The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to kick off with plenty of excitement and speculation. As drivers and teams prepare for another grueling year, NASCAR is facing one of its biggest challenges yet, i.e. securing the future of its official fuel supplier. NASCAR is facing major business decisions that could shape the sport’s future.

One of the biggest concerns is the future of Sunoco’s partnership. The fuel supplier, which has been NASCAR’s official fuel provider since 2004, has not yet agreed to a new deal beyond 2025. With no extension in place, NASCAR may have to look for a new fuel partner. However, amid the speculations, NASCAR president Steve Phelps reveals how the sport plans to grow in the future.

Sunoco fights with uncertainties!

Sunoco has been NASCAR’s official fuel supplier since 2004, replacing ConocoPhillips 76. Over the years, the company has played a crucial role in providing high-performance fuel for all three national racing series. However, with Sunoco’s deal set to expire after 2025, there is no extension in place. Sources indicate that NASCAR is exploring other options.

Recently, NASCAR president Steve Phelps revealed that the sanctioning body is working with its manufacturers to determine the future of the sport. “What’s the (future) power plant going to look like? What’s the fuel going to look like? What is the body style going to look like? How do we differentiate the series?’ All those things we are working with our (original equipment) partners on today,” Phelps was quoted saying this via Sports Business Journal.

Notably, Sunoco is shifting its focus and expanding its partnerships in other racing series and segments. The company has already entered Formula 1 through a sponsorship deal with Stake F1 Team. It has also started backing NASCAR Truck Series driver Toni Breidinger and former driver Kenny Wallace’s social media content. These moves suggest that Sunoco is spreading its resources across multiple platforms instead of committing solely to stock car racing divisions.

Meanwhile, NASCAR is expected to begin discussions with other fuel brands in the coming months. Big names like ExxonMobil and Shell could be potential replacements. NASCAR’s IMSA sports car series already works with VP Racing Fuels, making them another option. This all comes when the current manufacturers are working on electric and hybrid model cars behind the scenes.

There have been growing rumors about NASCAR developing an electric racing series. Last year, the organization launched an EV prototype, signaling its interest in testing alternative energy solutions. Recently, Ford unveiled an electric NASCAR prototype based on the Mustang Mach-E. The vehicle comes with features like a 78.0 kWh battery, carbon fiber body panels for reduced weight, and a three-motor setup expected to exceed 1,500 horsepower.

An all-electric NASCAR Cup Series is unlikely soon, but NASCAR could introduce hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles shortly. The sanctioning body might be waiting for some serious solutions to replace the Sunoco fuel, which is causing delays. However, there is another issue that might be a reason behind delays, and that is NASCAR’s bid for a fourth manufacturer.

Trending

1

Ryan Blaney Snatches Up $70 Billion Sponsor as They Leave Struggling F1 Team in the Dumps

2

NASCAR Rumors: Chase Elliott’s Billion Dollar Sponsor to File Bankruptcy One Year After Ugly Exit

3

NASCAR Ready to Steal Roger Penske’s Massive Loss Amidst 4th Manufacturer Rumors

4

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gets His Own Detectives to Unravel a Mystery of His Father’s Legacy

5

NASCAR Rumors: $41B Japanese Giant to Outrun Dodge to Become NASCAR’s 4th Manufacturer Days After New Reports

NASCAR’s aim to secure a fourth manufacturer

While NASCAR works to solidify its current partnerships, it is also actively pursuing a fourth manufacturer to compete alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. For months, Honda was rumored to be the frontrunner to join the sport. NASCAR executives previously confirmed that a new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is in talks with them.

Speaking about getting another manufacturer on board, the NASCAR president had said, “I won’t get into exactly where those are and who they are, but we have a close OE. That OE has buyouts from those that are in the racing portion of that. So, it just comes down to the business portion and can we strike a deal that is advantageous for them and us?”

Notably, until 2012, NASCAR used to have four manufacturers. However, after financial struggles and issues with regulations, Dodge moved away from the sport. Since then, NASCAR has been running with only three manufacturers. Now a sustainable fuel technology and the current Next Gen platform could lure potential manufacturers. But, given the uncertainty surrounding NASCAR as a sport with charter disputes and outgoing sponsors, it is hard to predict what the sport could look like in the next few years.