What brand of engine does NASCAR use?

NASCAR does not use a single engine brand. As of 2025, teams in its top national series run manufacturer-built, NASCAR-regulated 5.86-liter V8 engines from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota—specifically the Chevrolet R07, Ford FR9, and Toyota TRD V8. These purpose-built racing engines follow the same rulebook but are developed and supplied by each automaker’s racing programs.

How NASCAR’s engine branding works

Rather than a one-make engine, NASCAR’s model is manufacturer competition under tightly controlled technical rules. Each approved automaker supplies engines to its aligned teams through dedicated racing divisions or partner builders. This preserves brand identity and engineering rivalry while keeping parity through NASCAR’s regulations.

The three engine brands and who builds them

The following list outlines the engine brands in NASCAR’s premier division, along with the primary builders/suppliers that support each manufacturer’s teams.

• Chevrolet R07 5.86L V8 — engineered to NASCAR specs and supplied to Chevy teams via the Hendrick Motorsports–ECR Engines alliance.
• Ford FR9 5.86L V8 — designed for NASCAR competition and built/supplied by Roush Yates Engines for Ford teams.
• Toyota TRD 5.86L V8 — developed and supplied by Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) for Toyota-affiliated teams.

All three are bespoke pushrod racing V8s tailored to NASCAR’s rule set; while branding and internals differ, NASCAR’s parity tools keep performance closely matched across the field.

What makes a NASCAR engine a NASCAR engine

Despite different badges, NASCAR engines share a common architecture and operating envelope required by the sanctioning body. The goal is to preserve the sport’s traditional V8 character while maintaining competitive balance and cost control.

Core technical characteristics across brands

Below is a concise overview of the key technical traits NASCAR mandates for its top-series engines.

• Configuration: Naturally aspirated, pushrod (OHV) V8 with two valves per cylinder.
• Displacement: 358 cubic inches (5.86 liters).
• Materials: Typically cast-iron blocks with aluminum cylinder heads.
• Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection with a tapered spacer to control airflow.
• Output: Roughly 670 horsepower at most tracks; restricted to about 510 horsepower at Daytona/Talladega via the spacer and aero package.
• Fuel: Sunoco Green E15 (15% ethanol blend).
• Lubrication: Dry-sump systems for reliability and oil control under high g-loads.

These common parameters preserve the hallmark sound and durability of NASCAR V8s while allowing controlled innovation within each brand’s engine program.

Series-by-series view

NASCAR’s three national series all use manufacturer-branded V8s aligned with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, though calibration and component rules vary by series and track type.

Where you’ll see each brand on track

The list below summarizes where these engine brands compete across NASCAR’s national ladder.

• Cup Series (Next Gen): Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota-branded 358ci V8s built to the latest Cup regulations.
• Xfinity Series: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota engines of similar 358ci spec, tuned and regulated for the series’ package.
• Craftsman Truck Series: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota 358ci V8s with series-specific restrictions and calibrations.

While the hardware heritage is consistent—naturally aspirated pushrod V8s—the exact performance windows and parts approvals are tailored to each series’ competition model.

Why there isn’t a single “NASCAR engine”

NASCAR’s manufacturer model fuels brand competition and fan allegiance. Automakers showcase engineering prowess under a common rulebook, rather than running a spec engine. NASCAR then uses parity tools—like tapered spacers, aero packages, and technical inspections—to keep competition tight regardless of brand.

What’s new and what’s next

As of 2025, the Cup Series continues with 5.86L V8s from Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, using approximately 670-hp packages at most tracks and 510-hp at superspeedways. NASCAR and its OEMs have explored future hybrid and alternative-fuel concepts, including demonstration projects, but no hybrid powertrains are in Cup competition at this time.

Summary

NASCAR doesn’t run a single engine brand. Instead, its top series use manufacturer-built, NASCAR-regulated 358ci V8s from Chevrolet (R07), Ford (FR9), and Toyota (TRD V8), with parity enforced by rules and restrictors. This approach preserves brand identity and competition while maintaining the traditional NASCAR V8 character.

Who makes NASCAR engines in 2025?

Roush Yates Engines
Your 2025 full-time Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines-powered NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity teams and drivers!

What engine does Ford use in NASCAR?

Ford uses the purpose-built, naturally aspirated, 358 cubic-inch V8 FR9 engine in NASCAR’s top series. This engine, developed by Roush Yates Engines, was an evolution of previous Ford racing engines, incorporating modern engineering to achieve high-revving power and reliability for stock car racing.
 
Key Characteristics 

• Engine Type: 358 cubic-inch (5.86-liter) V8
• Valvetrain: Pushrod, two valves per cylinder
• Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
• Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
• Performance: Produces approximately 750-800 horsepower
• Development: Built by Roush Yates Engines, which is the exclusive Ford engine builder for NASCAR.

Evolution of the FR9

• FR9 Carbureted Engine: The initial FR9 platform, which entered NASCAR in 2009, was carbureted. 
• FR9 EFI V8: The FR9 EFI V8, introduced around 2012, adapted the design for electronic fuel injection, aligning with updated NASCAR regulations. 

Design and Purpose

• The FR9 was a ground-up design, a departure from earlier engines based on decades-old Ford blocks. 
• It was designed with a focus on reliability, serviceability, and cooling, with quick rebuilds between races being a key consideration. 
• It is a specialized racing engine, not directly related to the engines in Ford’s street vehicles. 

Do Chevy Nascars use Chevy engines?

The Chevrolet engine in Cup is called a R07. 2. That’s a 5.8L two-valve per cylinder V8. Its roots are in the small block Chevy era from 50-plus years ago.

Who makes the engines for NASCAR?

NASCAR engines are built by specialized engine shops, often in collaboration with the major car manufacturers (Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota). For example, Roush Yates Engines builds engines for Ford teams, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) builds for Toyota, and Hendrick Motorsports and ECR Engines (a division of Richard Childress Racing) work together on Chevrolet engines. These engine builders create engines to NASCAR’s strict specifications, with each manufacturer having its own approved, high-performance V8 engine.
 
Who builds engines for each manufacturer?

• Ford: Opens in new tabFord teams utilize engines built by Roush Yates Engines, a company that exclusively serves Ford in NASCAR. 
• Toyota: Opens in new tabEngines for Toyota-backed teams are manufactured and tuned by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). 
• Chevrolet: Opens in new tabHendrick Motorsports and ECR Engines (Richard Childress Racing) have formed a joint venture to develop and build Chevrolet’s NASCAR engines. 

What makes NASCAR engines unique?

• Manufacturer-Specific: While engines are standardized FOR each manufacturer by NASCAR, they still give each brand of car a unique character. 
• High-Performance: These are purpose-built V8 racing engines designed for high horsepower and reliability, with features like electronic fuel injection and a 8,500 RPM redline. 
• Regulated by NASCAR: All engines must meet strict specifications set by NASCAR, ensuring a consistent performance level across the series.