MORE Horsepower Coming To Cup Series | Judge Orders Settlement Conference | Harrison Burton’s Future

NASCAR just dropped a bombshell. Starting in 2026, Cup Series cars will see a major horsepower boost, returning to 750 horsepower at all road courses and ovals under 1.5 miles. That’s right — tracks like Phoenix, Martinsville, Darlington, and Watkins Glen are about to get a serious kick in the throttle. It’s a massive shift from the 670 horsepower standard and signals a long-awaited correction to bring more driver skill, tire wear, and raw power back into the equation.

• Why did NASCAR land on 750 instead of pushing toward 900 or more horsepower?
• How will this affect short tracks that have struggled with passing and excitement in the Next Gen era?
• Is this move partly about attracting Dodge or Honda back into the Cup Series fold?
• Could the North Wilkesboro Goodyear horsepower test this offseason hint at even more to come?

This marks NASCAR’s first real reversal on the horsepower reduction trend that began nearly a decade ago. After years of “closer but flatter” racing, the pendulum is swinging back toward a purer form of competition — harder to drive cars, more separation between the greats and the good, and maybe the most fun Darlington has been in years. And that’s not all. Harrison Burton and AM Racing are parting ways after a playoff season, with rumors linking Burton to a Chevy-backed ride next year. Plus, the NASCAR vs. 23XI lawsuit could see a major settlement conference on October 21, with Judge Bell himself stepping in.

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