Kyle Larson says NASCAR is in need of a ‘drastic change’

Finally, NASCAR appears to be exploring the option of adding horsepower

For years, NASCAR drivers have been calling for more horsepower. Instead, NASCAR did the opposite, reducing horsepower.

Tony Stewart says 20 drivers asked for changes; NASCAR told them they were wrong

Now, teams are racing a spec car and in general, the tires are harder. The cars are aero sensitive and passing on any single groove track has proven difficult.

NASCAR will say the data shows the racing is better with more overall passes throughout the field. But, fans have said that it fails the eye test and they’re calling for changes.

Again, drivers are being vocal. Same tune, they’re calling for more horsepower.

Suddenly, it appears that NASCAR is open to making this change. For the first time, NASCAR has stated they are open to adding horsepower back in.

Current NASCAR engines run at 670 horsepower. They have totally shut down the idea of jumping to 900 or 1,000hp

However, NASCAR is discussing an increase to 750hp.

NASCAR comments on adding more horsepower for short tracks

Kyle Larson comments

“I think we would be all for trying something,” Kyle Larson commented from the media center at Kansas Speedway.

“I don’t know if it’s going to change the racing, drastically. It’s a decent size increase but it’s not massive.”

“I’d be open for it. I know we all are. I think it’s gotten a little bit stale, the racing product.”

“We’re in need of a drastic change to try and help. I think it would help, it would be a good start.”

NASCAR engine builder wants more horsepower

A possible new manufacturer is a reason given for low horsepower

For over a decade, there have been discussions of a new manufacturer joining NASCAR. And, by keeping the horsepower down, it makes it easier for them to join the sport by lowering the development costs on an engine.

The above comments from Kyle Larson aren’t new. Last year, he said nearly identical statements while giving NASCAR’s reasoning for lower HP.

“Take us to Richmond or somewhere, go test,” Larson said in early 2024.

I’ve heard the excuse of, ‘We want to keep horsepower to where other manufacturers might want to come in.’ Well, as long as I’ve been in the sport, which is longer than 10 years, it’s been the same three manufacturers.”

“Maybe somebody else is coming. And maybe they’re the ones pushing for the horsepower. But, I’ve yet to see anybody new come in.”

“All these engine builders and teams are saying it’s not going to cost any different. Our guys, ‘We could bring 1000hp, next week and it not cost any more.’ “

Kyle Larson aims to embarrass NASCAR

Finally, NASCAR says they are exploring more horsepower

There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel with hope on the horizon.

Mike Forde is the managing director of racing communications. He noted that 900 or 1,000 hp levels are off the table but he also noted that a power increase is possible.

“Well, I’m sure that’s going to come up too [this weekend at Kansas],” Forde said Hauler Talk.

“I’m sure that [horsepower] will come up this weekend, and that’s something that we’re going to look at seriously. You hear levels of 900, 1000 horsepower, whatever, I don’t know if that’s – that’s not on the table just because of the cost.”

“But there’s some conversation of, can you go up to 750? That’s something that I’m sure we’ll discuss with the drivers, too.”

“I don’t want to make any promises or get anyone’s hopes up, but that is, we seriously listen to the drivers and their feedback, and we’ll see what we can do there.”

NASCAR president Phelps on adding horsepower

Links

Kyle Larson | Bristol Motor Speedway | NASCAR