Harvick Blasts NASCAR Horsepower: ‘Wide open Qualifying is Dumb’
NASCAR Hall of famer and current FOX Sports analyst Kevin Harvick recently criticized the current horsepower levels in the sport, notably regarding qualifying at 1.5-mile tracks like Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Harvick argued that drivers running wide open during qualifying indicates a need for increased engine power.
Former Champion Calls for More Horsepower
During a recent episode of his podcast, Kevin HarvickS Happy Hour, Harvick expressed his frustration, stating it was “absolutely ridiculous” that drivers were wide open during qualifying at Las Vegas. He questioned the need to increase horsepower to improve the racing product.
The Horsepower Debate
The discussion reignited a long-standing debate about horsepower in NASCAR. A comparison highlights the change over the last decade.In 2014,Jeff Gordon’s pole-winning lap at Las Vegas was 27.738 seconds, with an average speed of 194.679 mph. Cut to this year, Michael McDowell’s pole-winning lap was 28.883 seconds at 186.961 mph. Although McDowell’s time was the fastest in the Next Gen era, it was still considerably slower than Gordon’s pole-winning speed a decade ago.
Current Engine Package
NASCAR currently utilizes a 670-horsepower package for tracks shorter than two miles, including Las Vegas and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Despite differing opinions on the racing product, the issue of horsepower remains a persistent topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders.
what factors beyond horsepower influence the lap times and overall racing product at tracks like Las Vegas, according to the article?
Harvick Blasts NASCAR Horsepower: ‘Wide open Qualifying is Dumb’
NASCAR Hall of famer and current FOX Sports analyst Kevin Harvick recently criticized the current horsepower levels in the sport, notably regarding qualifying at 1.5-mile tracks like Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Harvick argued that drivers running wide open during qualifying indicates a need for increased engine power.
Former Champion Calls for More Horsepower
During a recent episode of his podcast, Kevin HarvickS Happy Hour, Harvick expressed his frustration, stating it was “absolutely ridiculous” that drivers were wide open during qualifying at Las Vegas. He questioned the need to increase horsepower to improve the racing product.
The Horsepower Debate
The discussion reignited a long-standing debate about horsepower in NASCAR. A comparison highlights the change over the last decade.In 2014,Jeff Gordon’s pole-winning lap at Las Vegas was 27.738 seconds, wiht an average speed of 194.679 mph. Cut to this year, Michael mcdowell’s pole-winning lap was 28.883 seconds at 186.961 mph. Although McDowell’s time was the fastest in the Next Gen era, it was still considerably slower than Gordon’s pole-winning speed a decade ago.
Current Engine Package
NASCAR currently utilizes a 670-horsepower package for tracks shorter than two miles, including Las Vegas and Homestead-Miami Speedway.Despite differing opinions on the racing product, the issue of horsepower remains a persistent topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders.
Q&A: Unpacking the NASCAR Horsepower Debate
Why is Kevin Harvick upset about qualifying?
harvick believes that if drivers are flat-out, pedal-to-the-metal, during qualifying, it’s a sign that the cars don’t have enough horsepower to truly challenge them. He sees it as a missed prospect for a more exciting racing product.
What’s the difference in horsepower between older and newer NASCAR cars?
While specifics vary depending on the generation of car and regulations, NASCAR has generally reduced horsepower over the past decade to focus on other aspects of racing like aerodynamics and handling. The current 670-horsepower package is a reflection of this trend for shorter tracks.
How does horsepower affect the racing product?
More horsepower can lead to higher speeds, potentially more passing opportunities, and different driving strategies. Though, it is indeed believed by some that more horsepower can diminish the value of the driver’s skill and compromise safety. Less horsepower, on the other hand, may result in closer racing as drivers have to be smarter with throttle control and car management.
What’s the deal with the lap times at Las Vegas?
Lap times at Las Vegas have slowed down since 2014,despite being in the current Next Gen era.This difference highlights the impact of the horsepower reduction and updated car designs.The goal is to lower speeds to enhance the racing product.
what’s next for the horsepower debate?
This is an ongoing conversation within NASCAR. Expect to hear more from drivers, teams, and fans as the sport continues to evolve. The balance between performance and safety is always on the table.
The horsepower debate continues to be a crucial discussion point impacting the evolution of NASCAR. Share your opinions on the horsepower debate on social media using #NASCARHorsepower.
