NASCAR Cup Series stars issue verdict on horsepower increase for COTA

NASCAR Cup Series action is back at COTA this weekend, with teams running their 750hp package for the first time at the track.

Intended to boost the quality of racing, the 750hp package will be run at ovals shorter than 1.5 miles, as well as road courses this year, a bump from the standard 670hp in the Next Gen car.

Its critics have complained that the 80hp bump is too marginal to make a real difference, but a number of drivers seemed cautiously optimistic in Austin this weekend.

Tyler Reddick will be on pole for Sunday's race, with Ross Chastain alongside him on the front row and road course monster Shane van Gisbergen starting down in 13th – a setup which promises some exciting racing as Reddick goes for his third straight win to start the season and SVG looks for his sixth straight road course victory.

NASCAR RACE TODAY: COTA start times, schedule, how to watch live on TV and stream

What NASCAR drivers said about the 750hp package

Carson Hovecar: “I feel like tire wear is probably going to be a little bit more of an issue, or at least higher heat, which could have more comers and goers and probably reward the guys that can create speed without upsetting the tires.

"Just being able to make speed while keeping it under control and being on the limit there. So, yeah, I think there could be opportunities for more passing if guys really burn up their stuff early.”

Ryan Blaney: “Yeah, I'm excited to feel it. I think you'll definitely feel it on road courses, especially like the first gear corners, kind of trying to accelerate out of them. You're gonna have to be a little bit more easy on the gas pedal. So, yeah. Time will tell. We will see."

Chris Buescher: "It's all kind of come together and we've been able to make steps where everybody feels like we're heading in the right direction. So, this will be the first real test of it.

"It was so cold in Bowman Gray and it was a little tricky to get a read on the power side of things. This will be a good test as we head into some of these short tracks. We get a better read."