NASCAR competition officials announced Wednesday that the target horsepower for Cup Series events at road courses and oval tracks less than 1.5 miles in length will increase to 750 hp in the 2026 season.

The horsepower figure will be an increase from the baseline 670 hp in the current rules configuration for NASCAR's top division.

The move comes amid growing demand from drivers, the industry and fans for a power boost to the Next Gen race car platform, which debuted in the Cup Series in 2022. The increase is expected to place a greater premium on drivers' throttle control, while also incentivizing tire management and creating more passing opportunities with varying on- and off-throttle times.

"I would say, like any other change that we are considering to the cars, we listen to the fans a lot," said John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "We listen to the drivers. We have stakeholders in the broadcast, OEM (manufacturers) and team competition and team business folks, so there's always no shortage of feedback that we get. Our fans are very passionate, they provide very candid feedback, so that all is very important to us."

Implementation will take place by using a larger tapered spacer on top of the engine's intake manifold, improving engine airflow and power. Achieving an even higher horsepower number would potentially compromise reliability and would require more development and cost, officials said.

The following tracks will allow for a maximum of 750 hp in 2026:

Road courses: Circuit of The Americas (TX), Watkins Glen (NY), San Diego (CA), Sonoma (CA), Charlotte Roval (NC).

Ovals: Bowman Gray Stadium (NC), Phoenix (AZ), Darlington (SC), Martinsville (VA), Bristol (TN), Dover (DE), Nashville (TN), North Wilkesboro (NC), Iowa, Richmond (VA), New Hampshire, World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway (IL).

Officials indicated that a complete rules configuration and competition update briefing for 2026 would come in the offseason.

For more information, visit nascar.com.