Kyle Larson Warns NASCAR Community Against “Overpromoting” Horsepower Increase

NASCAR has made a significant decision for the 2026 Cup Series season, as the horsepower of the Next-Gen cars would be increased for selected tracks. The community has been directly asking for the change since the introduction of the cars. But 2021 Champion Kyle Larson isn’t that happy with the changes.

Ahead of the Las Vegas race weekend, Kyle Larson was asked about the horsepower increase from 670 to 750. He is happy that the sanctioning body has finally decided to make the change but has some concerns as well. The increase isn’t as steep as many expected and warned the fans as well as the media about overhyping it, as it will not fix every issue with the car though it’s the right start.

Well, I mean, I think it’s, I’m happy. I think it’s definitely a step, probably in the right direction, or a better direction. I don’t know if right direction is right. Yeah, I think – I’m happy. I would encourage you all and fans to like, not overpromote it like it’s going to fix everything, you know?

Kyle Larson said ahead of Las Vegas race (Via On3.com).

Furthermore, he urged the racing community to temper their expectations, as he believes the hp change isn’t going to make a huge difference. He backed his argument by highlighting how he couldn’t feel the difference when he texted a car with increase horsepower. The veteran wasn’t told about the change with the car before the test and the lack of feel shows it’s not the fix everyone is looking for.

So, I would encourage everybody to temper their expectations, like, it’s not way different. I did a test recently at Kershaw, and nobody told me I had higher horsepower, and I never really realized it. So, yeah, I wouldn’t say it’s going to feel different or look crazy different. I think it will be better, but it’s not going to fix everything, you know?

Kyle Larson added.

Joey Logano’s words validate Kyle Larson’s points

The reigning Cup Series champion of Team Penske Racing, Joey Logano, also shared his thoughts about the change and highlighted how the hp increase wont the game changer that everyone thinks it is. He highlighted how it is Goodyear with their new tires that has more falloffs is making short track racing better.

I think the biggest thing that I’ve seen here recently in the last six months is what Goodyear is doing. Goodyear is bringing a tire that falls off and we’re seeing that at a lot of different racetracks now.

Joey Logano said.

The additional HP is going to make the rubber fall of more, demanding more from the drivers as well as making it easier to pass on the track. The veteran racer believes the change with both the tier and engine is going to make short track racing better again. But at the end of the day more credits will and should go for the tires.  

The horsepower will make the fall off a little bit faster. It will happen quicker. There will be more fall off with more horsepower, so it’s directionally kind of going that way, but what Goodyear is doing is the biggest part of the equation, in my opinion.

Joey Logano added.

The comments from the three times Cup champion seems on point and backs Kyle Larson’s argument that the change shouldn’t be overhyped, as a potential change to the rubber can derail the progress. It would be interesting to see how the format is going change the sport.

Also Read: Kenny Wallace Declares Dale Earnhardt Sr. “Was Too Strong for NASCAR”

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