Although Honda has emerged as the favorite to join Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota as the fourth OEM, one household American name was in a similar position in the 2000s. Returning to the sport with hopes of reliving their glorious days, Dodge joined the Cup Series led by Jeff Gordon’s race-winning crew chief, Ray Evernham.

In a short period, the renowned manufacturer gave the existing OEMs a run for their money, bringing home a championship with Brad Keselowski in 2012. While Dodge called it quits on the sport after the Gen 6 car debuted, Dale Earnhardt Jr shared how NASCAR is facing a similar situation in 2024 with talks of a new OEM joining.

Talks of ditching the push-rod V8 to welcome a new OEM could recreate the 2000s era

As Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s VP of Competition sat down with Dale Earnhardt Jr on DJD, the executive highlighted one key demand from new OEMs looking to enter the sport. They want to eliminate the existing push-rod, naturally-aspirated V8 powertrain. This led to Sawyer revealing how the sport would have to take inspiration from their IMSA ‘balance of power’ model. With different manufacturers proposing different powertrains to be run, it’s safe to say that the entrance of a new OEM would shuffle up the order.

But to level the playing field, Sawyer shared how they would have to ensure that all cars are close to identical in power output. This reminded Dale Earnhardt Jr of the time when Dodge decided to re-enter NASCAR in the 2000s, following a hiatus after their days of glory in the 50s and 60s. He shared, “It reminds me a lot of, it’s different, but I think it would be very similar to when Dodge came back in. And everybody, even the Fords had different spoilers than the Chevys and the Dodges had different valences than everybody else.”

According to Junior, when Dodge entered, owing to the difference in development, most of the cars were different from each other to make them perform the same. Some cars had more of a ‘kick out’ whereas the balance of power was implemented in others with aero changes. As Junior pointed this out, Sawyer agreed but felt that the Next-Gen car had been better at keeping the cars similar on the aero-front. However, with new OEMs wanting a change in the V8-pushrod setup, NASCAR might have to resort to a similar path.

Sawyer further shared, “That’s a great point. I think the Next Gen car has helped us on the aero side of it to keep all three in the same box, right? So we would have to venture into those steps on the engine architecture side to be able to do the same thing. That will be challenging, but it will take all of our partners on the OEM side to all kind of buy-in to be able to do that.” 

However, it’s yet to be seen if all of the existing OEMs agree to introduce changes that would make the Cup Series comfortable for newcomers, Dale Earnhardt Jr believes the future of the sport is in safe hands.

Earnhardt Jr gives Elton Sawyer his props as he shared faith in NASCAR execs

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While many newer fans may know of Elton Sawyer as NASCAR’s senior VP of Competition, the executive is no stranger to fighting it out with drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr, on the track. Through a decorated career spanning over 20 years in the Xfinity Series, Sawyer brought in 131 top tens and two wins. This fact makes Earnhardt Jr believe that Sawyer is one of the most ideal candidates to help mold NASCAR’s future.

Other than great individuals such as Steven O’Donnell, Mike Helton, and John Probst, who have led NASCAR in the past, Elton Sawyer is among the few that Junior believes understands what drivers, team owners, and fans truly want. Junior shared, “Especially on the competition side, you’ll be the guy, right now at least, that the teams go to when they have an issue with how things are done at the race track, during the actual event.”

Owing to Sawyer’s experience, Junior feels that the former Huffman Racing driver can help NASCAR bridge the gap between business and passion, ensuring no side outshines the other. Junior concluded, “You’re a huge asset with all of your experience over the years. Driving race cars and being a part of the sport, its gotta be a massive value to them. And they did a great job allowing you to have the responsibilities and roles that you’ve had over the years. We’re in really good hands.”

After taking a look at Earnhardt Jr’s confidence in NASCAR’s VP of Competition and the direction the sport is headed, do you think a new OEM may commit sooner rather than later?