It is no secret that Kyle Larson\u2019s reaction to NASCAR\u2019s horsepower increase has left the racing world a bit stunned. \u201cI would encourage everybody to temper their expectations; it\u2019s not way different,\u201d Larson said, downplaying the 80-HP boost on top of the current 670 hp. The 2021 cup series champion tested the change at Kershaw earlier this year and admitted he barely noticed it. And while Larson remains skeptical about its impact, Joe Gibbs Racing\u2019s Christopher Bell sees it differently.<\/p>\n
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Interestingly, Larson wasn\u2019t informed about the power boost beforehand and only realized it after the test. However, the No. 5 driver didn\u2019t feel the difference, but he acknowledges that the adjustment is a step in the right direction, even though it is not a drastic overhaul.\u00a0 However, Bell is warming up to the idea of more horsepower under his hood.<\/p>\n
Speaking in a media availability<\/a> before the Las Vegas Round of 8 opener, he said, \u201c I mean, I\u2019m super excited about it and I\u2019m glad that you know NASCAR and the team that engine builders have taken a step in the right direction. I think it will it\u2019s definitely going to play a role in the races. You know, we especially with the tires Goodyears have been Goodyear has been bringing.\u201d <\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n And Bell is right in bringing up the tires. With this power boost, tire performance becomes a critical factor. Goodyear is actively developing new tire compounds to accommodate this increased power. For instance, during a recent tire test at Iowa Speedway, Goodyear introduced new left- and right-side tire compounds to handle the sustained load and equal challenges of the track.<\/p>\n These developments suggest that Goodyear is prepping to provide tires that can withstand the added stresses of higher horsepower, ensuring safety and performance on the track.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The Joe Gibbs Racing<\/a> driver added, \u201d You know, a couple years ago we were talking about the road courses, the cars were just locked down, and I can promise you last week at Charlotte Road Course, those things were anything but locked down. And you add us you give us more horsepower. It\u2019s what we had last week. We\u2019re going to, it\u2019s going to be, you know, a big deal. So, I think it\u2019s definitely a step in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n But amid Larson\u2019s warning to the NASCAR community to keep their expectations low<\/a>, the No. 5 driver\u2019s teammate, Chase Elliott, called\u00a0it a \u201cgood effort\u201d and said that he just wants to see what direction it takes the car.<\/p>\n And not every track will see\u00a0more horsepower under its hood<\/a>. The 750 hp is only reserved for certain road courses and oval tracks less than 1.5 miles. Five of the first eight races of the 2026 series are scheduled to use the new 750 hp package, and it\u2019ll provide an early test for its performance and a glimpse at expanding on larger ovals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n But as the #20 JGR driver rallies behind the 750 hp, Bell<\/a>\u2018s mind is preoccupied with something far more serious amid the discussions of the recent race manipulations.<\/p>\n Last weekend, the community witnessed an incident that once again caught the attention of race officials: Denny Hamlin<\/a>\u2019s late pass on Ross Chastain at Charlotte. However, the 44-year-old\u2019s admission that he may have acted differently if he had known what Joey Logano\u2019s points situation may have been raised sirens for NASCAR, and Bell is well aware of the culprit.<\/p>\n Christopher Bell blames NASCAR\u2019s playoff system for festering race manipulations<\/p>\n NASCAR recently put its foot down by stating that actions will be taken against teams that discuss playoff points or positions over the radio, as that can fall under race manipulation. This sparked a firestorm of debate among drivers, and Christopher Bell knows that it is all because of the current elimination-style playoff system that encourages race manipulation.<\/p>\n