Stewart-Haas Tease a Big Announcement; Chase Briscoe & Tony Stewart Set to Unveil

As we leave behind one season and look on to the next, several changes are underway. Yes, the Next Gen cars and their testing are ongoing. However, there have been rumours for months now of new OEMs entering NASCAR, particularly Dodge.

The recent announcement of ‘car unveiling’ by Stewart-Haas Racing, is open to different interpretations – one of which is that of Dodge’s entry next year.

The racing team posted an announcement picture on their Twitter account that pointed towards ‘a major announcement’ on December 10. This event will have owner Tony Stewart and driver Chase Briscoe in attendance and will include “car unveilings.”

Most likely, this could be a simple paint scheme unveiling of their Next Gen car.

However, one shouldn’t look away from the rumors of a comeback by Dodge. The iconic American brand last competed in the Cup Series a decade ago. Dodge remained a part of NASCAR in Truck Series until 2013 and in the Xfinity Series until 2017.

Dodge to Stewart-Haas Racing could happen if we consider Steve Phelps’ comments

Before the last race in Phoenix, NASCAR President Steve Phelps had addressed the media regarding the rumors of a new OEM, including Dodge, in 2022. He revealed that there are discussions that are taking place with OEMs.

He described that the teams and the existing three OEMs, Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, are ‘happy about that‘. However, he won’t commit to any answer yet.

“We’re happy about that. It’s been widely rumored that Dodge is one of those or closest. I won’t confirm or deny that.”

 “I would suggest things are progressing or I would say that things are progressing. When we have something to announce, we will,” he added.

Considering everything, especially when NASCAR’s imminent introduction of a Hybrid Powertrain is estimated to be in 2024, entering the sport doesn’t seem all that sensible in 2022 for any OEM.

This is investing for two years in an engine isn’t a long-term deal. All the companies which are linked as OEMs aren’t short-term thinkers.

Nevertheless, we’ll see what Stewart-Haas Racing’s announcement is all about in a few days. It is probably a new paint scheme as speculated above. However, just like the unpredictable nature of the sport, let’s not rule out a ‘surprise’ entry of an American icon.

Also Read: Trackhouse Racing Owner Justin Marks Promises Big Things as He Hails ‘The Most Transformative Time’ in NASCAR’s History