Bubba Wallace wants NASCAR to cash-in on momentum, add horsepower to Cup cars

If you ask Bubba Wallace, now is the best time for NASCAR to add horsepower to the Cup Series cars. The 23XI Racing driver sees the coverage on Prime Video as a great reason to do something bold, like push the power in these Next Gen cars.

Bubba Wallace is firmly in the camp of more horsepower. And you can’t blame him. The short track product in the Cup Series just isn’t good enough right now. North Wilkesboro is the only multi-groove short track on the schedule, really.

While speaking to the media in Nashville, Wallace was asked about horsepower. He didn’t hesitate to list the pros of adding power.

“I think that would, you know, put it back in the driver’s hands a lot,” Wallace said. “That’s what we want. These cars are so close now. Some of these tracks that we go to, the shifting, you know, just deletes the option of passing. … It’s why teams are getting so much more competitive. Then the gap is decreasing, you know? I think horsepower brings you back to the old school feel. Just puts it back in the drivers’ hands. That’s what we want.”

Drivers have been asking, fans have been asking. So, when is it going to be enough for NASCAR to make a change? Elton Sawyer recently said that discussions are ongoing and NASCAR is seriously considering the change.

Bubba Wallace wants to take a big step up in HP

When asked how much horsepower he wants to see, Bubba Wallace thought about it. He isn’t asking for too much, but he doesn’t want to take baby steps; that much is for certain.

“I mean, we’re 670 now, right?” Wallace replied. “I think if you go in small increments, it’s just like sticking a Band-Aid on something. I’m not asking for [900] but 750 at least, or higher, just to see if it’s as easy and somewhat cost-efficient as they’re saying, and I think I’m reading the comments right, then why not?

“Have a test, no, not even a test. Why don’t we all just show up somewhere, wherever our next short track is, and give it more horsepower? If it’s a shitshow, then go from there. But you’re going to get a 720 package, and one driver is going to be like, ‘Oh, I thought it was pretty good! We’re done! Good job!’ No, that’s not the case. So, we need big moves here. What are we scared of?”

NASCAR has done these tests in recent years. Whether it is with tires or splitters, or aero adjustments. But they always do it with only a few teams and drivers at a time. Then, in a race with 40 cars, the adjustments don’t respond the same way. Wallace wants a full field to test out any potential horsepower changes.

Wallace wants to ‘ruffle feathers’ with horsepower

NASCAR has reduced horsepower time and time again. Cup Series cars used to be pushing 1000HP. Then again, engines were being used up in one go. You had practice, qualifying, and race engines. The cost-cutting in the sport over the last decade can’t support that kind of power anymore.

“We’ve been saying it for years, we want more horsepower, and we’ve always been told we’re waiting on other manufacturers to come in and they ain’t in!” Wallace said. “So, let’s do something. Yeah, we need to think. We have all the momentum on our side with our sport right now, right? I think bringing something exciting, I think they need to look at it from an exciting standpoint than a worrying standpoint.”

To be fair, Dodge is rejoining NASCAR. First, in the Truck Series and then in the Cup Series. But Wallace has a point, which has been the refrain. Now, Dodge is bringing back the Hemi and GM just invested $888 million to build its “Next-Gen V-8.” So, what’s the complaint now?

Wallace was asked to clarify his “momentum” comment. Here is what he had to say:

“Oh, come on, that sounded good, don’t make me explain that! I’m somewhat talking shit about them [NASCAR] being scared, saying ‘We’ve got momentum on our side,’ so I’m trying to cover my ass! … I think from, I believe all the reports from the first race on Prime [Video] is solid, all the stats, right? Viewership was good. I loved the post-race stuff; that was really cool.

“We’re just bringing in all these different media partners, and there’s a lot of traction for the sport. The number one thing the drivers are saying is ‘horsepower.’ Let’s just follow that, one week, just one week. Then we can go right back to their comfort zone, you know? I think we’re in a spot in society where we’re scared to step out. We don’t want to ruffle any feathers. Well, it’s time to ruffle some feathers, let’s see what we got.”