NASCAR’s distasteful decision to degrade engine capacity from 900 HP to 750 HP in 2015 and further degradation to 550 HP in 2019 resulted in a massive backlash from the community. And then in 2022, the NextGen cars came into the picture. Although the car was appreciated for its safety features, it caused utter disappointment among the drivers and the teams as it lacked the much-craved horsepower. While many believe that NASCAR is taking measures to address the situation, the senior vice president of ECR engines has made some lesser-known revelations as he gave a subtle reality check to NASCAR.

Bob Fisher spills the beans on NASCAR’s resistance

While talking about horsepower being the need of the hour for the betterment of stock car racing on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90), Bob Fisher expressed his eagerness while shedding light on NASCAR’s reluctance.

Fisher expressed the readiness to comply with the engines having a greater ask for horsepower and said, “We want all the horsepower we can get and these engines are capable of producing well over 900 hp. But I think, to help the racing, if they want us to bump the power level up to say 750 hp, wouldn’t be a huge tear up for the engine companies.”

The ECR executive then revealed that despite them being ready, it’s NASCAR’s hesitant attitude because of which the developments are slower than they should’ve been. He went on to say, “We already have a package that we used to run engines, multiple races with a seal on, and would feel quite comfortable doing that. But I know NASCAR, they don’t really want to talk about it. They haven’t really asked much of the engine companies. I know when they have asked this we haven’t been against it by any stretch of imagination.”

Fisher didn’t stop there and urged NASCAR, “I will say that I think we can give these drivers more horsepower with an engine package that has already been validated to run more than one race at a 750 hp level.”

It’s quite evident that the engine manufacturers aren’t the ones behind the reduction in the horsepower going on. But despite a green signal from the manufacturer’s side, what’s stopping NASCAR from taking the much-awaited road?

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Why is NASCAR unwilling to spike the horsepower?

Senior Vice President of Innovation and Racing Development at NASCAR, John Probst emphasized how having less horsepower and the resulting ability to use the existing engines could entice the newcomers. He told NBC Sports, “We’re not hiding from the fact that we would like to encourage some new (manufacturers) to come in. That is part of the equation for that whole thing. I’m not saying it’s the driving reason, but it is a consideration.”

Earlier this year, renowned NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass also put forth his views on X about the why behind NASCAR’s reluctance. He wrote, “The reluctance of having more horsepower than the 670hp (with the tapered spacer) is it likely requires research/development on parts/pieces for performance & so they can go the mileage needed to last two races. That is a cost that NASCAR/teams/manufacturers hope to avoid.”

Pockrass’ answer addresses the fact that due to reduced horsepower, the burden of hefty costs in research and development is reduced on the teams, and they can channel their funds for alternatively developing the car.

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Is NASCAR willing to give up the most thrilling aspect of racing just because it wants to encourage new entrants into the realm of stock car racing? What do you think about NASCAR’s reason behind their disinclination?