Hopes of Honda’s long-rumored NASCAR entry face major doubt after the manufacturer confirmed a new multiyear deal with the NTT IndyCar Series, beginning in 2027. The announcement on February 12 sparked discussion about whether Honda could realistically fund another major North American program.
The new agreement locks Honda and Chevrolet into IndyCar’s future development cycle, including work on a new engine formula and the 2028 car. Honda has long indicated that competing at the highest level in multiple series requires careful allocation of resources.
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FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass addressed the situation on X, suggesting the IndyCar deal could significantly impact NASCAR’s hopes. After the announcement, he wrote:
“With Honda remaining in INDYCAR and committing to the new engine development, would expect that impacts possibility of entering NASCAR. Would be mildly surprised if Honda invested in both series, considering $ that would be spent on engine development.”
Rumors of Honda joining the Cup Series gained momentum in 2024. Reports suggested that Cup officials were actively searching for a fourth manufacturer to join Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Industry chatter linked Honda with several teams, and comments from NASCAR leadership indicated that talks were “heating up.”
At the time, Honda representatives maintained there was no formal decision but confirmed they were evaluating opportunities in American motorsports. Those rumors cooled down at the end of 2025. But Honda ended its technical support for Red Bull in F1 last year, fueling speculation that resources could shift to NASCAR.
However, the new IndyCar agreement shows a renewed focus on open-wheel racing in North America. The deal includes long-term engine development investment and grants Honda and Chevrolet a manufacturer charter from 2028.
The commitment continues Honda’s three-decade presence in IndyCar, where the company has supplied engines since 1994 and won multiple manufacturer titles. The investment in the new hybrid-era engine and future car means a major financial undertaking. That scale of involvement raises questions about whether a Cup entry is still realistic for them.
Early stock car racing saw minimal factory involvement, but partnerships grew in the 1960s as Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors became major players. Over time, brands such as Plymouth, Mercury, Pontiac, Buick, and Oldsmobile disappeared from the Cup Series grid.
Toyota’s arrival in 2007 marked the last new manufacturer entry, and Dodge’s exit after 2012 left the Cup Series with three OEMs. Today, 36 chartered cars are split into: 11 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, nine Toyota Camry XSE, and 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
Bob Pockrass notes industry skepticism even as Honda keeps NASCAR door open
Despite the IndyCar commitment, Honda leadership has not fully closed the door on other opportunities. During the announcement, IndyCar Series President Doug Boles, General Motors performance and motorsports VP Jim Campbell, and Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters were asked if remaining in IndyCar ruled out NASCAR expansion.
Salters emphasized that the company continues to evaluate multiple series, saying (via Racer.com):
“We evaluate all series on their merit. Joining IndyCar doesn’t preclude us from other things. So we evaluate things on their merit. We’re thrilled to be in IndyCar, but we evaluate all the series continuously.”
Bob Pockrass later noted the broader industry reaction, writing on X:
“Honda exec David Salters was asked about what the INDYCAR extension means for NASCAR, and he said it doesn’t preclude them from doing other series. … I will say the feeling in the industry is skeptical that Honda would do both INDYCAR and NASCAR because of investment required.”
Any realistic timeline for a new OEM could now shift toward the next major technical cycle, potentially tied to a future Next Gen car.
Edited by Parag Jain
