NASCAR’s Fourth OEM Might Be Just Years Away as Insider Fuels Major Rumors

Key Highlights

• Doug Yates anticipates new OEMs entering NASCAR’s Cup Series within three to five years.
• Honda is a leading candidate for NASCAR expansion due to strategic growth opportunities.
• Dodge shows interest in re-entering NASCAR, particularly in the Truck Series.
• Steve Phelps confirms “robust discussions” with a potential new manufacturer.
• The entry of a new OEM could shift NASCAR’s competitive dynamics and technological advancements.

Growing Speculation About a New OEM in NASCAR

As the anticipation surrounding the potential entry of a new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) into NASCAR intensifies, the motorsport community is abuzz with speculation and intrigue.

The persistent rumors of a new OEM have captured the attention of racing enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Recent headlines have been dominated by discussions of Honda potentially becoming NASCAR’s fourth manufacturer, while whispers of a Dodge comeback add further fuel to the speculation fire.

Steve Phelps, the sport’s president, has been candid about the ongoing “robust discussions” with an undisclosed manufacturer, signaling a possible expansion of the current lineup.

This optimism is not unfounded, as the interest from multiple OEMs highlights the charm and potential growth of NASCAR. The sport stands on the precipice of notable change, as the involvement of a new manufacturer could reshape the competitive landscape and bring fresh technological advancements to the forefront of stock car racing.

Doug Yates’ Perspective on NASCAR’s OEM Future

Doug Yates, a key figure in NASCAR’s engine-building landscape, offers a unique perspective on the potential inclusion of a fourth OEM in the sport.

As the CEO of Roush Yates Engines, a company at the forefront of engine innovation in NASCAR, Yates is well-positioned to provide informed insights. Roush Yates Engines, established in 2003 alongside Robert Yates and Jack Roush in collaboration with Ford, has become a cornerstone in the motorsport’s engine-building scene, particularly for Ford teams in the Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Some highlights from @Yates_Doug’s visit with @DGodfatherMoody ⬇️

• A bag in Joey Logano's engine
• Dodge re-entering Truck Series?
• Logistics/timeline of new OEM in Cup

Hear it on the @SiriusXM App 🎧https://t.co/WGRTG5gnEd pic.twitter.com/A7nGAL077z

— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) February 21, 2025

Expressing optimism about the future, Yates shared in a Sirius XM NASCAR Radio interview that the industry is moving in a promising direction, suggesting that new OEMs could enter the Cup Series within three to five years.

“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.” – Doug Yates

His confidence may indicate insider knowledge, given his tactical role and connections within the sport. Yates’ perspective highlights a notable shift in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.

Why Honda Is NASCAR’s Leading Candidate for Expansion

Honda has emerged as NASCAR’s leading candidate for expansion due to a combination of tactical opportunity and existing challenges in other racing series. The departure of Dodge in 2012 created a notable void, and with the competitive landscape of NASCAR ripe for a new OEM, Honda stands poised to seize this chance.

In contrast to the dominance of Red Bull Racing in Formula 1 and the duopoly of Honda and Chevrolet in IndyCar, NASCAR offers a fertile ground for new manufacturers to make an immediate impact.

Honda supports over half of the IndyCar field, yet the financial burden of maintaining 16 to 18 teams and producing the costly 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines is considerable.

These pressures may lead Honda to reconsider its focus. The possibility of not renewing its engine supply contract beyond 2026 could signal a calculated pivot towards NASCAR, where the potential for competitive growth is enticing.

Could Dodge Be Making a NASCAR Comeback?

The prospects of Dodge returning to NASCAR have sparked considerable interest, particularly in the wake of discussions about Honda’s potential expansion. Recent reports suggest that Dodge has formally approached NASCAR to re-enter the NASCAR Truck Series, signaling a potential resurgence.

This move comes over a decade after Dodge withdrew from the sport, yet the landscape has shifted. The implementation of the Ilmor spec engine in 2018 has simplified integration and reduced costs, making reentry more feasible.

“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.” – Adam Fence, Sports Business Journal

Dodge has previously secured three Manufacturers’ Championships, demonstrating its capability in the NASCAR Truck Series. Their renewed interest aligns with a calculated aim to potentially expand into the NASCAR Cup Series, exploring partnerships with engine manufacturers. As NASCAR evolves, Dodge’s return could redefine the competitive landscape, providing an exhilarating prospect for fans.

News in Brief: NASCAR’s Fourth OEM Might Be Just Years Away

The potential introduction of a new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) into NASCAR could greatly alter the competitive landscape. With Doug Yates offering insights on future possibilities, Honda emerges as a strong contender due to its established reputation in motorsports. Meanwhile, speculation about Dodge’s return adds another layer of intrigue to the discussions. As NASCAR investigates these opportunities, the anticipation of a fourth OEM reflects the sport’s evolving dynamics and its ongoing appeal to major automotive brands.

ALSO READ: When NASCAR Tried to End the Billion-Dollar Sponsor of a Former Richard Childress Racing Driver