Chase Elliott Praises NASCAR’s Efforts to Increase Horsepower for 2026

Chase Elliott, driver for Hendrick Motorsports, recently commended NASCAR’s decision to increase horsepower to 750 for road courses and select tracks under 1.5 miles in length starting in 2026. This change represents a notable increase from the current baseline of 670 horsepower.

A Step Forward

The announcement, made on October 8, has garnered mixed reactions within the NASCAR community. While some, like Brad Keselowski, initially downplayed the significance of the horsepower bump, suggesting it might not make a meaningful difference, others, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., echoed similar sentiments.

Elliott, however, took a more optimistic stance. Speaking to Frontstretch, he stated:
💬 “I think it’s a good effort for sure. And I think until we give that a go, who knows? You know, I think it’s easy to sit here and say it’s not enough or it’s not this or it’s not that, but it’s something, right? It’s something and they’re trying. So I applaud them for the effort and for trying to keep the engine shops in mind.”

Track Significance

Among the selected tracks benefiting from this horsepower increase is Bowman Gray, where Elliott achieved his first win of the season. He followed that victory with two more wins at Echopark Speedway and in the recent playoff race at Kansas Speedway. The victory at Kansas secured him a spot in the Round of 8, which begins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Elliott will start the race from the second row, behind the JGR trio of Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and polesitter Denny Hamlin.

Navigating Rivalry and Points Situations

The playoff race at Charlotte Roval was marked by a chaotic final lap, particularly involving Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin. During this incident, Chastain’s aggressive move caught Hamlin off guard, leading to both drivers spinning out. Hamlin later expressed that it would have been beneficial to know Chastain was fighting for a transfer spot, as it could have influenced his racing strategy.

When asked about whether he would have liked to be informed of Chastain’s situation, Elliott responded:
💬 “I’m not going to sit there and, you know, only pay attention to them. I have enough going on my own. To me, it’s all about just trying to maximize the things that I can do, you know. You can worry about the situation too much.”

Elliott finished the playoff elimination race in eighth place and currently stands sixth in the playoff standings, sitting 14 points below the cutline.

Conclusion

Chase Elliott’s comments on both the horsepower increase and the chaotic dynamics of the playoffs highlight his focus on personal performance amidst external challenges. As the playoffs progress, his mindset and strategic approach will be crucial as he aims for further success on the track.