After Failed Dodge Partnership Attempt 10 Years Ago, $40 Million Worth American Giant Begins NASCAR Bid

Officially pulling out of NASCAR in 2012 amid financial difficulties, Chrysler-owned Dodge ended their NASCAR journey.

Team Penske, who had fielded Dodge cars for years, signed with Ford for the 2013 season. With their trusted partners leaving, there were speculations of Dodge tying up with Richard Childress Racing for a while, but that deal never came to fruition. 

While Dodge’s NASCAR future is uncertain, Andretti Autosport sparked hopes of tying up with Dodge for a foray into NASCAR. While rumors of unofficial talks between Dodge and Andretti did rounds in 2012, the inability to secure an established engine builder led to Dodge eventually leaving NASCAR. With the partnership failing to materialize, Andretti Autosport stuck to their IndyCar venture. Fast forward to 2023, Andretti Autosport is again looking forward to fulfilling its NASCAR dream. 

IndyCar Giant Andretti Autosport to Join NASCAR?

Competing in the IndyCar Series, Formula E, IMSA, and the Australian Supercars, American auto racing giant, Andretti Autosport has won the Indianapolis 500 six times. Currently, on an expansion spree, the Andretti Autosport team is applying for an expansion slot after being admitted to F1.

Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti had earlier revealed in January that he is looking forward to dipping his toes in NASCAR. Going by reports from Adam Stern, it looks like Michael Andretti’s dream is close to being fulfilled. Stern revealed that the Andretti Autosport owner is already in talks with NASCAR for his future venture. With the 2023 season midway, it is possible the $40 million worth Andretti owner will make his NASCAR debut in the following seasons. The deets of the talks and expansion strategies are unknown, but there are speculations of Andretti Autosport partnering up with an existing NASCAR team for its maiden run.

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Can Andretti Autosport Make a Dent in the NASCAR Series?

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Money can never make up for capability, and although Andretti Autosport has money, its capability sure outshines its worth. Led by former racing driver Michael Andretti, the team has won the IndyCar Series championships four times in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2012. Michael Andretti himself is a successful driver in the history of American open-wheel car racing. He won the 1991 CART PPG Indy Car World Series and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008.

What stands out for Michael Andretti’s interest in NASCAR is his father, Mario Andretti, competed in NASCAR, winning the esteemed Daytona 500 in 1967. Mario Andretti is also the 1978 F1 world champion. Notably, Michael Andretti’s late cousin, John Andretti, also competed in NASCAR. Michael Andretti’s son, Marco Andretti currently competes in the IndyCar Series.

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With a rich generational racing history, Andretti Autosports entering NASCAR is bound to disrupt the current balance of power held by the top teams.