NASCAR more or less confirms the addition of Honda to the manufacturers’ portfolio

For some time now, NASCAR has had a triumvirate of three manufacturers: Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. However, the question must be asked whether the three of them will have control or whether they will be open to competition. After all, F1 has all but blocked Andretti’s attempts to join the party. Perhaps there will come a day in the future when Andretti will finally be allowed to play with the big boys. However, will NASCAR get a new manufacturer before F1 gets a new team?

Recently, NASCAR President Steve Phelps spoke to Fox Sports about the future of the sport, which ranged from the Cup Series schedule to the ongoing charter debate to the possibility of stepping on non-U.S. soil. Then an interesting topic arose about how to attract new manufacturers to join the NASCAR Cup Series. Like any other motorsport, NASCAR wants to grow and prosper, and attracting manufacturers can help that happen.

Steve Phelps teased a possible future NASCAR manufacturer

The inclusion of a fourth OEM in NASCAR has been a topic of conversation for some time now. Although nothing concrete has come out yet, Steve Phelps recently hinted at what Honda’s entry into the Cup Series could be.

While speaking to Fox Sports reporter Chris Myers, Phelps revealed: “So we’re in talks right now, and I can’t say who it is, but we’re in talks right now. I can’t confirm or deny it (Honda might join us). Maybe it’s them, discussions are taking place. Do I think we’re going to get a new OEM? I do. I do not know what to tell you.

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Considering that there has been a gradual transition towards electric and hybrid cars, it would be interesting to see Honda join the fray. Not new to the hybrid vehicle culture, the automaker could do wonders if it joined NASCAR.

Why would Honda be a good candidate to join NASCAR?

In a way, Honda’s arrival makes sense because of its motorsport pedigree. Additionally, it has been reported that Honda may leave the IndyCar series due to concerns over costs and the hybrid program. With Honda’s contract set to last until the end of the 2026 season and his desire to return to the Formula 1 arena, why not add NASCAR to his resume?

The best part is that Honda is no stranger to hybrid or electric technology in its cars. Last year, the Japanese giant introduced a CR-V Hybrid Racer, an electrified 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged IndyCar V6 engine. This proves that Honda knows this technology. So it wouldn’t be a stretch to expect them to take on the challenge of NASCAR. Plus, it could give them bragging rights to take on Toyota.

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