NASCAR Horsepower Explained: New Testing Insights

With the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season just over a month away, teams are already hitting the track for crucial preseason testing. This week, one driver from each chartered organization will participate in a dedicated test at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway — the short track north of Charlotte — to evaluate NASCAR’s new higher-horsepower package.

The test focuses on the updated configuration for short tracks (under 1.5 miles) and road courses, where baseline horsepower jumps from 670 to 750. This increase, first announced by NASCAR in October, pairs with reduced downforce through smaller three-inch rear spoilers and fewer strakes on the rear diffuser. The changes aim to boost tire wear, enhance driver control, and deliver more exciting racing by putting more emphasis on skill behind the wheel.

The one-day session at the revived 0.625-mile oval — which returns to the points-paying schedule in 2026 with its first regular-season race in 30 years on July 19 — offers teams an early look at how the package performs in real-world conditions.

Several storylines add extra intrigue to the test:

– Daniel Suárez will make his on-track debut with his new team, Spire Motorsports, after switching rides following the 2025 season. North Wilkesboro marks his first laps in the No. 7 Chevrolet.
– Two organizations — Rick Ware Racing and Haas Factory Team — will run Chevrolet for the first time in the Gen-7 era after switching from Ford and securing technical alliances with Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, respectively.

Here is the complete list of confirmed drivers participating:

– Ross Chastain – No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
– Daniel Suárez – No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
– Kyle Busch – No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
– Chase Elliott – No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
– AJ Allmendinger – No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
– Chris Buescher – No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
– Chase Briscoe – No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
– Josh Berry – No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
– Joey Logano – No. 22 Team Penske Ford
– Zane Smith – No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
– Cole Custer – No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet
– Erik Jones – No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
– Tyler Reddick – No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
– Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet
– Cody Ware – No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

This test serves as an important early checkpoint for teams preparing for the revamped rules package that will shape racing action across multiple venues in the upcoming season. Fans can expect more driver-focused competition and potentially closer battles as the changes take effect. The 2026 Cup Series kicks off soon — stay tuned for updates from North Wilkesboro!