NASCAR just finished up a big weekend at Martinsville Speedway that featured the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series take on the sport’s shortest points-paying track. It was a fun weekend that featured electric burnouts and the return of Chase Elliott.
The good news is that NASCAR saw its first increase in viewership compared to the 2022 season as Elliott finally returned from his fractured left tibia. Unfortunately, viewers were met with a racing product that was very dependent on the weather.
When it was cloudy, it was near impossible to pass but the sun provided more action. NASCAR drivers have not been pleased with the short-track package as they look for an increase in horsepower. Finally, one NASCAR official discussed that big possibility on Tuesday morning.
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NASCAR official talks about adding horsepower to the Cup Series on short tracks
It has previously been reported that NASCAR could be inclined to keep the engines in the current range of horsepower as it might be beneficial for new manufacturers looking to join the sport.
This was not taken well by NASCAR fans as they want to see an increase in horsepower and not the same or less. Meanwhile, 23XI Racing owner Denny Hamlin said he doubts NASCAR will ever go back to higher horsepower with the combustion engine.
NASCAR senior vice president of competition Elton Sawyer hopped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to discuss the fans and drivers pleading for more horsepower as it makes the racing better for both parties.
“It takes a little bit of a runway to get everybody on the same page and do that in the most efficient and economical manner. If there are other options outside the engine it would be far easier for us to pull that lever. I’m not saying it isn’t a good option down the road, but it takes a little longer runway to get there.
When you look at the architecture of the engine today, when you add horsepower to an engine, will the components that the engine is built with today withstand 200 or 300 more horsepower? We work closely with the engine builders. Is there another lever to pull with tires or aero? The engine is a much bigger topic and it needs a much deeper dive to get that right. It’s not as easy as adding 200 horsepower and showing up at the next oval to race.”
Elton Sawyer on NASCAR going beyond 670 horsepower
This has been something previously said as adding horsepower is not as simple as it sounds. This would take research and development to make it happen and the process would not be an overnight situation.
NASCAR would need to take a lengthy process in evaluating the engines with higher horsepower and having that complete balance across the board. Granted, it does not hurt to try something different right now.
The NextGen car is significantly better on intermediate tracks but the short tracks, road courses, and superspeedway tracks have all taken a hit compared to the Gen 6 car. There are ways to fix the issues but the sport and manufacturers have to be willing to make those changes.
To this point, the NextGen car has been controversial in a few areas, such as safety and fires. However, the on-track product was better in 2022 before taking a downhill slope to start the 2023 season.
There is plenty of time to fix the issues that have been caused by the NextGen car’s current build but it will take cooperation across the board to make those changes happen for the better of the sport.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Talladega Superspeedway!