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The NASCAR Brasil Series officially unveiled its 2026 car in a live Instagram broadcast, which was later shared across social media. The launch featured smoke and lighting effects to highlight the new design. This unveiling marks a significant step forward in the series, distinct from the challenges faced by the Stock Car Pro Series.
RiSE26 @NASCARBrasil 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/zLycVVuyWS
“RISE26: The evolution has arrived! This Tuesday in São Paulo, NASCAR Brasil unveiled the car that opens a new chapter in the category. Lighter, more powerful, and with cutting-edge technology, RISE26 symbolizes not only technical innovation but also a forward-thinking mindset for national motorsport. 80kg less, 60HP more, improved safety and maintenance, inspired by the NextGen project from NASCAR US. The future has begun, and it accelerates with NASCAR Brazil.”
– NASCAR Brasil on Instagram
Current NASCAR Brasil Series cars run a 3.6L V6 producing 300 horsepower. The RiSE26, developed over two years and tested for 5,000 km, introduces key changes: output rises to 360 HP (+60), while weight drops to 960 kg (–80). Drivers will begin testing the cars soon, with teams receiving them in October 2025 for final assembly.
Most fans praised the design and performance upgrades, while some argue that the changes are too modest. Speculation also surrounds a potential playoff format for 2026, although nothing has been confirmed. Discussions included adding new circuits, with a clear desire for more oval tracks, and setting the goal of having four global oval stages by 2026.
The latter is a relevant development, as the NASCAR Cup Series may have plans to head to Brazil soon, as new TV deals were made in the country, and interest from commissioner Steve Phelps was made clear.
Fans were apprehensive after recent Stock Car Pro Series developments, but the reveal proved a breath of fresh air, confirming NASCAR Brasil will retain its traditional stock car design.
The NASCAR Brasil Series and the Stock Car Pro Series are separate entities within Brazilian motorsport, each with its own identity. In contrast, the Stock Car Pro Series, formerly Stock Car Brasil, transitioned to SUV-based cars in 2025, aligning with Brazil’s SUV market trends. The shift has led to significant backlash due to design disapproval, performance issues, and reliability concerns.
The Stock Car Pro Series has faced turmoil since introducing SUV-based cars. Drivers such as Felipe Massa and Bruno Baptista were fined R$100,000 (about US$20,000) each for criticizing the cars’ performance and reliability. At Velopark, engine failures were rampant, with Massa reporting five breakdowns in five races. Other drivers, including Gabriel Casagrande, Ricardo Zonta, and Vicente Orige, noted issues such as overheating, turbine problems, and electronic management failures. The sanctioning body responded by reducing race times and eliminating mandatory pit stops. Additionally, one race, originally scheduled for June 29th, was postponed to September 28th to allow for “additional time for adjustments.”
Furthermore, the 2025 Belo Horizonte event was canceled due to insufficient time for safe circuit setup and a legal action by the Ministério Público Federal over noise pollution affecting a nearby veterinary hospital. The event was moved to Cascavel, but the issues persisted, damaging the series’ reputation and image among fans. These challenges provide a contrasting backdrop, highlighting the different path taken by the NASCAR Brasil Series, which continues to grow quickly in the country after being officially licensed by NASCAR in 2023.
The 2026 car marks a new chapter for the NASCAR Brasil Series, focusing on “evolution rather than revolution.” More details on its integration into the series, impact on race dynamics, calendar, and points format are expected soon. Stay tuned to The Daily Downforce for further updates.
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