NASCAR is “Very Close” to Landing Fifth Manufacturer

What’s Happening?

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has confirmed the sport is “very close” to bringing in a fifth manufacturer. This comes just after Ram announced its official return to the Truck Series and Dodge plans to return to the Cup Series. While no official name has been disclosed, sources strongly suggest Honda is the leading candidate. If the deal moves forward, a potential debut is targeted for 2027. The last manufacturer to join the Cup Series was Toyota in 2007, and since Dodge left, following the 2012 season, NASCAR has had three manufacturers – Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.

• Honda’s presence in motorsports, particularly in IndyCar and Formula 1, makes it a natural candidate for NASCAR expansion.
• NASCAR’s current rules require manufacturers to submit bodywork for approval two years in advance, meaning a 2026 debut would require formal action by September 2024. Given Honda’s ongoing IndyCar commitments through 2026, a 2027 Cup Series entry is the most realistic scenario.
• Brad Keselowski has reportedly been involved in discussions with Honda, and Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing has emerged as a potential team partner if a deal materializes. While no team alignment has been confirmed, garage speculation continues to focus on RFK as a landing spot.
• NASCAR is also using this opportunity to work closely with current and potential OEMs on hybrid engine development, which is expected to arrive soon. Honda’s hybrid experience could give it a technical advantage in the early planning, making a return more attractive.
• Chuck Schifsky, manager of Honda and Acura Motorsports, confirmed that Honda continues to explore multiple options for its future in U.S. Motorsports. Still, Honda has no news to share at this time.
• Fan and industry reaction has been broadly positive, with most seeing Honda as a great addition to the field. The move could help diversify the grid, increase global relevance, and spark renewed interest in manufacturer competition, helping increase the number of overall viewers and fans.

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