Plenty of drivers have voiced their opinions on the lack of horsepower in the NASCAR Cup Series, complaining that they need more to be able to pass at some of the tracks on the schedule.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps tried to put that notion to bed this week but may have just ruffled more feathers in the garage area.
NBC Sports' Dustin Long discussed the subject with Phelps this week, and his answer was pretty blunt, that more horsepower isn't coming.
"I don't think the answer is more horsepower because more horsepower is expensive," Phelps said. "If you ask a driver what's going to solve it, they're always going to say 'Give me more horsepower.' It's a thing. I'm not a driver, but I've listened to enough drivers and that's their solution. So, the question is is that really what it is? I don't know. I think there are some gearing things that we're looking at as well. Some shifting things."
Even if it isn't a horsepower change, Phelps' message is clear that something is going to be changed. However, it's too early to tell what exactly that change will be. Most changes that NASCAR has made to try to improve racing in the Next Gen era haven't helped much, and sometimes it appears that things are only getting worse with this car. Hopefully, Phelps' tune will change if the drivers continue to have such strong opinions. Especially if the racing at certain tracks does not improve.
Whatever the solution is, it better be a good one that will make passing easier, especially on the short tracks and road courses.
