Bubba Wallace among drivers set to test NASCAR’s 750 HP package at Bristol

Ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, the governing body began testing of the 750-horsepower package and opted for 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace for the same. The sanctioning body has appointed three drivers from the three manufacturers in the series for the test scheduled this week.

In October 2025, the NASCAR president, Steve O'Donnell, was featured in an interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. During the episode, O'Donnell confirmed the news of the governing body increasing the horsepower of the NextGen cars from 670 to 750 on selected tracks in the 2026 season.

Following the major change, the stock car association scheduled a test this week on Wednesday and Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway. NASCAR opted for Bubba Wallace as a Toyota representative, Alex Bowman for Chevrolet, and Ryan Preece for Ford. NASCAR aims to determine a tire setup promoting fall-off without excessive wear.

The list of 750-horsepower oval tracks includes Bowman Gray Stadium, Phoenix, Darlington, Martinsville, Bristol, Dover, Nashville, North Wilkesboro, Iowa, Richmond, New Hampshire, and World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. Followed by the road course tracks Circuit of The Americas, Watkins Glen, San Diego, Sonoma, and Charlotte Roval.

Also, the governing body will host two events at the 0.533-mile oval track in the 2026 season. The first race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Food City 500, is scheduled for April 12, 2026. Followed by the playoff race, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, on September 19, 2026.

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“Can’t give two shit”: Bubba Wallace expressed his feelings on 23XI Racing's ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR

In November 2025, 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace appeared in an interview with NASCAR journalist Matt Weaver ahead of the Championship 4 race at Phoenix. During the interaction, Wallace shared his take on his future with his team and the ongoing lawsuit against the governing body.

The situation between 23XI Racing and NASCAR arose when the Cup Series team refused to sign the charter agreement last year. Following that, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against the stock car racing association, accusing CEO Jim France of creating a monopoly in the sport.

Reflecting on that, Bubba Wallace mentioned that he only focuses on improving his performance and taking care of his family. He further explained:

"Honestly, they send out talking points every week, and I never read them because I can honestly tell you I could give two shits. That's it. And y'all can call me crazy for not giving a damn about my future, but why are you worried about what's down the road when you can't even focus on what's right in front of ya?"

"That's the one I'm focused on right now. Whether that is taking care of my kid or going out to qualify here, as lately I've stuck with qualifying so need to figure it all out and not worry about lawsuits. I genuinely don't give a damn," he concluded.

Bubba Wallace wrapped up the 2025 Cup Series season in 11th place with 2256 points. He competed in two playoff rounds before losing his spot in the Round of Eight. Additionally, Wallace clinched one victory, 14 top tens, and six top fives this season.