Overview
- Power will rise from 670 to a 750-horsepower target at all road courses and ovals under 1.5 miles in 2026, covering 21 of the 38 Cup race weekends including both exhibition events.
- An offseason test at North Wilkesboro Speedway with teams and Goodyear will develop tire combinations and inform any aero tweaks for the higher-output package.
- Five of the first eight races next season will use the new setup to let NASCAR inspect engines and analyze tire wear and handling data early in the year.
- NASCAR cites broad feedback from fans, drivers, teams and manufacturers and says lifting output beyond 750 would add roughly $40–50 million in costs and strain engines required to run at least two races.
- Officials are open to studying a future expansion to 1.5-mile tracks if results support it, with named venues affected next year including COTA, Watkins Glen, Sonoma, Charlotte Roval, Martinsville, Bristol, Phoenix, Darlington, Richmond, Dover, Nashville, New Hampshire, Gateway, Iowa, North Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray.