Chevrolet Camaro has been part of NASCAR over the years and has evolved over generations that reflected the design of street cars. Before the Next Gen era, the fifth-generation Camaro was introduced into the Xfinity Series in 2013, and the Cup Series in 2018, replacing the SS model. This change introduced a smoother, more violent appearance that was popular among fans, and such wins as the victory of Austin Dillon in the Daytona 500 in 2018 were outstanding. The car continued to provide a thrill on the track as it became accustomed to it.

With the Next Gen beginning in 2022, the Camaro ZL1 body will now be used as the standard among Chevrolet teams, with the focus on universality between manufacturers. Production of the sixth-generation Camaro was discontinued in December 2023, completing a 2024 model-year run that had started in 2016. In 2025, NASCAR renamed the Cup cars made by Chevy just ZL1, and Camaro was no longer used as the car was discontinued. However, greater changes are looming on the horizon.

Chevy’s new body seals Camaro’s exit

In the X post shared by the Insider, The Daily Downforce, NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer has confirmed that Chevrolet’s current Camaro-based body won’t appear at the 2026 Daytona 500, making way for a fresh design. This move stems from GM’s push to refresh its Cup Series presence after halting Camaro production.

NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer confirmed Chevrolet completed every step of the approval process for its new Cup Series body, set to debut at Daytona in 2026. Find out more on The Daily Downforcehttps://t.co/jD4J8kIy2U pic.twitter.com/NZftCjWjmw

— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) September 30, 2025

Sawyer explained the groundwork, noting, “We started working back with the folks there at GM probably over a year or so ago now.” That collaboration kicked off as rumors swirled about Chevy’s plans, especially with the street Camaro’s end in sight, setting the stage for innovation in the garage.

From there, the process ramped up with detailed submissions. Sawyer added, “then they started submitting the body parts, and then they go to a wind tunnel test where all the OEMs, our original equipment manufacturers, are there and watch how that test unfolds at the wind tunnel.”

Wrapping it up, Sawyer stated, “So all the boxes have been checked and looking forward to seeing the new Chevrolet when we get to Daytona in 2026.” This approval highlights NASCAR‘s commitment to evolving manufacturer identities, potentially enhancing on-track action by refining aerodynamics.

For teams like Hendrick Motorsports, it means adapting setups, but overall, it could draw in new fans by aligning more closely with modern automotive trends. Still, questions linger about other tweaks coming alongside this body swap. With the body sorted, attention turns to under the hood. Could more power be next?

2026 horsepower boost in sight?

Talk of bumping up horsepower in NASCAR’s Next Gen cars has been heating up, especially for 2026. Drivers and officials have weighed in on how extra ponies could spice up racing, particularly on short tracks where passing has been a sore spot since the 2022 debut. Brad Keselowski shared his take on the Stacking Pennies Podcast, saying, “Well, you know, it looks like NASCAR is going to change the rules next year to where we’re like 740, 750 [horsepower]. It’s not quite 100, because, you know, right now, technically, they’re at 670, but realistically, they’re like 685, 690, so.”

His insight comes from years at the wheel, including his time with RFK Racing, where he’s seen how current limits curb aggressive moves. The modest increase that is predicted by Keselowski will be able to create a real difference without the redesign of engines. It is based on continuous testing, such as at Phoenix and Martinsville, where teams tested diffusers and softer tires to make the car handle better.

These modifications are meant to handle criticism on the short-track race’s lackluster performance by fans, which provides drivers with more means of fighting to get ahead. When instituted, it could have an equalizing effect between Chevy, Ford, and Toyota.

Elton Sawyer reinforced the dialogue, stating, “We’ve discussed many times about horsepower on the short tracks and that’s something that’s an ongoing discussion with our industry stakeholders, Toyota, Ford and Chevy, as well as our engine builder and our race teams.” As NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, Sawyer’s role involves balancing input from all sides, drawing from past adjustments like the 2023 short-track package. This collaborative approach could lead to targeted boosts, helping sustain excitement as the series eyes global growth.