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If you’re of the mindset that NASCAR Cup Series races have become too tame, Doug Yates is of a similar mindset. The CEO of Roush-Yates Engines, which builds most of the Ford Performance engines for the series, thinks NASCAR needs to bump horsepower up and make things more exciting for the fans.
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He’s not alone as many drivers, team owners, fans, and others have been pressuring NASCAR to dial it up again. While Yates wants to see power increase, he’s not wanting to return to how things were a few years ago.
Appearing recently in an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90, the man offered his thoughts on how much power would be acceptable.
“If we were to increase the power from 670 horsepower to about 750-horsepower, that probably wouldn’t be much of a change for us today. But, to go back to those 900-horsepower engines, that would be quite the project and would definitely decrease the life of the engine.”
The problem is NASCAR is afraid increasing power will spike costs, which will then work against drawing in more manufacturers. But Yates thinks 750-hp is achievable without crazy costs. We’re not sure the powers that be will see it his way.
As output is increased, durability often suffers. Currently, Cup Series engines are used about two times before they have to be refurbished or rebuilt, instead of just one use like back in the day.
Yates is sympathetic about John Probst’s work on the NextGen car, saying it’s a “tough job,” the man still wants to see power dialed up some. Trying to please everyone is impossible, but some do believe by trying to bring in the masses, NASCAR has turned its back on the motorsport’s roots, making it something else entirely.
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