Cup Series teams get a big break as NASCAR eases key regulation

NASCAR has passed a new rule that allows teams to carry a backup car with an engine pre-installed. The exemption makes it easier for teams to switch to a backup car in case of a wreck.

Teams already travel with an extra engine every race, but having it pre-installed saves up a lot of time and effort in a pressure-filled race weekend. Till now, whenever a team had to switch to a backup car, the engine had to be disassembled from the wrecked car and mounted onto the new one after strenuous hours reconnecting fuel lines, wiring, and cooling components.

NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass shared an X post detailing the new rule.

"NASCAR is allowing Cup organizations to have one of its backup cars to have an engine installed in it (one per organization). Previously, they were not installed as a cost-saving measure," he wrote.

Bob Pockrass

@bobpockrass

NASCAR is allowing Cup organizations to have one of its backup cars to have an engine installed in it (one per organization). Previously, they were not installed as a cost-saving measure.

In 2018, NASCAR mandated teams to use 13 short-block engines for 26 races, followed by an engine of choice for the final 10. This was also done to keep production costs low. The disadvantage, however, is that teams have to gamble with reliability and potentially serve penalties when swapping engines.

Notably, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney endured multiple engine failures throughout the 2025 season. The issue could've been avoided if the sancitoning body had allowed more engines.

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NASCAR insider delves into Chevrolet's new body

Bob Pockrass shared an image of Chevrolet's body style for 2026, along with key details about the revamped version. He also revealed that Hendrick Motorsports' Alex Bowman had already run a test session with the new body.

"The new Chevy body for Cup in 2026 follows the Camaro ZL1 Carbon Performance Package accessories kit. It has larger hood power dome, a revised front grille, and more pronounced rocker panels (fyi Alex Bowman did test with new body at Bristol tire test this week)," Pockrass wrote.

With the discontinuation of Chevy's Camaro line, the car maker has used the opportunity to make an overhaul and close the gap with Ford and Toyota. In another X post, Pockrass clarified the viability of the changes, writing,

"Chevrolet no longer has Camaro in production but NASCAR is grandfathering in body style. Chevy wanted some changes to be more competitive. So using an accessory package (where u can get add-ons to a Camaro) that changes body a little bit that has allowed them to change Cup body."

Rick Hendrick had previously hinted at a car reveal and was excited for the update. Despite winning the 2025 championship, Kyle Larson couldn't win any races in the playoffs. The four-car outfit as a whole couldn't compete with the Fords and the Toyotas. Notably, Toyota swept the Round of 16 when Joe Gibbs Racing drivers each won a race.