Doug Yates, a NASCAR engine builder, recently talked about the challenges of juggling the price of higher horsepower engines. Yates stated that although boosting horsepower could enhance Cup Series short-track racing, moving to 900 hp engines would result in a huge increase in expenses. In the Next Gen era, NASCAR has experimented with various tire compositions and aero packages to make overtaking easier, but the short-track racing product has been mediocre. The regulatory body hasn’t changed the engines, though, pointing to the high expenses and durability issues that come with boosting horsepower. According to Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines, engine makers wouldn’t have any trouble raising the Gen-7 car’s output from 670 horsepower to 750 horsepower.
But he pointed out that switching to 900 horsepower engines—which were last utilized ten years ago—would be difficult, expensive, and shorten engine life. “It probably wouldn’t make much of a difference for us now if we increased the power from 670 horsepower to roughly 750 horsepower. However, returning to those 900 horsepower engines would be a significant undertaking and would undoubtedly shorten the engines’ lifespan,” he stated on SiriusXM Radio.
According to Yates, John Probst, NASCAR’s Senior
VP of Racing Development, has a difficult task in resolving the short track package’s shortcomings. He recommended that if Probst and his group choose to dramatically boost horsepower, they should think about the costs associated with it weekend. Team Penske driver Austin Cindric edged RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece at the checkered flag to deliver the milestone win for the legendary engine manufacturer.
Doug Yates paid tribute to the organization’s founders, Jack Roush and Robert Yates, who formerly owned NASCAR teams and joined up with Ford to create Roush Yates engines in 2004. According to SpeedwayMedia.com, Yates stated: “Roush Yates Engines is experiencing a historic time. The accomplishment of 200 Cup Series victories is a tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm of our whole team, our colleagues at Ford Performance, and the amazing drivers and teams we support. Additionally, it’s a chance to commemorate the amazing heritage of Jack Roush and Robert Yates, two NASCAR Hall of Fame engine builders and team owners who came together to create something genuinely unique in racing.
Joey Logano secured the 100th Cup Series victory for Roush Yates Engines in 2016, while Matt Kenseth secured the first victory in 2004. With its 200th victory, Austin Cindric has now contributed to the illustrious organization’s history. Currently, the company provides engines to 17 NASCAR Ford teams.
