NASCAR Embraces 750-Horsepower Package at Phoenix, Cites Increased Passing and Strategy

NASCAR officials are pleased with the debut of the 750-horsepower engine package at Phoenix Raceway in 2026, noting a significant increase in passing and strategic variability during the race. The assessment came during the latest episode of the “Hauler Talk” podcast, with Vice President of Racing Communications Mike Forde highlighting the positive impact of the increased horsepower.

Increased Horsepower Leads to Tire Falloff and Passing Opportunities

According to Forde, the 750-horsepower package is a “game-changer” due to the increased tire falloff it produces. “The overall speed for the full lap is not that different, but the high speeds are higher,” Forde explained. “And what that means is that it’ll just eat up the tire much more, which leads to varying strategies and comers and goers and passing. And that’s exactly what we were hoping to happen. And that’s what a lot of the drivers were predicting to happen.”

Minimal Engine Updates Yield Maximum Results

The horsepower increase was achieved through a relatively simple modification to existing engines – the addition of a tapered spacer with holes an eighth of an inch wider in diameter, allowing for greater airflow. “A pretty minimal update to those engines created a maximum difference in the Phoenix race,” Forde stated. “You saw lots of passing, where sometimes passing was very challenging in previous iterations of the Phoenix Raceway Cup race. So we’re very happy. Thumbs up from the NASCAR side.”

Tire Issues Attributed to Debris, Not Tire Composition

Despite some tire-related incidents during the second stage of the race, NASCAR determined the issues were caused by debris on the track, specifically brake rotor parts, rather than a problem with the Goodyear tires themselves. Forde noted that after a caution-free first stage, the debris caused multiple incidents, but teams ultimately adjusted and the tire issues did not become a dominant narrative. “Beyond that, it seemed like everyone minded their P’s and Q’s, and it didn’t become the story that it was during last Phoenix weekend,” he said. “Which is great because the higher horsepower was going to be a challenge on the tires.”

Other Topics Discussed on “Hauler Talk”

The “Hauler Talk” podcast also covered several other topics, including:

• The status of a Chase waiver for Alex Bowman
• A review of the scenario involving a driver receiving a lug nut from another team’s pit crew
• A statistical analysis of Ryan Blaney’s winning performance
• Key takeaways from the IndyCar-NASCAR doubleheader weekend

Fans can listen to the full episode of “Hauler Talk” by clicking here or by searching for “Hauler Talk” on their preferred podcast platform.