How many horsepower is the average NASCAR?

NASCAR Cup Series cars make about 670 horsepower at most tracks and 510 horsepower at the three drafting superspeedways (Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta). Across a typical 36-race season, that works out to an average of roughly 640–645 horsepower per race for the Cup Series under current rules.

What “average NASCAR horsepower” means today

In the modern era, “NASCAR horsepower” typically refers to the Cup Series, where Next Gen 5.86L (358 cu in) pushrod V8s are limited by tapered spacers to control output. As of the current rules (consistent through 2024 and expected to hold unless NASCAR announces a change), teams run two baseline engine packages: a higher-power package for most tracks and a reduced-power package for pack-style drafting tracks to manage speeds and safety.

Cup Series horsepower by track type

The following breakdown shows how NASCAR sets horsepower for different venues on the schedule, which is why a single “average” number needs context.

• Most ovals and all road courses: approximately 670 horsepower
• Superspeedways (Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta): approximately 510 horsepower

These targets reflect NASCAR’s balance between driver control, competition, and safety, with the lower output at superspeedways designed to cap terminal speeds in large drafting packs.

Weighted season average (Cup Series)

With 36 points races, of which six are superspeedway events (two each at Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta) run at ~510 hp and the remaining 30 at ~670 hp, the season-weighted average is approximately: (30×670 + 6×510) ÷ 36 ≈ 643 horsepower.

How other NASCAR national series compare

While the Cup Series gets most of the attention, horsepower targets differ slightly in the other top-tier NASCAR series due to regulations and engine specifications.

• Xfinity Series: roughly 650 horsepower
• Craftsman Truck Series: roughly 625 horsepower

These figures can vary marginally with track packages and technical updates, but they give a solid sense of the performance tiers below Cup.

Why horsepower numbers vary

NASCAR manages horsepower primarily through tapered spacers (modern successor to restrictor plates) that limit airflow, plus aero rules that shape overall speed and handling. The goals are to keep racing competitive, reduce runaway speeds, and ensure safety—especially at superspeedways where tightly packed drafting can push closing speeds to extremes. Engine architecture (pushrod V8s, high compression, E15 fuel) remains consistent, but airflow limits and aero trims are the main levers affecting power at different tracks.

Key takeaways

Here are the essential points that clarify the “average NASCAR horsepower” question.

• Cup cars run ~670 hp at most tracks and ~510 hp at Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta.
• Season-weighted Cup average is about 640–645 hp under current rules.
• Xfinity is around ~650 hp; Trucks are around ~625 hp.
• Variations are driven by safety and competition needs, not engine capability limits.

Together, these points explain why a single horsepower figure can be misleading without noting the track-specific packages.

Summary

The typical NASCAR Cup car produces about 670 horsepower on most race weekends and 510 horsepower at the three superspeedways, yielding a season average near 643 horsepower. Other national series sit modestly below Cup. The split reflects NASCAR’s longstanding balance between speed, safety, and quality of racing rather than any fundamental engine limitations.

How much horsepower is allowed in NASCAR?

NASCAR Next Gen cars have an engine horsepower limit that varies by track type, with a baseline of 670 horsepower for most tracks (short tracks, intermediate ovals, and road courses) and a 510 horsepower limit for restrictor plate racing at superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. These engines are highly regulated by NASCAR to control power output and maintain a specific racing product and safety standard.
 
This video explains the horsepower limits for NASCAR engines: 58sCar Performance ProsYouTube · Sep 15, 2025
Next Gen Horsepower Targets

• 670 horsepower: Opens in new tabThis is the target horsepower for the majority of NASCAR Cup Series tracks, including short tracks, intermediate ovals, and road courses. 
• 510 horsepower: Opens in new tabAt superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, which are higher-speed tracks, NASCAR uses restrictor plates to reduce horsepower to 510 hp for safety. 

How Horsepower is Limited

• Restrictor Plates: Opens in new tabFor the highest-speed tracks, NASCAR places restrictor plates at the fuel injection ports to limit the amount of air and fuel that can enter the engine, thereby reducing overall horsepower. 
• Engine Regulations: Opens in new tabNASCAR sets specific rules and configurations for the engines used in the Next Gen cars, ensuring that the horsepower stays within the designated limits for each track type. 

Why Power Isn’t Always Increased

• Safety: Reducing horsepower helps control the speeds of the cars, particularly at high-speed tracks, for safety reasons. 
• Racing Product: NASCAR aims to improve the racing product by balancing horsepower with other factors like downforce, rather than solely focusing on increasing power. 
• Cost and Reliability: Lower power targets can contribute to improved reliability and lower costs for teams, which is a consideration in the sport. 

What is the average horsepower of a NASCAR?

The average horsepower for a Next Gen NASCAR Cup Series car is currently 670 hp for most tracks, but it is reduced to 510 hp at restrictor plate tracks like Daytona and Talladega to control speeds. Horsepower levels change based on NASCAR’s rules, with a 750 hp package used in prior years and a potential return to higher horsepower, possibly 750 hp, planned for 2026.
 
Current Horsepower Levels

• 670 hp: Opens in new tabThe standard horsepower for Next Gen cars on short tracks, road courses, and intermediate ovals. 
• 510 hp: Opens in new tabThe reduced horsepower for superspeedways, where restrictor plates limit airflow to the engine to prevent excessive speeds. 

Changes in Horsepower 

• Historical Fluctuations: Horsepower has decreased over time for various reasons, including safety concerns, improving the racing product, and more recently, to increase “off-throttle time” and improve racing on certain tracks.
• Upcoming Changes: While a horsepower increase is not expected in 2025, a package delivering around 750 hp is anticipated for 2026 to enhance racing at short tracks and road courses.

Factors Influencing Horsepower

• Rules and Regulations: NASCAR sets the rules for engine power, which are subject to change. 
• Restrictor Plates: These devices are used at superspeedways to limit airflow and reduce engine power, thus lowering speeds and improving safety. 
• Engine Tuning: Custom-built engines are meticulously engineered and tuned to maximize performance. 

How much horsepower does a 426 Hemi have in NASCAR?

The Nascar-spec 426 Hemi engine produced around 650 to over 500 horsepower in racing trim, though it was officially rated much lower for street versions. The original, detuned 426 Street Hemi was rated at 425 horsepower, but the legendary “Elephant Engine” was incredibly powerful and durable, making it a dominant force in NASCAR and a legendary engine in muscle car history.
 
This video shows a test of the 426 Hemi engine and how it performs: 58sMopar Connection MagazineYouTube · Dec 3, 2023
Street vs. Race Hemi Power

• Street Hemi: Opens in new tabThe 426 Hemi, available in Mopar muscle cars, was rated at 425 horsepower but often produced more in real-world applications. 
• Race Hemi: Opens in new tabIn NASCAR and racing trim, the 426 Hemi was much more powerful, estimated to be producing well over 500 horsepower, and potentially as much as 650 horsepower. 

Dominance on the Track 

• First NASCAR Appearance: The 426 Hemi debuted in the 1964 Daytona 500, where it powered Richard Petty to a dominant victory, showcasing its raw horsepower and durability.
• Decisive Edge: Its combination of strength and horsepower gave Chrysler teams a significant advantage on NASCAR’s fastest tracks.
• Banned from NASCAR: The overwhelming success and power of the 426 Hemi were so complete that NASCAR eventually restricted its use.

Do all nascars have the same horsepower?

For most tracks on the NASCAR calendar, the cars are tuned to produce about 670 horsepower. But this may vary from year to year based on rules changes. On higher-speed tracks, NASCAR uses varying restrictor plates atop the fuel injection ports to reduce the amount of fuel and air entering the engine.