NASCAR has been trying to add more manufacturers to the roster beyond the current three of Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. The NASCAR rumors are swirling around a fourth manufacturer and maybe even a fifth. The latest reports have Honda and Dodge at the center of this high-stakes game, with insiders, journalists and NASCAR execs all saying change is coming. But will it finally happen this time, or is this just another round of NASCAR’s annual “new manufacturer hype cycle” that never materializes?
Dodge’s return to NASCAR has been one of the sport’s rumors for years. They left in 2012 when Penske switched to Ford, but reports say Dodge (via its Ram brand) is the front-runner to be the next official OEM in NASCAR. According to Catchfence, NASCAR has received a formal application from a manufacturer to join Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota in the Truck Series in 2026, and all signs point to Dodge.
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Dodge’s Long-Awaited Comeback or Honda’s Big Move ?
Veteran journalist Adam Stern agrees with the imminent arrival of a fourth manufacturer, but there’s a twist. NASCAR insider Spider from the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast threw a curveball by saying Honda, not Dodge, is the leader in the race. He admitted he’s skeptical but said his sources have good reason to believe Honda is further along than most think.
Honda’s entry into NASCAR has been a recurring theme since the 2010s. The idea has surfaced multiple times in 2012, 2022 and 2024 and fans have grown tired of the rumors. But these latest whispers are louder than before.
Honda’s exit from IndyCar by 2026 opens up a huge opportunity for them to go into NASCAR. Marshall Pruett, a respected motorsports journalist also added fuel to the fire last year by saying:
“If you’re a Honda fan and you like NASCAR, you’re probably going to be really happy here in the future.”
Also, Honda’s Motorsports Manager, Chuck Schifsky, has said they need a cost-effective racing option. With NASCAR’s Next Gen car reducing costs maybe Honda will see a financially viable way to get into the series.
What’s Holding Things Back?
Dodge and Honda are at the top of the rumor mill, but Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has raised concerns on his Dale Jr. Download podcast about what a new manufacturer could mean for NASCAR. He asked:
“What are we willing to do to get them in? Is it hybrid engines? Is it less horsepower? In NASCAR, we’ve had V8 engines and carburetors forever…That’s kind of American. You got to be careful about how you evolve away from that.”
NASCAR is already testing hybrid prototypes and even unveiled an EV stock car so the shift towards new tech is no surprise. Would Honda go hybrid? Would Dodge’s return keep things traditional?
We’re still waiting on confirmation, but with reports of a formal submission already in, we might finally put an end to the “Boy Who Cried Wolf” saga of manufacturer rumors. Or will we be having this same conversation again next year?
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