Driver discusses horsepower increase for 2006

Kyle Larson shared some advice on Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway regarding NASCAR's recent announcement about increasing horsepower for the next season.

"I would advise everyone, including fans, not to overhype it as if it will solve everything," Larson stated. "I suggest everyone manage their expectations. It's not drastically different. I recently did a test at Kershaw, and nobody informed me that I had more horsepower, and I didn't really notice it, so I wouldn't say it will feel or look significantly different."

"I'm very excited about it, and I'm pleased that NASCAR and the engine builders have made progress in the right direction," Christopher Bell remarked. "It will definitely impact the races, especially with the tires Goodyear has been providing. A couple of years ago, we discussed how the cars were just locked down on the road courses. I can assure you, last weekend at the Charlotte road course, those cars were anything but locked down, and if you add more horsepower to what we had last week, it's going to be significant. I believe it's a step in the right direction."

John Hunter Nemechek is uncertain about the impact the horsepower increase will have, but he remains hopeful.

"I definitely hope it benefits some of the short tracks in terms of tire degradation, tire wear, managing your equipment, and showcasing performance," Nemechek said. "Who knows how it will turn out? Time will tell, but I'm excited for more horsepower. I think all drivers are from their perspective."

Erik Jones confessed that he has mixed feelings about the horsepower issue. Jones has driven everything from a 900-horsepower car in his first Cup Series race to later driving 750-horsepower cars, 500-horsepower cars, and now 670-horsepower cars.