The increase in horsepower demand is not going away anytime soon. NASCAR rolled out its new short-track package, which in theory would allow drivers to overtake and deliver better racing products, but the drivers and teams were quick to point out these were not the solutions they needed. Instead, an increase in horsepower would serve the sport better.

Racing just hasn’t been the same since NASCAR rolled out its Next Gen car. This also saw the restrictor plate being replaced by a tapered spacer, and all it did was pretty much the same i.e. limit the engine speeds. At present, the Cup car engine produces 670 horsepower, and it is very capable of producing output up to 750 hp. But for some reason, NASCAR doesn’t seem to budge on the idea.

However, a recent post by FOX reporter Bob Pockrass shed light on NASCAR’s response to the driver’s demands. The argument made by them was that an increase in horsepower would not be a financially viable option, based on their data research.

An increase in horsepower equals a guaranteed increase in cost, says NASCAR

The likes of Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson have claimed that if NASCAR wanted to bring about changes in engine output, it is very much possible to bring about those changes in a week. Whereas HMS driver Chase Elliott recently explained that an increase in horsepower along with the new parts would not see teams spending any more than they are doing right now.

However, amidst the aggressive demands, NASCAR decided to remain tight-lipped about the whole saga and hasn’t put out any official verdict on the same. Although Bob Pockrass was able to get their side of the story on the horsepower saga. Needless to say, their response was as generic as their promises with their new aero package for racing.

Bob shared this via X, “I talked to NASCAR to include in story this week. Mainly view is increase costs b/c engine needs more air so need work on air boxes. And throttle linkages. ECU calibration. Exhaust if changes to air box. Guaranteed increase cost for something data shows debatable improves racing.”

NASCAR fans are well aware of how an increase in horsepower would change the dynamics of racing. However, the reasoning shared by NASCAR on how financially burdening the change would be has got the fans raging.

Fans react to NASCAR’s argument of incurring additional costs with an increase in engine power output

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NASCAR wants to play it safe when it comes to changing its engine calibration and output. Even when drivers and fans have been demanding more from the car, which is very capable of delivering increased horsepower. But to state that such a change would result in a guaranteed cost hike just based on computer data is not enough evidence for fans who have shared their opinion on the ongoing saga.

One fan was quick to highlight how NASCAR has changed engine output over the years but was puzzled at how they are hesitant to bring about the change now. “They didn’t have to do that to go from 950 to 550 to 650? All these changes didn’t make a cost change so why would it now?”

Another fan suggested that the root cause of the problem is the tapered spacer, “Blah blah blah always excuses from nascar. Take the tapered spacer off and freakin try it. Parts failure happen, that’s part of racing.”

Taking a direct jibe at NASCAR for their spending spree on a number of aero packages and tests, an angry fan wrote, “And yet they’ve spent how much on aero tests that everyone knew wouldn’t work”.

Frustrated by their reasoning about the costs, a fan pointed out that the Cup Series of all deserves the best-performing cars, even if it’s tough on the drivers. “It’s the cup series man… I wish they’d stop worrying about cost in the cup series… truck series and xfinity I get.. but the cup series? It needs to be the elite series and toughest car to drive in NASCAR”.

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether increased horsepower would enhance the style of racing in the Cup Series. But NASCAR’s reasoning solely based on computer data is not justified. What are your thoughts regarding the ongoing saga? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Chase Elliott Exposes NASCAR’s ‘Extreme Inefficiency’ Holding Back Sport-Transforming Horsepower Solution