750 HP is Coming to Dover in 2026, and All Tracks Less Than 1.5 Miles

Since the debut of the Next Gen car, NASCAR fans have been vocal for years about one key issue: horsepower. Many have longed for the return of higher horsepower packages that made stock car racing feel raw and challenging. Now, in 2026, that wish is finally being granted.

NASCAR has officially announced that cars competing on tracks 1.5 miles or shorter will see horsepower increased from 670 to 750, marking a major performance jump that is sure to excite fans and drivers alike.

For Dover Motor Speedway, this change represents a return to the style of racing that made the Monster Mile legendary. Known for its concrete surface, steep banking, and high speeds, Dover demands precision, courage, and car control-and higher horsepower will only amplify those demands. Moving from 670 to 750 horsepower means drivers will have to manage throttle control more carefully, tire wear will become an even bigger factor, and teams will face new challenges dialing in balance and grip for the high-load corners that define Dover.

Horsepower at Dover Motor Speedway has evolved significantly over the past decade. In 2014, cars roared around the one-mile oval with roughly 800 horsepower under the hood. That number dropped to 725 in 2015 and 2016 as NASCAR began experimenting with lower downforce and reduced engine output. From 2017 through 2021, horsepower returned to 750, ushering in some of the most competitive racing Dover had seen in years. Then, with the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, horsepower was reduced to 670, where it remained through the 2025 season. Now, in 2026, the pendulum swings back once again-bringing 750 horsepower back to the Monster Mile.

The change is more than just a technical adjustment; it's a philosophical return to what many fans believe stock car racing should be: powerful, demanding, and unpredictable. At Dover, where the track's reputation as "The Monster Mile" has always been tied to its intensity, the added horsepower will heighten the challenge and thrill of every lap. As NASCAR reintroduces 750 horsepower to its shorter tracks, Dover Motor Speedway is poised to reclaim its place as one of the most exhilarating venues on the circuit, where only the bravest and most skilled drivers can truly tame the Monster.

Tickets for the 2026 NASCAR All-Star race at Dover Motor Speedway are flying faster than a Next Gen car with 750 horsepower - grab yours today!