NASCAR Needs Dedicated 1000 Horsepower Qualifying Engines

Qualifying has become more of a formality than a part of the show. But, according to Parker Kligerman in a recent episode of the Money Lap podcast, there is one thing that could change that… 

Qualifying should be a spectacle of speed. It should set the tone for the weekend where drivers aren’t just driving the cars around the track but rather hanging on and straddling the edge of speed and control. How can we get back to the days where watching qualifying was just as thrilling as watching the race?

Parker’s Proposal: 1000 Horsepower Qualifying Engines 

Kligerman's suggestion comes at a time when NASCAR's qualifying sessions have become somewhat predictable, with teams and drivers often employing strategic moves that don't necessarily showcase the cars' maximum capabilities. His solution? "Qualifying engines in the NASCAR Cup Series for all the big tracks," he stated emphatically.

The concept of qualifying engines isn't entirely new in motorsports, but it's a novel idea for NASCAR, where engines are typically built for endurance over a race weekend rather than outright speed in a single lap. Kligerman proposes that each team would be allowed one qualifying engine per year, specifically designed for use in qualifying sessions at tracks over a mile in length. This engine would be unrestricted, potentially offering 1,000 horsepower or more, to be used solely for the purpose of qualifying.

"Why not bring qualifying back to being something exciting worth seeing?" Kligerman questioned, pointing out the potential for these high-powered engines to create some of the most exhilarating qualifying laps in NASCAR history. He described scenarios where cars reach speeds unheard of in the current era, bringing a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the start of a race weekend.

Weighing the Cost And Benefits

Kligerman's proposal isn't without its challenges, notably the cost and logistics of implementing an entirely separate engine program dedicated to qualifying. However, he argues that the benefits, particularly in terms of fan engagement and the spectacle of the sport, could far outweigh these concerns. "The Daytona 500 qualifying now [could be] 230 mph," he mused, illustrating the dramatic impact such a change could have on NASCAR's most prestigious event.

NASCAR Isn’t Afraid of Changes

This wouldn’t be the first time that NASCAR has made massive and fundamental changes to qualifying in an attempt to make it more interesting. (See group qualifying) In fact, NASCAR has been tinkering with the qualifying format over the past decade with the introduction and reintroduction of concepts like A-B group qualifying, knockout qualifying, heat races, etc. NASCAR has made yet another overhaul of qualifying rules in 2024. 

Through all these changes, qualifying has lost its charm. Rather than another change to the format, perhaps it’s time to look for answers under the hood… 

Whether NASCAR will entertain such a radical change remains to be seen, but it's clear that ideas like this one could bring back a spark that’s been missing in qualifying for some time. 

Would you be more likely to watch qualifying if the cars had 1000 horsepower engines? Let us know - sound off in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to The Money Lap podcast and our Newsletter for more unconventional and unusual solutions for all of modern motorsports’ problems. 

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