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Christopher Bell Weighs in on Cup Series Horsepower Increase

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 1:28 PM ET

Last week, the NASCAR Cup Series got its first taste of the increased horsepower package at an oval track. The increase went largely unnoticed at COTA, but at Phoenix Raceway, Christopher Bell and others noticed it for sure.

Christopher Bell is already looking forward to tracks like Martinsville, Richmond, and even Darlington. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver gave a glowing review of the new power under the hood of the Cup Series cars.

In fact, Bell wants to see NASCAR explore further and increase the power even more. Why not? He spoke to the media on Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR drivers spread out across the track during a restart at Phoenix Raceway. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

"I can promise you if we're feeling it at Phoenix, just wait til we get to Martinsville and Richmond and on top of that, Darlington. ... I love where we're headed," Bell said, via Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. "I always think we could use more. Hopefully, this is an indication we're turning the right knob. The sky's the limit. If we continue to add horsepower, we're gonna get right to where we need to be."

The excitement that Christopher Bell and others have for the increased horsepower package is great. When the drivers are excited to race and compete, it makes the product on the track even better. It is also no surprise that the dirt racer wants even more power and slipping and sliding in these races.

Darlington might end up being one of the most exciting tracks with the new package. Bell is ready for it. Fans seemed to love it last week at Phoenix. The momentum of the 2026 season continues.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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