The first round of NASCAR recently concluded, with Bristol being the eliminator. While everyone expected a thrilling finish to the first round of playoffs, Bristol failed to deliver. The high expectations came after the spring race on the track, where drivers struggled due to high tire wear. The wear was so high that NASCAR, mid-race, had to issue an extra set of tires. Eventually, Denny Hamlin won the race after 54 lead changes, out of which he led 13 times.

However, the recent race only had 8 lead changes as passing was difficult on the track. As a result, Kyle Larson easily marched his way to victory after leading 462 laps. This had many say that NASCAR’s short-track package was a failed product. Was it Goodyear’s fault since the tires did not fall off or was it the next-gen car to blame? NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin, who finished the race in the 4th position, has been vocal about changing the short track package and to better racing in general. As he demands increased horsepower for the cars, an RFK Racing team member has recently taken a dig at the #11’s suggestion.

RFK Racing joins in the horsepower debate

Denny Hamlin wants NASCAR to roll back to the 750 horsepower that was used in the pre-next-generation era. On this, Hamlin had previously said, “The more you can get us out of the gas, which means if we have more horsepower, we have to let off sooner, that gives us the opportunity to overtake for the cars behind. Fifty horsepower, while it may not be a game changer, any horsepower gain will be an advantage for passing.” 

For the 2024 season, NASCAR implemented a new aerodynamic package. This package included changes to the splitter stuffers, increased the spoiler width from two to three inches, and simplified the diffuser and diffuser strakes. However, the horsepower remained unchanged at 670. Despite these modifications, drivers like Denny Hamlin, have continued to advocate for an increase in horsepower to enhance competition and excitement.

However, recently, an RFK quality control specialist, Brian Murphy, suggested that the increased horsepower won’t solve anything. He took to X to write, “I’m beyond ecstatic for if/when we add 250HP to this platform and everyone is still disappointed….” 

Surprisingly, this comes after RFK’s Brad Keselowski too was eliminated after the Bristol race. Keselowski started in 23rd position and finished 26th. Even Keselowski was upset with the way Bristol raced. Post the race, he said, “Just didn’t have any pace. No attrition for the race, tires didn’t fall off and we didn’t have the pace.” Which indirectly points to NASCAR’s failed racing product.

Well, if Hamlin’s saying increased horsepower might work, it just might, after all the veteran has been in the sport for almost two decades. And #11 isn’t claiming that just horsepower would solve each aspect, but it can be a start to bringing some change. According to the veteran, unless the horsepower is upped, the aero-package that NASCAR brought in 2024 is basically useless.

Hamlin, on this, had said, “Until you make a horsepower, or tire, or shifting change, you will have the same result. You’re right. We keep tinkering with aerodynamics. I’m sorry, we’re running 45 miles per hour in the middle [of the corners] at Martinsville. It’s not aerodynamics. It’s a horsepower-to-tire ratio, and until we get that through our thick skulls, it will remain the same. But it will have to come from the high-ups at NASCAR to say, ‘Fine, we’re done. We’ve seen parity, and we don’t like it.'” However, NASCAR is reluctant to the change.

NASCAR on increasing the horsepower

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NASCAR has been put in a fix between entertainment and the safety of a driver. Additionally, they believe the increased horsepower will be expensive to accommodate. NASCAR chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell previously said, “You have to factor in what are the costs involved as well, right?. It’s not as simple as just upping the horsepower. You better be ready for all your (manufacturers) to be on board. It better make sense for any potential new (manufacturer) and technology. It’s not just a short-term answer.”

Even NASCAR Chief Racing Development Officer, John Probst, had spoken on the same lines. “If you add the horsepower, you add the cost, then you see if it is better. There’s no guarantee you get there, and it would be any better. And I think there’s some evidence that shows as we add horsepower, they run further apart”.

However, Hamlin doesn’t agree with the cost factor. This comes from him as an owner of the 23XI racing team. Hence, his perspective carries significant weight. Hamlin had said, “You just call up Doug Yates (who oversees Ford’s engine program) and (Toyota Racing Development) and say we are going to go back to our old 750 plate – it can be before next weekend, and they said it wouldn’t change any of our durability we have. It can be done with one phone call with no additional money.”

What do you think about upping the Horsepower? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.