The success of NASCAR at the Circuit de la Sarthe, as it made its return to the endurance race, is yet to simmer down. What seemed like a fairytale to many came to fruition through the hands of Hendrick Motorsports and its brainchild, Garage 56. The modified Chevrolet Camaro may not have been eligible for any awards, but surely proved the potential of stock car racing on a global platform.

With the success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world of NASCAR surely grabbed the attention and came under the radar of other elite engine manufacturers. It seems that these OEM brands are trying to make headway into the world of stock racing. Moreover, NASCAR enthusiasts speculate about the return of an old friend of NASCAR, Dodge.

The Success of Garage 56 at Le Mans Catapults OEMs to the World of Stock Racing

With the unveiling of the Next-Gen in the previous season, NASCAR announced one of its most ambitious projects. With the prospect of attracting more manufacturers to the current roster consisting of Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford, the Next-Gen cars were marketed as cost-efficient and flexible in nature. And the success at Le Mans by Hendrick Motorsports simply adds fuel to the ambitions of NASCAR. 

Even Steve Phelps, the President of NASCAR, had expressed earlier, “It’s important; we’ve made no bones about the fact that we want to have a new OEM in our sport. I also believe the fact that the sport is growing and has a relevance that it hasn’t had in decades is causing some real interest from other OEMs. Nothing to report at this particular point. I would say that things are progressing.”

If the speculations turn out to be true, the two manufacturing brands that hold the probability of entering the world of stock racing are the Japanese manufacturer, Honda, and the long-lost manufacturer, Dodge. While Honda will be a new entry into NASCAR, Dodge is already acquainted with the world of stock racing. The manufacturer made its debut back in 1953 but was dropped from the scenario after Chrysler dropped its factory support. 

The manufacturer re-entered the scene in 2001, through the hands of Ray Evernham. The manufacturer also has a Cup Seris championship to its name, when Brad Keselowski won the championship back in 2012, for Team Penske. But that would be the last time a Dodge-manufactured car would be seen, as Team Penske shifted its allegiance to Ford.

If Dodge chooses to return to the world of NASCAR, the team who would likely pair up with would be Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. The team which is co-owned by Brad Keselowski would surely hold water for the probable partnership owing to their past championship.

Nevertheless, in the short stint with stock racing, Dodge ranked quite high for most victories in the sport. These past records are likely to play a key role in the re-emergence of the brand. On the other hand, Honda also holds a pivotal position and along with Dodge is likely to enter NASCAR. The Japanese manufacturer has already gained enough in the world of motorsports.

Honda has already carved its name in the world of Formula 1, but what is not known to many is that the brand has been involved with other formats of racing, like the IndyCar and also NASCAR-owned IMSA. The brand also had ties with Team Penske and also the defunct Chip Ganassi Racing team. Owing to these partnerships, Honda is already familiar with the nuances of NASCAR.

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NASCAR Enthusiasts Contemplate the Possible Brand That Could Enter the Stock Racing World

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The tweet by EatHam had already drawn the attention of NASCAR enthusiasts. They joined in to drop the probable manufacturers that could possibly join the other OEMs.

Many wrote, “Dodge is most likely since they were supposedly talking with RFK last year. Honda would be interesting and I could see them doing it. Those other two not so much.” 

“It’d be cool to see other manufacturers join but I really only want to see Dodge, some of the coolest-looking racecars to ever exist on a racetrack.”

“Dodge is the most likely and still isn’t happening lol.”

While others wrote, “Honda would be my first choice but I think it’ll be Nissan.”

“Ganassi coming back with Honda would be awesome.”

“I’d love a Dodge return, but I could see the next manufacturer being Honda.”

But for now, there is no credible answer to it and is just part of speculation. But do you see Dodge racing in NASCAR anytime soon?

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