NASCAR, the powerhouse of motorsports racing, is a treat for the fans and an adrenaline shot to the drivers. But what about the manufacturers? Well, they have the NASCAR Manufacturers’ Championship, and this tradition started with a car that changed everything about the cars used in the sport. The car was the ‘Fabulous’ Hudson Hornet. It’s 5.2-liter V-8 engine that made 208 horsepower was the first Manufacturers’ Cup winner in 1952. But, there have been a few notable exits from the sport as well. Plymouth, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Dodge have all been a part of the sport at a certain time but left. Three OEMs are the backbone of the sport right now, and one of them does not look happy about the current situation unfolding.
As NASCAR finds itself caught in the crosshairs of a political showdown, it isn’t a driver, a race, or a team. Rather, it’s one of its biggest financial backers sending shockwaves through the garage. Ford Motor Company, a cornerstone sponsor with nearly $40 billion in market clout, just issued a chilling warning over President Trump’s new auto tariffs. And if it escalates, the effects could ripple from car dealerships to pit road in a heartbeat.
Do the NASCAR charters make sense now?
President Trump’s latest move on auto tariffs has sparked nationwide debate. Announced on April 3, the new 25% tariffs target automotive imports, sending ripples through the U.S. economy. While the goal is to pressure foreign manufacturers, American companies like Ford are now caught in the middle of a brewing financial storm.
Ford, one of NASCAR’s biggest and oldest partners, isn’t staying quiet. According to a memo obtained by Reuters, Ford warned dealers it might raise prices on new vehicles starting in May. Discounts will run through June 2, but the memo states tariff-related adjustments could hit showrooms by July. It’s a sign of growing tension within America’s largest industries.
“In the absence of material changes to the tariff policy as articulated to date, we anticipate the need to make vehicle pricing adjustments in the future, which is expected to happen with May production,” Ford Executive Andrew Frick said in the memo. But this isn’t just about price tags, it’s about power.
“Ford Motor may raise prices on its new vehicles if U.S. President Donald Trump’s auto tariffs continue, according to a memo sent to dealers on Wednesday that was reviewed by Reuters.” https://t.co/Fi0sotowIE
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) April 16, 2025
Ford, valued near $40 billion, plays a critical role in American motorsport, especially NASCAR. If their costs surge, it could ripple into sponsorship budgets and event investments. When one of NASCAR’s top backers feels squeezed, the racing world notices. Well, auto analysts predict U.S. carmakers could face a $108 billion tariff-induced hike this year. Ford, though well-positioned with 80% domestic production, says prolonged tariffs would force adjustments.
Now that all this is at its peak, it looks like we finally know why the charter deals are getting costlier. “It cost us $18 million a year to put a car on the racetrack, we’ve asked NASCAR to just cover our costs. Nothing more. … And the answer has been repeatedly no. ‘You will get what we give you and you will like it,’” Denny Hamlin said. As the co-owner of 23XI racing, and as fans, we might be on the same page, questioning the costs. But do you know what’s interesting? It’s highly unlikely that NASCAR’s governing body was not warned by the government or OEMs previously. Provided POTUS has strong ties with sports bodies.
Sports viewership is a priority for POTUS
President Donald Trump has long been known for his connection to sports. He has often appeared at major events and maintains ties to various teams. In 2025, he made a notable appearance at the Daytona 500, where he was seen cheering on drivers and immersing himself in NASCAR culture. This visit marked another chapter in his longstanding relationship with the sport. He is rumored to be paying a visit to the Indy 500 as well.
Trump’s love for college football was also evident when he recently hosted the Ohio State University Buckeyes at the White House. The event was a celebration of their championship victory, showcasing his ongoing support for American sports teams. Trump expressed his admiration for the team due to the challenges they overcame. This includes their losses to the Michigan Wolverines and the Oregon Ducks during the season.“The team up north. But you refused to let the Buckeye Nation down. You got better and better and tougher and tougher as the season went along,” Trump remarked.
Earlier this year, he also hosted the Florida Panthers, making them the first professional sports team to visit Trump at the White House since he regained office. These recent visits were not isolated incidents. Trump has consistently made appearances at major sporting events, from the Super Bowl to the U.S. Open. His interactions with athletes and teams have made it clear that sports hold a significant place in his life, further emphasizing the intersection between politics and athletics.
For now, racing continues uninterrupted. But geopolitical tensions and policy changes could potentially create new challenges. It’ll be interesting to see how Ford’s next steps shape the future of American racing and the auto market alike. We hope for the best!
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