NASCAR Brasil is heading into 2026 with big changes, and fans are already talking about it. Over the past few years, the series has experimented with track formats, car designs, and safety upgrades. They have been trying to find the right balance between excitement and consistency. Every tweak has sparked debate among drivers, teams, and fans alike. Now, with the announcement of a new car on the horizon, Reddit discussions have already heated up, with opinions split over what these changes might mean for the sport.

The anticipation isn’t just about a new car. It’s about what it represents for the series. For some time now, NASCAR Brasil has been pushing to modernize without losing its identity. Fans have been speculating about upgrades, performance improvements, and schedule shifts for months. Some are excited about the potential, while others wonder whether these moves will change the core of what they love about the series. On the bright side, though, the debate has got the community paying close attention.

A few days ago, the reveal came on Reddit. NASCAR Brasil has launched a new car, called the RISE26, and it’s more than just a facelift. It keeps the basic chassis of the previous generation. Further, it swaps fiberglass for carbon fiber, cutting the weight to 960 kg. The engine, now branded NB-26, jumps to 360 hp, while the car gains a new 6-speed powershift transmission.

Pirelli even created a special tire compound just for NASCAR Brasil. After thousands of kilometres of testing, drivers can expect lap times to drop on some tracks. Reddit fans immediately jumped on the news, some praising the performance boost. Although others questioned how these upgrades would affect competition.

The changes don’t stop at the car. The 2026 Cup Series calendar will feature four oval races, adding new tracks and reopening a few that had been under renovation. It’s a bold move meant to challenge drivers and give fans a fresh spectacle. But as is the case with many bold moves, it’s also fueling debate.

As the first races approach, NASCAR Brasil finds itself at a crossroads, with fans on Reddit already split between excitement and concern over what this new era will bring.

Fans give their hot takes on a NASCAR 2026 Brasil plan

Reddit enthusiasts immediately began dissecting every aspect of the car. Reactions showed a mix of excitement and skepticism. One fan reacted to the engine with both humor and nostalgia, saying, “a 360hp V6 for a NASCAR series is so goofy that I absolutely love it. Welcome back 1980s busch series.” They were commenting on how unusual it is for a modern stock car series to use a 360 hp V6. The remark shows that while some might question the choice, others enjoy the novelty and the throwback feel, finding it fun and different from typical NASCAR setups.

Another fan focused on the car’s appearance, writing, “It basically looks like a gen6/gen7 hybrid.” They were noting how the RISE26 seems to blend design elements from different NASCAR generations. This highlighted how much fans care about the car’s visual identity. A hybrid design can excite some, but others may wonder whether the mix doesn’t work.

A third reaction drew attention to the engineering. This fan pointed out how international motorsport influences, like the Super GT GT500, appear in the RISE26. “Look at that rear suspension setup. They’ve taken the supergt gt500 route and made road car looking body with single seater internals. Should be fun to watch.” It showed excitement about the car’s handling and how these technical choices might make races more dynamic and engaging to watch.

Another fan thought about how the car would handle in action. They were anticipating how the hybrid nature of the car might change racing on oval tracks. “If anyone wanted to see what an Nascar/Indycar hybrid would fare this is it, will be interesting to see how it handles contact on ovals.” The comment did reflect curiosity about this experiment. Fans are clearly wondering whether these changes will create thrilling competition.

Finally, a NASCAR fan highlighted a potential downside of the car’s lightweight carbon fiber body. In their analysis, they raised a safety concern. “Carbon fiber isn’t the right material IMO. It’s incredibly strong, but the moment it does shatter, you’ll end up with dozens of tiny knife-like pieces all across the track that cars will have to avoid and clean up crews will difficulties seeing. I wouldn’t be surprised if NASCAR Brazil starts seeing more flat tires than usual next year.”

While it makes the car faster, it could also create hazards if it breaks down during a race. This showed how some fans are already thinking about practical risks and the real-world implications of the upgrades.

These reactions from the NASCAR community certainly convey excitement. Fans are intrigued by the car’s unique engine, hybrid design, and international engineering touches. But that being said, they are also thinking critically about safety and performance on the track.