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

For years, NASCAR has been searching for a fourth manufacturer to join its premier Cup Series. The sport has been dominated by Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, but officials have made it clear that expansion is a priority. In 2024, NASCAR president Steve Phelps teased this possibility, and said, “We have an OEM that is close.” Fans have since been eagerly awaiting an official announcement.

As the 2025 season continues, a fresh wave of rumors about the fourth manufacturer is waving high in the NASCAR world. Ahead of the Daytona 500, there were media reports that NASCAR had received an official entry request for a fourth manufacturer. Insiders reported that Dodge would make a return after a decade-long hiatus. However, fresh waves of rumors suggest that Japanese automobile giant Honda is the front-runner to join the sport.

Honda to expand its presence in the motorsports world!

The last time NASCAR had four manufacturers competing was in 2012. Brad Keselowski led Dodge to the Cup series championship before the manufacturer pulled out of the sport. Since then, rumors of a Dodge comeback have remained strong. Last week, the speculations were all-time high when NASCAR journalist Adam Stern reported that Dodge and RAM were eyeing a Truck Series entry.

However, days after the Daytona 500, NASCAR insider Spider recently revealed a major twist in the ongoing saga. On his podcast, he stated that a “reliable source” told him Honda is the leading candidate to join NASCAR. He acknowledged his skepticism but emphasized that Honda’s potential entry is worth watching.

“Honda inclusion would be third, and again, I’m skeptical of that just because other trusted beat reporters, i.e., Adam Stern, are reporting otherwise by saying RAM and Dodge could potentially join the truck series. However, who’s to say Honda isn’t? Steve Phelps said NASCAR could potentially welcome a fourth and fifth manufacturer, so theoretically, we could get two. I think Honda would be great,” Spider revealed.

If true, this would mark a major shift in the sport’s direction. Honda’s inclusion in NASCAR has been rumored for years, but recent developments suggest that it could now be a serious possibility. Notably, Honda is one of the most dominant manufacturers in motorsports. They have built a strong reputation in Formula 1 as their engines powered Red Bull Racing to four consecutive championships with Max Verstappen.

Honda has also been a major player in IndyCar. They have won multiple championships, including the 2023 title with Alex Palou at Chip Ganassi Racing. Apart from open-wheel racing, the $41B Japanese Giant has a massive presence in the American automotive market. Honda manufactures nearly two-thirds of its vehicles in the United States, making NASCAR a logical next step. The stock car series has always been an effective marketing tool, and Honda could benefit greatly from expanding into this space.

Additionally, Honda can study Toyota’s successful transition into NASCAR. The Japanese automobile giant has been phenomenal with teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and others. Recently, Chase Briscoe clinched Toyota’s first pole in Daytona just to get penalized by NASCAR for illegal changes in the car. Despite the setback, the car’s speed was visible, and it reflected Toyota’s competitiveness. Notably, Honda’s potential entry could bring in fresh talent, additional sponsorship money, and greater competition.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. warns NASCAR fans!

While many NASCAR fans are excited about the prospect of a fourth manufacturer, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has voiced concerns. The NASCAR Hall of Famer believes that bringing in a new OEM could lead to significant changes that may not sit well with traditional fans. On a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, he questioned the motivations behind a new manufacturer’s entry.

“The main concern for me is, what are we willing to do to get them in? Oh man, I’m not going to like any of it. Is it hybrid engines? Is it less horsepower? What is their hesitation? In NASCAR, we’ve had V8 engines and carburetors forever…That’s kind of American. You got to be careful about how you evolve away from that,” Dale Jr. said.

Notably, over the years, NASCAR has gradually reduced horsepower limits, moving from 900 hp in 2014 to just 670 hp in 2022. With manufacturers increasingly focused on hybrid and electric technology, a new OEM could push NASCAR further in that direction. During the 2024 Chicago Street Race, NASCAR unveiled its first hybrid prototype. They also displayed the ABB NASCAR EV at this year’s Daytona 500.

While the move was seen as a step toward modernizing the sport, Earnhardt Jr. believes it could lead to an identity crisis. For now, NASCAR’s search for a fourth manufacturer continues. Whether it’s Honda, Dodge, or another surprise entrant, one thing is certain—big changes could be on the horizon.