (35) Todd Gilliland, Ford, 300, 15.

23. (6) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 300, 14.

24. (37) Riley Herbst, Toyota, 300, 13.

25. (23) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet, 300, 12.

26. (31) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet, 299, 11.

27. (36) John H. Nemechek, Toyota, 299, 10.

28. (19) Ryan Preece, Ford, 299, 9.

29. (21) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 299, 8.

30. (20) Josh Berry, Ford, 299, 9.

31. (22) Ty Gibbs, Toyota, 299, 6.

32. (18) Justin Haley, Chevrolet, 299, 5.

33. (34) Cody Ware, Ford, 297, 4.

34. (38) JJ Yeley, Chevrolet, 297, 0.

35. (39) Chad Finchum, Ford, 288, 2.

36. (24) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet, 188, 1.

37. (33) Corey Heim, Toyota, accident, 130, 0.

38. (30) Noah Gragson, Ford, accident, 112, 1.

39. (13) Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Chevrolet, accident, 110, 1.

___

Race Statistics

Average Speed of Race Winner: 129.067 mph.

Time of Race: 3 hours, 5 minutes, 29 seconds.

Margin of Victory: 2.830 seconds.

Caution Flags: 7 for 35 laps.

Lead Changes: 18 among 9 drivers.

Lap Leaders: C.Briscoe 0-39; D.Hamlin 40; T.Reddick 41-46; R.Blaney 47-70; C.Briscoe 71-82; D.Hamlin 83-92; T.Reddick 93; R.Blaney 94-107; D.Hamlin 108-166; W.Byron 167; D.Hamlin 168; R.Blaney 169-188; J.Logano 189-198; R.Blaney 199-247; D.Hamlin 248-255; A.Cindric 256-257; A.Dillon 258-265; B.Keselowski 266-268; R.Blaney 269-300

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, Laps Led): R.Blaney, 5 times for 139 laps; D.Hamlin, 5 times for 79 laps; C.Briscoe, 2 times for 51 laps; J.Logano, 1 time for 10 laps; A.Dillon, 1 time for 8 laps; T.Reddick, 2 times for 7 laps; B.Keselowski, 1 time for 3 laps; A.Cindric, 1 time for 2 laps; W.Byron, 1 time for 1 lap.

Wins: K.Larson, 3; C.Bell, 3; D.Hamlin, 2; W.Byron, 1; R.Chastain, 1; J.Logano, 1; A.Cindric, 1; J.Berry, 1.

Top 16 in Points: 1. W.Byron, 499; 2. K.Larson, 470; 3. C.Bell, 425; 4. C.Elliott, 415; 5. T.Reddick, 392; 6. D.Hamlin, 390; 7. R.Blaney, 363; 8. R.Chastain, 350; 9. J.Logano, 338; 10. A.Bowman, 333; 11. C.Briscoe, 314; 12. B.Wallace, 312; 13. R.Stenhouse, 284; 14. R.Preece, 280; 15. A.Cindric, 279; 16. C.Buescher, 274.

___

NASCAR Driver Rating Formula

A maximum of 150 points can be attained in a race.

The formula combines the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish.

Copyright
© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

In November 2024, following the conclusion of the NASCAR season, Brett Griffin announced that the 2024 season of Dirty Mo Media’s Door Bumper Clear podcast was his final one. Renowned for his sharp wit and fearless commentary, Griffin, alongside Freddie Kraft and TJ Majors, became a fan-favorite trio, delivering unfiltered humor and unapologetic jabs at drivers, teams, and NASCAR’s broader landscape.

Since Griffin’s departure, Kraft has remained with DBC, now joined by Tommy Baldwin Jr. and Karsyn Elledge to keep the podcast rolling. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of Dirty Mo Media — the powerhouse behind DBC and other popular shows — brought TJ Majors onto The Dale Jr. Download podcast, ensuring the voice of veteran spotters continues to resonate.

Launched ahead of the 2016 NASCAR season, Door Bumper Clear thrived for years on the seasoned perspectives of its co-hosts, all veteran spotters with deep roots in the sport. Griffin, known for spotting for Elliott Sadler, Jeff Burton, and Clint Bowyer, also filled in for Richard Childress Racing during the 2024 campaign.

Early in his career, he served as a public relations representative for Sadler, leveraging CITGO Petroleum’s sponsorship with Wood Brothers Racing. More recently, he brought in Kaulig Racing sponsorship through his firm, SpotOn Activations. Yet, it’s his spirited presence on the podcast that fans have sorely missed.

Recently, a fan-created video circulated on social media, captioned “Us @DirtyMoMedia Door Bumper Clear fans had it so good with @SpotterBrett,“ featuring Griffin’s memorable takes — from his distaste for toes to his blunt advice on throwing the first punch in a brawl — likely a nod to the Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. scuffle.

The clip reignited nostalgia, with fans flooding the comments: “Agreed, DBC just isn’t the same…”, “He def has some controversial takes but that’s what I miss. The show is kind of dry now,” and “It’s not even close to the same now.”

One fan summed it up, comparing the new and the old DBC crew, saying, “The new crew does ok. But I miss the show with TJ, Brett, and Freddie. Their analysis of a race from the roof (+other shenanigans) made the pod great.”

Despite the new crew’s efforts, having already aired sixteen episodes that have garnered solid reception, loyal listeners eagerly await Griffin’s next move, hoping to hear his unfiltered insights on the unfolding drama of the 2025 NASCAR season.

Sustainability and motorsports? At first glance, the two words seem almost incompatible. After all, auto racing has long been synonymous with speed, roaring engines, and clouds of carbon emissions. 

But a championship born in Britain is turning that perception on its head. Launched in 2014, Formula E is the world’s first all-electric, single-seater motorsport, demonstrating that top-tier performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Designed to accelerate innovation in electric mobility, the series has become a global testbed for sustainable technologies. From tire recycling to low-emission logistics and clean energy use, Formula E sets a new benchmark for green racing.

Amplifying this revolution are Japanese firms, harnessing the sport’s platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies.

Driving Green Innovation

Yamaha Motor Company Ltd, known for its motorcycles and robotics, has partnered with Team Laura Yamaha ABT to supply electric powertrains used to propel race cars. They also provide advanced energy management systems to extend range and enhance efficiency in electric vehicles.

Teijin Limited, a leader in advanced materials and chemicals, is another example. Utilizing aramid technology, the company provides Team Envision with flame-resistant racing suits that withstand temperatures up to 400°C. Teijin’s Tenax™ carbon fiber is also used in the world’s first two-seater Formula E car, offering a lighter, more energy-efficient structure without compromising strength or speed.

Meanwhile, TDK Corporation, a multinational electronics company, is collaborating with NEOM McLaren to deliver components like multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs), voltage control systems, and temperature sensors. These technologies are crucial for regulating power and minimizing heat and signal interference under the extreme demands of electric racing.

Leveraging the high-stakes environment of motor racing, these firms are stress-testing their equipment for real-world applications.

Racing Toward a Shared Goal

The push for sustainability in Formula E isn’t limited to suppliers, however. Manufacturers and racing teams themselves are integrating climate action into their core missions.

Nissan Motor Corporation, the only Japanese automaker to field its own team, sees the championship as an extension of its electric vehicle strategy. “Formula E helps us accelerate transformation for road cars while promoting climate goals through specialized R&D and technical learning,” said Tommaso Volpe, managing director of the Nissan Formula E team. 

Nissan is joined by an expanding lineup, including Jaguar TCS Racing, which is leading the way in using recycled components and circular economy principles. Andretti Global is also contributing to the shift, partnering with Porsche to develop energy-efficient racing technologies.

Even teams not backed by traditional automakers are playing an important role. Envision Racing, based in Britain’s Silverstone Park, is a notable one.

In 2020, it became the first motorsports team to sign the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Sports for Climate Action Framework, pledging to align its operations with the Paris Agreement. The team has operated with net-zero carbon emissions since its inception.

Envision also co-hosts the Race Against Climate Change summit in Tokyo alongside Teijin, bringing together industry leaders, investors, startups, and media to foster collaboration on climate solutions.

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Hurdles Ahead, Momentum Intact

Despite the growing traction of electric motorsports, challenges remain. Public perception is one. Traditional racing fans often lament the lack of a deafening engine blast and the spectacle of burning fuel. 

But Formula E insiders believe the sport’s appeal lies elsewhere – namely, in its performance and trailblazing rules. 

“The Gen4 car, launching at the end of next year, will nearly double the power of our current model,” said  Sylvain Filippi, Envision Racing’s managing director. “We’re getting closer to Formula One performance — but without the emissions.”

For Filippi, the mission isn’t about sacrifice, but innovation. “Most people want to maintain their lifestyles. The only viable path forward is breakthrough ideas and creativity.”

Another headwind on the horizon is the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 climate accord, a move that has raised fresh doubts about the future of coordinated global climate efforts.

To this, Nissan’s Volpe remains unfazed. “These political decisions come and go. What matters is having a solid strategy that allows us to adapt,” he said. “Formula E is still in a phase of significant growth. Not just for us, but for motorsport as a whole, and across all territories.”

Formula E now boasts a near 400 million international fan base and is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

After completing the two-day race in Tokyo on May 17 and 18, the 11 Formula E teams will travel to four different cities to finish the season.

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Author: Kenji Yoshida

The checkered flag is out for the NASCAR Nashville race.

Ryan Blaney won the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. This is Blaney’s first win of the season, locking the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion in this season’s playoffs. This is the 14th win of his NASCAR Cup Series career. Blaney led 139 laps in the race.

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Denny Hamlin won the opening stage of the race for his third of the season. Blaney muscled past Hamlin and William Byron to win the second stage for his third stage win of the season. Hamlin won the fastest lap award to earn one bonus point in the driver and owner standings.

The race had seven cautions for 35 laps and 18 lead changes.

Here are the results for the NASCAR Nashville race.

HOW IT HAPPENED: NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville: Live updates, highlights, leaderboard for Cracker Barrel 400

Who won NASCAR Nashville race? Winner, race results for Cracker Barrel 400 Cup Series race

The unofficial full running order, results from NASCAR Cup Series Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.

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1. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford

2. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

3. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

4. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford

5. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

6. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota

7. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

8. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

9. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota

10. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

11. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

12. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

13. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

14. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

15. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

16. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

17. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

18. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford

19. Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford

20. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

21. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

22. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

23. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

24. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota

25. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

26. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

27. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

28. Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford

29. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

30. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford

31. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

32. Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

33. Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford

34. JJ Yeley, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet

35. Chad Finchum, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford

36. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

37. Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

38. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford

39. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Nashville results: Ryan Blaney is Cracker Barrel 400 winner Sunday

The NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville, a.k.a. the Cracker Barrel 400, is the final race on the weekend schedule at the Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday, June 1 (6/1/2025) at 7 p.m. ET.

The NASCAR Cup Series at 2025 Nashville will air exclusively on Amazon Prime Video (free trial).

What: Cracker Barrel 400, a NASCAR Cup Series race

When: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Where: Nashville Motor Speedway, Nashville, Tennessee

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: N/A

Live stream: Prime Video (free trial)

Prime Video

Start your 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Video, and get the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 live stream.

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Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service from Amazon that offers an huge collection of movies, TV shows, and original content for Amazon Prime subscribers. Prime Video offers exclusive original series and films, plus a growing range of live sports events, and can be streamed on your favorite app-enabled devices, including Android and iOS, Fire TV, XBox, PlayStation, Roku and more. Prime costs $14.99 per month, and includes additional Amazon customer perks, like free shipping. It starts with a 30-day free trial.

BET: New Bet365 Bonus Code “SYRACUSE”: $1.15K sports betting deal extended this May!

Kyle Larson is a +450 favorite to win, according to DraftKings.

Here’s a recent motorsports story via The AP:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600 averaged 2.72 million viewers in Prime Video’s first NASCAR race.

The race, which was won by Ross Chastain, was the third-highest-watched NASCAR race this season not carried by Fox. FS1 averaged 2.89 million viewers for the March 16 race at Las Vegas and 2.84 million for Phoenix on March 9.

Fox Sports had the first 12 races of the season, with eight being carried on FS1. Last year’s Coca-Cola 600 on Fox averaged 3.2 million viewers.

According to Nielsen, the audience for Sunday night’s race peaked at 2.92 million viewers near the midway point.

Prime Video’s audience had an average age of 55.8 years, which is more than six years younger than the average median age of viewers watching NASCAR Cup Series races on linear TV (61.9).

The 67-minute postrace show averaged 1.04 million viewers and peaked at 1.26 million.

This was the first of five races that Prime Video will carry this season.