“Bring Dodge back”: Fans react as reports emerge of NASCAR being ‘close’ to a new OEM entry

Since Dodge parted ways with NASCAR in 2012, it has been just the Chevrolets, the Fords, and the Toyotas ruling the sport. However, a new manufacturer might join the roster through 2026 or 2027. When NASCAR on Reddit announced the same through a recent post on X, fans were quick to respond to it.

As per rumors, Honda is the top pick for NASCAR’s new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). However, that rumor is nothing but hearsay as of now. But if Honda were to join NASCAR, they would have to start submitting their body and engine over the summer. This means Honda or not, a new manufacturer could enter the scene within 18 to 24 months.

NASCAR on Reddit tweeted,

“NASCAR ‘close’ to adding a fourth manufacturer in the Cup Series .”

Several fans reacted to the same, with one urging NASCAR to bring Dodge back.

“Bring dodge back,” the fan said.

Another fan wrote,

“Remember when Dodge was “close” to coming back then said no because they have street engines with more power than cup cars.”

Here are a few other reactions to NASCAR looking at a new manufacturer joining the sport in the future:

“Has anyone been able to name names yet?” a fan commented.

“Annual “close to adding new manufacturer” rumor,” another said.

“NASCAR has been “close” to adding a manufacturer for like 10 years,” someone wrote.

But what will ultimately decide the new joiner? Speaking of the same in its annual “State of the Sport” address at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR President Steve Phelps said (via Motorsports Wire),

“It really just comes down to the business portion and can we strike a deal that is advantageous for them and for us? Are we the right fit for their brand? Are we not?”

As per Phelps, the perfect number of OEMs for NASCAR should be five; not even four.

“I’m cautiously optimistic, and then we need to being accelerate the other discussions we’ve had because I think in our opinion five is probably the right number of OEs,” he added.

According to a recent study by The Daily Downforce, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition explained that the V8 push rods have been restricting new OEMs from joining NASCAR. Therefore, with a new manufacturer ‘close’ to joining the sport, changes to the engine are perhaps inevitable.

“Opens up opportunities for so many different teams”- Kevin Harvick candid on a new manufacturer joining NASCAR

Former Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick would love to have a new OEM join NASCAR. As a team owner himself, Harvick feels that it would open up several opportunities for teams like his. He recalled how his team, Kevin Harvick Inc. started running trucks when Toyota joined NASCAR.

“I mean, I think that, if we can get another manufacturer to come into the sport, it just opens up opportunities for so many different teams,” Harvick said in an episode of his Happy Hour Podcast.

“When Toyota came into the sport, the CEO of General Motors was talking in a group and somebody asked, ‘What are we going to do about Toyota coming into truck racing?’… they had to go out and start finding truck teams,” the 2014 Cup Series champion further added. “I wound up with a truck team that General Motors started with us, to go out and compete against the Toyotas. That’s really how full-time KHI truck racing started.”

With that said, it’s just a matter of time before NASCAR announces the same of its new manufacturer. Given that NASCAR is in the process of trying out the not-so-popular EVs or perhaps hybrids in the Cup Series, things are certainly going to be exciting.