The Cup Series season is just over one month away, but teams will be back in the race cars this week for a test of increased horsepower at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
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One driver from each chartered organization will head to the short track north of Charlotte and spend a full day completing laps. They will have 750 horsepower in their Cup Series cars — as opposed to 670 last season — but they will have the aerodynamic package with less downforce due to three-inch rear spoilers and fewer strakes on the rear diffuser.
NASCAR announced on Oct. 8, 2025, that all tracks under 1.5 miles and road courses will have increased horsepower during the 2026 season. This will potentially contribute to increased tire wear and put more control in the hands of the drivers.
The test will feature some notable changes, chief among them is Daniel Suarez making his debut with a new team. He moved to Spire Motorsports after the 2025 season, and he will complete his first laps with the team at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Additionally, two teams will show up to the test with a new OEM partner. Rick Ware Racing and Haas Factory Team both switched from Ford to Chevrolet while signing technical alliances with Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports, respectively. This test will mark their first time in the Gen 7 era completing laps under the Bowtie banner.
North Wilkesboro Speedway test drivers
- Ross Chastain - No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
- Daniel Suarez - No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
- Kyle Busch - No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
- Chase Elliott - No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
- AJ Allmendinger - No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
- Chris Buescher - No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
- Chase Briscoe - No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
- Josh Berry - No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
- Joey Logano - No. 22 Team Penske Ford
- Zane Smith - No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
- Cole Custer - No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet
- Erik Jones - No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
- Tyler Reddick - No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet
- Cody Ware - No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
