NASCAR Close to Adding Fourth Car Manufacturer

What’s Happening?

During Friday’s State of the Sport press conference, NASCAR received questions about future OEMs joining the sport. Rather than the typical response, NASCAR dropped a bit more information on that pursuit than normal.

• NASCAR has been vocal about wanting a new manufacturer to join NASCAR’s ranks in recent years. When asked this at the State of the Sport press conference, NASCAR President Steve Phelps said that they have spoken with several OEMs. However, one is “close” to joining.
• While Phelps would not expand on this, there are many theories as to who it could be. One name that has circled the drain quite a bit in the NASCAR rumor mill for years now is Honda. However, there are no apparent clues as to who this OEM is.
• This year, NASCAR has made it clear that engine changes will factor into a new brand joining the sport. NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer, said that V8 push rod engines were a limiting factor for new OEMs earlier this year on the Dale Jr Download.
• In 2001, NASCAR had four OEMs; however, following 2003, Pontiac departed the sport and was replaced shortly after by Toyota. However, since Dodge left in 2012, fans and NASCAR have clamored for a new brand to throw their hat in the NASCAR ring.
• Phelps further said that five manufacturers is the ideal number for the sport. This specific number leaves room for two new brands to join NASCAR in the coming years.
• Phelps said that negotiations are ongoing with this OEM. However, he reiterated that “I’m cautiously optimistic” about the new OEM. This process also would not be immediate, as there are several things a new OEM would have to do to prepare for NASCAR.

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