A NASCAR-IndyCar crossover just happened, and the result was not too good. Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves got caught in a string of crashes at Daytona International Speedway. His misfortune attracted little sympathy from fans who did not like the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP), which allowed him to race without qualifying. IndyCar owner Roger Penske’s star was snubbed for running the Daytona 500 without earning his seat. Now NASCAR will snatch IndyCar’s car manufacturer.
NASCAR hosts Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, the last of which entered in 2007. Dodge left in 2012, leaving the number at three. In recent years, talks have been in motion about roping in a fourth OEM. Now that conversation has become stronger, given Roger Penske’s bad luck with Honda.
Is Roger Penske losing ground to NASCAR?
Honda has been involved with IndyCar since 1994. Its motor program has covered half or more of the 27-car IndyCar field, and the current engine supply contract lasts until 2026. But Honda has faced roadblocks in recent years. Rising expenditures to supply purebred 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines and support 16-18 entries each year for the Indy 500 have led to financial talks in Honda. The continued absence of a new initiative to reduce the eight-figure yearly costs is a concern. So Roger Penske’s series may suffer a setback sooner than expected, as Honda seems prepared to pack its bags and leave.
The RACER journalists recently indicated the same in a RACER Mailbag issue. According to them, Honda might not renew its engine supply contract after it ends in 2026, despite frantic efforts by Roger Penske and IndyCar President Doug Boles. “Honda is nine toes out the door once its supply contract is fulfilled after 2026. Is there a chance Penske/Boles could convince them to stay? Of course. But it’s starting to feel like Honda is Lauren Holly and Penske is Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber.”
“Honda is nine toes out the door once its supply contract is fulfilled after 2026. Is there a chance Penske/Boles could convince them to stay? Of course. But it’s starting to feel like Honda is Lauren Holly and Penske is Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber.” https://t.co/i6Cb0TPadt
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 19, 2025
Roger Penske’s team’s scandal did little to help. In April 2024, Team Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin were heavily penalized for illegally using the push-to-pass system. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President David Salters was not happy. He said, “Having that in the background is not helpful, is it?” HRC Manager Chuck Schifsky observed the rising costs as another reason and dropped hints of switching to NASCAR back in December 2023. “We’re looking for a wholesale change to the engine regulations so that we can eliminate fives and tens of millions of dollars of annual technical costs. Because if we don’t, then it’s too much money, and we will go do something else. That something else could be NASCAR.”
This speculation may turn into reality sooner than ever. And that has stirred up a lot of excitement among NASCAR fans.
Fans can take the hint
Well, NASCAR fans recently had a bone of contention with IndyCar. They were furious as Helio Castroneves got into the Daytona 500 even after crashing, while Jimmie Johnson got in by qualifying. Now, a hint of glee is apparent as Roger Penske’s series might lose its long-time Japanese automaker. “They are coming to NASCAR,” somebody wrote. Talks between NASCAR and Honda have been ongoing for years. In 2020, rumors about Richard Petty Motorsports (now Legacy Motor Club) switching to Honda hit the blocks. So one fan quipped that the possibility is a strong one: “Honda to NASCAR seems more likely.”
Another fan outlined the positives about Honda or another OEM entering NASCAR. The sport would then need to expand its race field beyond 36, creating more excitement. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. may jump ship in that situation. The fan wrote, “I want to see Honda AND Dodge back in Nascar. In the process, Nascar needs to extend the charter program to 40-45. Can’t have either of these OEM struggles like Toyota did in 2007. I think it’d be a great opportunity for Dale Jr., but he’d have to leave Chevy, not sure he would.”
NASCAR’s executives have been touting the prospects of a fourth OEM for a long time. Back in October-November 2024, President Steve Phelps kept us at the edge of our seats by saying the sport is ‘close’ to adding Honda or another car manufacturer. So one fan crossed their fingers about this chance: “Let’s see if nascar can close the deal. They’ve been talking about adding a new manufacturer to the Cup series forever lol.” However, even NASCAR could face hiccups.
Recently, talks about Nissan and Honda’s merger collapsed, complicating Honda’s plans to expand its racing operations. So one fan quipped that other automotive brands may have higher chances. “People, Stellantis/Dodge will be back in Cup before Honda even sniffs NASCAR.”
Nevertheless, the chances of Honda entering NASCAR seem stronger than ever. With Roger Penske facing difficulties in IndyCar, the Japanese automaker may jump ship soon. Do you think NASCAR will see a fourth OEM in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
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