After Bitter F1 Rejection, Michael Andretti and Co Target NASCAR Breakthrough With Cup Series Dream

It looks like Dale Earnhardt Jr’s idea of entering the NASCAR Cup Series with the Andrettis could become a reality. Andretti Global is a motorsports mogul, competing in various disciplines of racing. Right from IndyCar, IndyNXT, IMSA, Sportscar, Super COPA, and even Australian Supercars. The only racing series they haven’t been associated with yet are Formula 1 and NASCAR.

Now, we all know how their bid to join F1 ended. Their ambitious plans to enter the F1 circuits in partnership with GM’s Cadillac were foiled by the team principals, who stated they would not add value to the sport. But this rejection isn’t going to deter their ambitions to join the paddock. While they are putting up a plan to enter the F1 world, the prospect of entering the NASCAR Cup Series is also on their agenda. Which was confirmed by Andretti Global President JF Thornman.

NASCAR could soon have a new powerhouse team

F1 champions and IndyCar legend Mario Andretti had previously hinted about their plans to enter stock car racing. “Pretty soon, it’s going to be a home even in [the NASCAR Cup Series], and I hope I’m still alive for that.” However, his admission while speaking on Dale Jr Download sounded like a wish and a far-fetched thought at that moment.

But a recent admission made by JF Thornman via 93.1FMWIBC suggests that Mario’s dream of a NASCAR Cup Series project is in the making. “We’re the only ones that compete in the amount of series that we do. And then the ambition that Mike still has – we still have to close the loop obviously with Formula 1, that’s well-documented – and hopefully NASCAR. Then we’re going to have a race virtually every weekend, and it’ll keep our name out there and keep us busy.” 

Given the setback the Andretti group received in their bid to join Formula 1, NASCAR looks to be a tempting option where they could expand their racing presence. It has to be noted that both Mario and Michael have a history of F1 racing. Especially for Michael, who has some unfinished business in the series after a very short stint as a driver. 2028 is seen as the next window when they could place their bid to join Formula 1, and this in turn could see them trying their luck in the NASCAR Cup Series.

At the moment, it is hard to guess in what capacity Andretti Global will look to kick-start their Cup Series story. But, once again, this could be the right opportunity for Dale Jr to elevate JR Motorsports to the Cup level.

JR Andretti Motorsports could become a reality soon

NASCAR fans have long dreamed of Dale Earnhardt Jr continuing his father’s legacy of running a Cup Series team. Jr has been open about the idea but wasn’t sure if his investment would make sense. Especially at a time when charter negotiations are at a standstill and teams are not content with the revenue splits.

“We’ll see what comes down the road. I’m almost feeling like that if I were to ever get involved in the Cup side, it would be like an investment.” Dale Jr said this prior to his podcast with Mario Andretti, where he jokingly proposed the idea of a joint venture between the two racing families entering the Cup Series.

“If, for whatever reason, you guys want to change. I was going to say, If y’all wanted to change courses, maybe the Earnhardt’s and Andretti’s could team up and buy a couple of NASCAR charters, and we can go NASCAR racing.” In response, Mario acknowledged the idea stating, “Alright, well that’s open too.” But who knew if it would ever turn into reality?

Not to forget, the Big 4 dynamics of the Cup Series are disrupted with the departure of Stewart Haas Racing, and Andretti Autosport is capable of filling that void.