NASCAR 2026 Preview: Playoffs, 750 HP Engines, New OEMs & Tech Revolution

In this exclusive in-depth interview, NASCAR Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst breaks down the future of NASCAR—from playoff evolution and Next Gen (Gen-7) car development to the 750 horsepower increase coming in 2026, major technology investments, and the return of RAM as a new OEM.Probst explains how NASCAR is balancing competition, cost control, innovation, and fan demand while reshaping race officiating through a $50+ million remote race control and technology command center. He also shares insight into short-track improvements, road course development, new venue expansion, and why OEM entry into the Cup Series remains one of the most complex challenges in motorsports.🔑 Topics Covered in This Interview:• NASCAR playoff format evolution• Next Gen (Gen-7) car after four seasons• 750 HP increase for short tracks & road courses• RAM’s official return to NASCAR in 2026• Why new OEMs enter through the Truck Series• $50M NASCAR technology & remote race control• Short track & road course performance updates• NASCAR’s expansion into new & historic venues• The non-stop “non-racing season”This is essential viewing for NASCAR fans, race teams, OEMs, engineers, and motorsports professionals who want to understand where the sport is heading next.RACE INDUSTRY WEEK was brought to you by:ETS Racing Fuels, Penske Racing Shocks, ARP, Inc., Scott Lewis Associates, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, PEAK, Crower, & CTech Manufacturing.#NASCAR #JohnProbst #NextGenCar #NASCAR2026 #NASCARPlayoffs #NASCARTech#Motorsports #RaceEngineering #StockCarRacing #NASCAROEM #RAMTrucks#NASCARCupSeries #NASCARTrucks #RacingTechnology #MotorsportBusiness#Horsepower #RaceIndustry #EPARTRADE #RaceIndustryNow #MotorsportsInterview