NASCAR has been dabbling in the prospect of roping in a new car brand. While Japanese brand Honda is on the cards, a Korean automobile giant, Hyundai, is also not off the table. These possibilities are in line with NASCAR’s changing global outlook. It is slowly aligning itself with emission regulations and fiddling with electric vehicles or hybridization of car engines. 

However, as rumors of new OEMs loom on the horizon, NASCAR fans are pumped about something else. The horsepower debate has gripped the racing community again as fans unearth possible links between high-powered cars and hybrid engines.

NASCAR fans are excited about hybrid prospects

Around two months ago, the horsepower controversy was the talk of the town. As prominent Cup drivers chipped in with their opinions, mostly favoring a horsepower hike, executives cited exorbitant expenses as a reason for low HP. NASCAR Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst said that the engines would have to be totally reconfigured. 

Now a new OEM might introduce hybridization of these engines. Journalist Adam Stern updated this situation on X, adding an ultimatum for NASCAR’s hybrid revolution. “Amid growing sales for hybrids, prospective OEMs have told @NASCAR they will only join if the series offers a compelling narrative for consumers with hybrid cars or sustainable fuels, per source… NASCAR could go hybrid in ’26 or ’27 if a new OEM joins.”

This has spurred excited reactions among NASCAR fans, who expect a possible increase in horsepower. One fan explained why this could be the case: “Hybrid = more power…Sustainable fuels (higher ethanol) = more power & shorter fuel runs…Will likely need a new engine blueprint to make the field fair(er) for joining OEMs. I personally think an unrestricted 4.0L V8 would do the job just as well as the current choked down 5.8L.”

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Other fans excitedly concurred with this viewpoint, crossing their fingers about a possible horsepower increase. “This could prob be the way to get more power. At least I hope lol”. Another fan quipped, sidelining the new OEM story: “dont care about new manufacturers but if this means more horsepower then im down!”

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The NASCAR fans’ ecstasy may not be far off from reality. The sanctioning body is currently testing possible avenues for improving the racing product for drivers and fans.

Officials are working towards more ‘entertainment’

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NASCAR holdings also own the IMSA sports car series, which already uses hybrid technology in its racing. Similarly, our beloved NASCAR might be poised to accept a hybrid way of life soon. Officials are testing EV, hybrid, hydrogen, and sustainable-fuel technology at a research-and-development facility near Charlotte. Paul Doleshal, group manager of motorsports at Toyota Motor North America, added that racing fans are a top priority.

Doleshol told Sports Business Journal: “We understand that we need to provide some very strong competitive entertainment for the race fan, and we don’t want to impact that at all. So, you’re going to probably see some experimentation by all of us with different things just as we search for what that is.”

So it may be safe to hope for a better racing product soon as a new OEM and a hybrid model approach NASCAR.