NASCAR officials say they are “very close” to getting a fifth manufacturer in the Cup Series, and Honda is the strong favorite.
According to Sports Business Journal, NASCAR EVP John Probst confirmed the serious talks. He said, “We’re very close to a deal with another carmaker.”
This comes after Ram officially announced they will return to the Truck Series in 2026, which will bring the current OEM count to four. The fifth manufacturer, believed to be Honda, would be at the Cup Series level.
NASCAR’s move to hybrid powertrains (expected as early as 2026) is the reason for the current talks. Honda’s expertise in hybrid and electrified propulsion from Formula 1 to consumer models makes them a good fit for the series’ changes.
At the same time, the Japenese manufacturer is reevaluating their long-term commitment to IndyCar with an engine contract that will expire after 2026. Rising costs have pushed Honda to warn they may pull out entirely unless the series makes broader changes or put in place cost-sharing measures. That would free up budget and attention, and make NASCAR an even more attractive platform for expansion.
Honda has not publicly committed but did acknowledge ongoing evaluations. “We’re always assessing motorsports opportunities in the U.S., but we have nothing to announce at this time,” American Honda spokesperson Chuck Schifsky told multiple outlets.
Toyota executive Ed Laukes has said hybrid integration would be key to getting manufacturers like Honda or Hyundai to NASCAR.
Sources in the garage continue to point to Honda as the front runner. Bob Pockrass and others have reported increasing technical talks between Honda’s motorsport division and NASCAR’s engine group.
Honda is not currently aligned with any NASCAR team, but RFK Racing (co-owned by Brad Keselowski ) has been mentioned in speculative conversations as a potential partner if Honda were to enter. Alledgedly, Keselowski is in favor of Honda coming in, but RFK is currently committed to Ford.
Most think if the Japenese manufacturer does come in, they will go straight to the Cup Series . Though a phased rollout through the Xfinity or Truck Series is possible. If Honda comes in it would be the first new manufacturer in the Cup Series since Toyota in 2007. And also the first outside of the Ford–Chevrolet–Toyota triangle in over 10 years.
An announcement could come before the end of 2025 depending on hybrid regulations and manufacturer alignment.
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