What engine does Ford use in NASCAR?

Ford’s NASCAR Cup Series teams run the Ford FR9 EFI—a purpose‑built, 358‑cubic‑inch (5.8‑liter) pushrod V8 developed and supplied by Roush Yates Engines. In the Craftsman Truck Series, Ford-branded entries use NASCAR’s spec Ilmor NT1 V8, and in the Xfinity Series, Ford teams race Roush Yates–prepared 358‑ci V8s configured to that series’ rules. This engine family, particularly the FR9 in Cup, remains the backbone of Ford’s NASCAR program and is continually updated to meet evolving regulations and competition.

The Ford FR9 EFI in the Cup Series

Introduced in 2009–2010 and modernized for electronic fuel injection in 2012, the Ford FR9 is a clean‑sheet, racing‑only V8 designed expressly for NASCAR. It’s not a modified road-car engine; rather, it follows NASCAR’s pushrod architecture, optimized for reliability, serviceability, and sustained high‑RPM power. The FR9 has powered Ford to marquee victories and championships in the Cup Series, including Ryan Blaney’s 2023 title with Team Penske, and continues in the Next Gen era with ongoing development.

Key technical characteristics

The following points summarize how the FR9 aligns with NASCAR’s rules while leveraging Ford’s racing engineering. Figures can vary slightly by track package and ongoing updates but capture the engine’s core attributes.

• Architecture: 90-degree, pushrod (OHV) V8 with two valves per cylinder
• Displacement: 358 cubic inches (approximately 5.8 liters), per NASCAR regulation
• Fuel system (Cup): Electronic fuel injection, controlled by a common ECU per NASCAR rules
• Power: Typically in the 670 hp range at most tracks; restricted to about 510 hp on superspeedways via tapered spacers
• RPM: Operates near NASCAR’s mandated rev limits (approximately 10,000–10,500 rpm), track and package dependent
• Lubrication: Dry-sump system for reliability and oil control under sustained high loads
• Construction: Purpose-built block, heads, and internals optimized for NASCAR duty cycles; designed for rapid rebuilds
• Supplier: Designed and built by Roush Yates Engines for Ford’s NASCAR programs

Together, these elements create a robust, serviceable racing package that can survive 400–600 miles at high RPM while delivering competitive performance across track types.

Who builds and supports Ford’s NASCAR engines?

Roush Yates Engines—formed from the partnership between Jack Roush and Robert Yates—designs, assembles, and services Ford’s NASCAR engines. The firm supplies and supports Ford-aligned teams, including outfits such as Team Penske, RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports, Wood Brothers Racing, and Rick Ware Racing in the Cup Series, with engines, updates, and trackside engineering. This centralized approach ensures consistency, reliability, and rapid iteration in response to NASCAR technical bulletins and competitive demands.

How it differs by NASCAR series

Ford’s NASCAR engine solution varies by series because each series sets its own engine rules and suppliers. Here’s how Ford power is deployed across the national divisions.

• Cup Series: Ford FR9 EFI 358‑ci pushrod V8 by Roush Yates Engines (Next Gen platform)
• Xfinity Series: Roush Yates–prepared 358‑ci pushrod V8s configured to Xfinity regulations (same basic displacement and architecture, series-specific hardware as required)
• Craftsman Truck Series: Ilmor NT1 spec V8 (series-wide engine mandated by NASCAR, used by all manufacturers’ entries)

This structure lets NASCAR manage parity within each series while allowing Ford and its partners to focus their development where permitted—most notably in Cup.

Recent context and developments

The Next Gen car (introduced in 2022) retained the 358‑ci pushrod V8 formula while standardizing many chassis and aero components. NASCAR has set horsepower targets around 670 hp at most tracks and about 510 hp at drafting superspeedways via tapered spacers. Ford’s Cup bodywork evolved to the Mustang Dark Horse for 2024, while the FR9 EFI continues as the powerplant with ongoing refinement for drivability, durability, and fuel efficiency. The engine’s competitive pedigree was underscored by Ford’s 2023 Cup championship with Ryan Blaney and multiple race wins in the Next Gen era.

Why this isn’t a road-car V8

Although Ford sells V8s like the 5.0-liter Coyote and 5.2‑liter Predator in production Mustangs, NASCAR rules mandate a pushrod engine architecture that differs significantly from Ford’s overhead-cam road engines. The FR9 is purpose-built for NASCAR: it’s designed for frequent tear-downs, rapid servicing, and consistent performance across long races—priorities that differ from emissions, NVH, and long-term durability considerations in street engines.

Summary

Ford’s NASCAR Cup Series engine is the Ford FR9 EFI 358‑ci pushrod V8, engineered and supplied by Roush Yates Engines. In Xfinity, Ford teams run Roush Yates–prepared 358‑ci V8s to series rules, while the Truck Series uses the Ilmor NT1 spec V8. The FR9 remains the heart of Ford’s top-level NASCAR program, continuously refined to meet modern regulations and deliver championship-caliber performance.