In March 2012, Roger Penske stood at a crossroads. His team was one of the strongest in NASCAR, yet he felt they needed more. Penske Racing was Dodge’s flagship partner as they were carrying the hopes of the legendary American manufacturer. But Penske wasn’t satisfied. “We need to win NASCAR Sprint Cup championships and we’ve been trying to do it alone,” Penske declared. The solution? Switching manufacturers. Just months later, Brad Keselowski delivered Dodge its first NASCAR Cup Series title in a decade. But behind the celebrations, a harsh reality loomed. Penske had already made his choice. By 2013, the team moved to Ford, leaving Dodge without a competitive Cup team. With no powerful alliance and rising costs, Dodge had to exit the sport.

Since then, the sport has moved forward with just three manufacturers, i.e. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. But could that be about to change? Reports indicate that Dodge is on the verge of re-entering NASCAR. This comes at a time when Japanese automobile giant Honda was also looking for a run-in stock car.

Dodge’s NASCAR Return comes a step closer to reality

Dodge’s comeback has been the talk of the NASCAR world. The American muscle car giant is reportedly in talks to return to the sport through the Craftsman Truck Series as early as 2026. Sources suggest that NASCAR is reviewing Dodge’s formal submission for approval. If granted, the manufacturer will join Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota in the Truck Series. This will also set the stage for their potential return to the Cup Series.

It’s worth noting that in 1995 when Dodge made its return to NASCAR, it started with the Truck series before joining the Cup series in 2001. Their return to the sport will also bring back its glorious past. Notably, Dodge was once a powerhouse in NASCAR. From its dominant 1960s era with the 426 Hemi engine to its championship-winning run with Brad Keselowski in 2012, the manufacturer has seen both highs and lows. But one name stands out in its storied history, i.e., Richard Petty.

The King’s journey with Dodge started in the early 70s when his Petty Enterprises collaborated with the American giants. In 1972, Petty won his first championship with Dodge but the dominance was far from arrival. In 1974, Dodge launched the iconic Dodge Charger which led Petty to multiple championships, including back-to-back titles in 1974 and 1975. Between those two seasons, he won an astonishing 23 races. In 1978, NASCAR officially banned the car due to its 4-year-old car policy.

Petty’s iconic No. 43 Dodge Charger became one of the most expensive cars in NASCAR history. In 2018, it was sold for half a million dollars in a car auction. Now, with Dodge on the verge of a comeback, the connection to Petty’s legacy is impossible to ignore. The return of an American classic could spark nostalgia and excitement among fans. However, Dodge isn’t the only manufacturer eyeing a spot in NASCAR. Honda has been heavily rumored as the next big name to enter the sport.

The Japanese automaker, which currently competes in IndyCar and Formula 1, is reportedly exploring NASCAR as a new motorsports venture. With its rivals like Toyota already making waves in the sport, Honda would be keen to join NASCAR. Their 2/3rd manufacturing and business come from the American market, which could influence their decision to join the sport. But which manufacturer will join the sport? While fans continue to speculate, NASCAR President Steve Phelps has hinted that more than one new manufacturer could join the sport.

A few months ago, Phelps had suggested that the sport is targeting up to five manufacturers. RFK Team owner cum driver Brad Keselowski has also spoken about the need for more manufacturers. “The OEM picture and landscape is a significant threat. NASCAR’s been operating with three OEMs now for probably a decade, decade, and a half. I feel like the sport needs about four, maybe five OEMs to be in its max healthy position,” said Keselowski.

Notably, if Dodge and Honda both join, NASCAR could see its largest manufacturer lineup in over a decade. The next few months will be crucial, and NASCAR’s decision will shape the future of the sport. While the change is certain, Keselowski fears that Elo Musk might challenge NASCAR’s plans to expand its manufacturer base.

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Brad Keselowski’s fears Elon Musk!

While NASCAR is focused on adding more manufacturers, Brad Keselowski has a different concern. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the automotive industry, and NASCAR isn’t immune to its impact. As Tesla and other EV brands continue to gain market share, Keselowski fears that traditional car manufacturers could struggle to compete with it. He also fears that if Musk’s Tesla continues to grow, it might affect NASCAR’s plans.

“As we’re seeing companies like Tesla take off and take market share, we’re seeing the Asian market really take off, and take market share from the NASCAR OEMs. And potentially even move into the United States and take market share,” he said. His comments highlight the broader challenge facing NASCAR. While the sport remains rooted in V8-powered race cars, the global auto industry is rapidly transitioning to electric power.

Tesla’s influence on the EV market has been undeniable, and if NASCAR ever shifts towards electrification, the sport could see entirely new players enter the competition. Companies like Tesla or Rivian could disrupt the traditional NASCAR landscape. Notably, NASCAR has already experimented with hybrid technology. At this year’s Daytona 500, they launched another prototype of their EV car powered by ABB.

This shift could pose a challenge for traditional manufacturers. For now, the focus remains on the possible return of Dodge and Honda’s rumored entry into the NASCAR world. If things go well, NASCAR fans might witness the fourth manufacturer as soon as in 2026. But will the sport continue to thrive on American muscle cars or EVs will dominate the market?