Denny Hamlin encountered a challenging beginning to the 2026 NASCAR season, but his outlook shifted after finishing fifth at Phoenix Raceway, where he felt significantly more at ease behind the wheel. This change came as NASCAR increased the horsepower to 750 HP for shorter tracks and road courses, a boost Hamlin said he could strongly sense.
The driver for Joe Gibbs Racing highlighted how the added power enabled easier overtaking, particularly on the short track at Phoenix, which served as the first event featuring the upgraded horsepower this season. On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin explained how the performance enhancements dramatically influenced the race dynamics.
I felt within my view that there was passing going on inside the top five,
Hamlin said.
And that’s really hard at that racetrack. Remember, the whole reason we’re moving away from Phoenix is the championship races. The racing is stale there. It’s not very good. I thought from what I could see, there were comers and goers.
Hamlin’s Perspective on Opportunity and Strategy With Added Power
Being a co-owner of 23XI Racing, Hamlin expressed confidence that drivers with strong cars, precise execution, and astute crew chief decisions could now contend more aggressively for leading positions. His viewpoint found support among teammates, emphasizing that the horsepower increase has the potential to revitalize competition on tracks historically known for limited passing.
Christopher Bell, Hamlin’s teammate, excelled in the race at Phoenix, leading 176 laps and finishing second. Bell also recognized the advantage the intensified horsepower provided, praising the enhanced competitive atmosphere.
Christopher Bell Highlights Benefits of NASCAR’s Horsepower Increase
During a media briefing, Bell reflected on how different the race felt compared to previous events under the lower horsepower limits. He expressed enthusiasm for potentially seeing even more power added, believing it places greater responsibility on the drivers and teams to excel.
It just really puts it in the driver’s hands and the team’s hands,
Bell said.
You saw [Ryan] Blaney make it back up through there after his mishap a couple of times. I ended up back in the field, and you know… The cream is able to rise to the top. So, horsepower is definitely a lot better.
Other Drivers React and Look Ahead to Upcoming Races
Other competitors like Chase Briscoe and race winner Joey Logano also acknowledged feeling the impact of the increased power during their races. The majority anticipate similar effects as the NASCAR schedule heads to Darlington Raceway on March 22, where short-track horsepower will continue to play a pivotal role.
Implications for NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
The horsepower boost represents a notable shift in NASCAR’s strategy to enhance race excitement and improve overtaking opportunities on shorter tracks and road courses. For drivers like Hamlin and Bell, the changes offer renewed optimism for more dynamic racing, where skill and race strategy can better determine outcomes. As the season unfolds, ongoing feedback and performance will shape how NASCAR balances power and competition moving forward.
