Chevrolet announced on March 22 that its sixth-generation Camaro will “retire at the conclusion of model year 2024.” This has since raised questions on what this means for Chevrolet’s future in NASCAR and other forms of auto racing.
Will Chevrolet be able to continue its running of Camaros or will the manufacturer need to find something new to stay in NASCAR?
Chevrolet addresses NASCAR future beyond 2024, clarification received on the sport’s rules
Chevrolet has been a part of NASCAR since the 1955 season and the manufacturer puts its best foot forward every year. Since its debut, Chevrolet has won 41 Manufacturers’ Championships which is by far the most in NASCAR history.
This was highlighted by an incredible 13 straight titles from 2003 to 2015 before Ford and Toyota took five straight championships between 2016 and 2020. Then, Chevrolet took its spot back at the top during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
With Chevrolet being the most successful manufacturer in NASCAR history, it is closely monitored by fans around the world. This is why news of the Camaro being discontinued started to raise questions as they wondered what it meant for its NASCAR future.
Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president, Performance and Motorsports, gave the manufacturer’s plan for its auto racing future in Chevrolet’s press release as it has a place in several different series.
“Chevrolet’s products and our relationship with our customers benefit from motorsports. Our plan is to continue to compete and win at the highest levels of auto racing.”
Jim Campbell on Chevrolet’s future in auto racing
The manufacturer also stated that “Camaro will continue to compete on track, working with motorsports sanctioning bodies to ensure Chevrolet’s presence in racing moving forward.”
NASCAR then clarified a rule to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass on whether the Camaro would be allowed to race on the track during the 2024 season. Since the Camaro was a production vehicle during the original submission, Chevrolet can run the vehicle in NASCAR beyond the 2024 season.
It is completely up to the manufacturer for how long they want to continue with the Camaro in NASCAR. This is good news for everyone who supports Chevrolet as it will allow the transition to a new vehicle to come on its own terms.
With the rumors of Chevrolet joining Formula 1 flying around the two racing series, it does bring up a question of whether the manufacturer will see any drops in performances if they do make the move in 2026.
Related: Jimmie Johnson releases several big updates on his schedule in NASCAR for 2023
Chevrolet talks about interest in Formula 1, possible changes in NASCAR approach
In January, Andretti Autosport paired with General Motors in pursuit of a Formula 1 entry as early as the 2026 season. This means Chevrolet would be joining the racing series with the American-based team if they are accepted.
While Formula 1 teams are trying to significantly raise the entry fee for newcomers, this has also created questions about Chevrolet’s future in the NASCAR Cup Series. Would this new journey potentially hurt their NASCAR efforts?
Campbell talked about how joining Formula 1 would affect the NASCAR teams backed by the manufacturer ahead of the Daytona 500 in February.
“I would say for (Chevrolet), we are early in the process. Just this past week we submitted our expression of interest to the FIA, so there are a number of steps before we would be considered in the series…So, I would just say we are early in the process, but this would be complimentary and we believe in the platform as a way to bring value to our company, but also to promote our bands and driver business.”
Jim Campbell on Chevrolet’s future in Formula 1 and the impact for NASCAR
It appears that Chevrolet believes a potential entry into Formula 1 would end up benefiting its NASCAR teams. This is not surprising as the manufacturer competes in the NTT IndyCar Series with no issues as well.
Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks has come out and expressed his love for Chevrolet amid Toyota’s plan to expand its program starting in 2024. If there were truly any concerns, maybe Marks would not have ruled out Trackhouse Racing switching sides.
With the Camaro coming to a halt and a Formula 1 entry possibly on the way, Chevrolet will still try to continue its excellence in NASCAR as the sport is better off with the manufacturer being a part of the action.