The talk of a new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) joining NASCAR has dominated headlines in recent weeks. From Honda being linked as the sport’s fourth manufacturer to Dodge making a resurgent comeback, rumors have been circulating for quite a while, with no end in sight. However, the sport’s president Steve Phelps has remained bullish about the prospect in several interviews, going as far as to confirm that “robust discussions” have been held with a new manufacturer to join the stock car racing series.

It seems he isn’t the only one with an optimistic appraisal of the situation. Doug Yates, President/CEO of Roush Yates Engines also shed light on the matter, amidst genuine interest from multiple OEMs.

Yates is confident about NASCAR’s OEM prospects

In 2003, Roush Yates Engines was created by Robert Yates, Doug Yates, and Jack Roush in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company to create world-class engines that would feature at the highest levels of motorsports. As things stand, they are currently the primary builder of Ford engines in the Cup and Xfinity Series, as well as for Ford Performance teams and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series. The company and Hendrick Motorsports are the top engine builders in the sport, with Rick Hendrick’s side supplying for Chevrolet.

Taking these factors into account, it’s fair to say that Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines may have some inside knowledge about a fourth OEM potentially joining the sport. Expressing his optimism at the prospect, the 57-year-old told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, “It’s definitely moving in the right direction and I think we’ll see new OEMs in the Cup Series in 3 to 4 to 5 years.” Considering Yates’ confidence, the former NASCAR team owner may know something that the rest of the motorsports community is blissfully unaware of at the moment.

The sport has been stuck with Honda, Toyota, and Chevy for over a decade as Dodge’s departure in 2012 left a gaping void that is yet to be filled. The stage is set perfectly for a new manufacturer to join in, especially at the back of an extremely competitive 2024 season. Unlike Formula 1 where Red Bull Racing has dominated the field or IndyCar where teams rely on Honda and Chevrolet, NASCAR has an open field ripe where a new OEM can become competitive almost immediately.

Honda has been the biggest name linked to join NASCAR. As things stand, the Japanese manufacturer supports more than half of the IndyCar field but has faced various challenges in recent years. Rising costs of producing the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines as well as being responsible for 16 to 18 teams has resulted in a financial strain for the company. Given the circumstances, there is a high likelihood that the manufacturer will not renew its engine supply contract beyond 2026, which may pave the way for the company to join NASCAR.

Former OEM files formal submission to make a sensational return

It seems like things are finally in motion for NASCAR on the OEM front. Even though significant financial investment as well as the continued use of V8 engines has proved to be a stumbling block for manufacturers joining the sport in the past, it seems like NASCAR has finally turned a corner in this regard. According to recent reports, former manufacturer Dodge is keen to make a return to the sport and has allegedly sent a formal request to the governing body to compete in the Truck Series in the foreseeable future.

According to Catchfence as reported by Sports Business Journal’s Adam Fence, “NASCAR has received a formal submission from a manufacturer aiming to join Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota in the [Truck] series next year. According to sources, Dodge is the leading candidate to return to the sport.” It’s been over a decade since the company withdrew its official support from the NASCAR world, but a potential comeback will get fans excited at the prospect once again.

Dodge has enjoyed significant success in the Truck Series before. The company has won the Manufacturers’ Championship thrice before, in 2001, 2003, and 2004 when Bobby Hamilton Sr. won the championship in NASCAR’s third tier. The OEM’s reentry into the sport will be easier than its previous tenure, as the introduction of the Ilmor spec engine in 2018 has reduced costs for teams while making it easier for manufacturers to integrate into the sport. The American brand is also looking to return to the Cup Series in 2018 and is exploring engine manufacturers to make that ambition a reality. Could this be where Honda comes in? Time will tell.