Steve Phelps Snubs All Drivers’ Emotions as He Shuts Down Horsepower Debate: “More Horsepower Is Expensive”

The NASCAR fanbase has a long list of demands. From changes in the 2024 schedule to streaming platforms, a horde of issues needs a serious look. NASCAR President Steve Phelps addressed the concerns at the recent 4th annual Race Industry Week session sponsored by Racer.com, EPartrade.com, and Speed Sport.

Among the many big questions, the curiosity about increased horsepower was only natural. While some have expected an increase, Phelps dismissed any speculations over it and deemed it an expensive change. Phelps claims that the statement comes at the behest of the drivers’ wishes, and specific improvements have been shortlisted.

Steve Phelps teases fans with a possible change

Ever since Next-Gen cars have come into play, NASCAR has continuously tried to optimize the vehicle according to drivers. Veterans like Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Kevin Harvick have been the bridge of communication between NASCAR and the drivers for a long time, demanding more muscle. However, there has never been a demand for an increase in horsepower as urgent as now.

Clearing the air around the numerous speculations, Steve Phelps clarified, “I don’t think the answer is more horsepower because more horsepower is expensive,”

“If you ask a driver what’s going to solve it, they’re always going to say, ‘Give me more horsepower.’ It’s a thing. I’m not a driver, but I’ve listened to enough drivers, and that’s their solution. So the question is, is that really what it is?”

NASCAR has prioritized package optimization and recently made certain changes in the short-track package. While teams continue to adapt to it fully, Steve Phelps reveals the next areas in sight of NASCAR’s research department.

“I don’t know. I think there’s some gearing things that we’re looking at as well. Some shifting things,” stated Phelps.

Apart from horsepower changes, Phelps also disclosed what the vision for NASCAR teams is based around. Many teams have communicated their needs and goals with the authorities, among which solving the financial decline is a priority.

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The three demands from NASCAR teams

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The ongoing sponsorship crisis has hindered a lot of teams and drivers. While the competition among drivers has certainly grown to a new level, the cost to maintain it has been tough on NASCAR. Due to this, a direct conversation about it has been avoided by teams in their communication. Steve Phelps reveals the scenarios that teams have wanted a deeper look at.

“Race teams want three things, or so they have told us,” Phelps said, adding, “They want to be competitive on the racetrack, which right now that’s a check. They want to increase their enterprise value of their charters. That has been a check.”

Charter system has also been tough on teams trying to phase out drivers. Kaulig Racing has had to experience a similar situation over AJ Allmendinger’s uncertainty to stay in the Cup Series. Revealing where they have lacked execution, Phelps said, “They want to have a path to profitability. That’s not a check right now. It’s not.”

“Our race teams, by and large, are losing money at the Cup level. That is something that we need to solve for. You solve that with two key pillars.” stated Phelps as he put the need of the hour in the spotlight. Apart from these issues, falling TV viewership numbers have been worrying NASCAR, pushing them to search for another telecast partner.

The situation has multiple nuances. While each problem is indirectly connected, solving it one at a time will benefit NASCAR. Fans have kept guessing the next decisions with the circumstances in mind, but Steve Phelps has somewhat cleared the smoke around it.

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