Why Honda and NASCAR could be a perfect pairing

 

Honda Motorsports

     With NASCAR’s Next-Gen (Generation 7) car right around the corner, the sport of stock car racing could be ready to introduce another major manufacturer in the coming months. NASCAR currently hosts three manufacturers; Chevrolet, Ford, and most recently Toyota, though the versatile Gen-7 car could be an inviting message to other big names in the car industry. Over the past couple of years, the most notable candidates who have rumored to make a step towards stock car racing are Dodge, and Honda. While Dodge has a rich background in NASCAR, Honda certainly does not, and that might be a important note. 

Dodge, originally entering the sport in the early 1950’s left in 1985 after nearly a 35 year span within the sport. In 2001 the Detroit manufacturer would return to NASCAR with the Dodge Intrepid, but that was short lived as in 2012 they would once again take a leave of absence after a “not so successful” revival. Honda on the other hand has yet to dip their toe into NASCAR, though has been heavily involved in racing throughout the manufacturer’s existence. In 1959 Honda began their racing development programs with the motor bikes, which launched the manufacturer towards a goal of something further. In 1965 Honda would enter the Formula 1 and scored their first series victory at the “Mexico City Grand Prix”. In 1994 the Japanese manufacturer would once again expand, moving on to another form of open wheel racing, IndyCar. Honda seems to have been decently successful wherever they roamed, whereas Dodge has not necessarily been.

Earlier this year NASCAR released the cars that each of their three manufacturers would be using next year, with a fourth manufacturer glaringly absent. While Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota are locked into the next season, it doesn’t necessarily close the door for new manufacturers. Honda appears to be the healthiest and most prepared candidate to make their entrance into the sport next season, and the possibilities, they are endless.

The beginning of the Gen-7 era has intrigued several teams into joining the NASCAR Cup Series, and a handful more are eyeing their way in. Teams like Kaulig Racing and GMS Racing have both confirmed they will be entering the Cup Series in 2022, while teams like 23XI Racing, Trackhouse Racing and JR Motorsports are trying to find a way in (or to expand) at any cost. This undoubtedly leaves quite a few teams who will be desperate to accept any offer they can get their hands on, which could be invitation for Honda to work together with these teams to advance both parties in the sport.

If Honda does happen to bring their cars into the sport of NASCAR, this could mean that already existing teams may switch. One of the most likely teams to do this could be Chip Ganassi Racing. Chip Ganassi Racing has been with many manufacturers in NASCAR throughout the years, and while they are currently with Chevrolet, they may not be so loyal if their “old-pal” Honda makes an appearance. You see, Chip Ganassi Racing originally partnered with Honda in the mid 1990’s in IndyCar and while Chip Ganassi’s team strayed from Honda at times, for the most part they have stuck with Honda to score 75+ victories. Another team that may be interested in partnering with Honda is Rick Ware Racing. If there was ever a question of manufacturer loyalty, when speaking of Rick Ware Racing, that loyalty is completely out of the question. Throughout their years in NASCAR, Rick Ware Racing has plastered names of just about every possible manufacturer on the hoods of their cars, and furthermore these manufacturers sometimes even change from week to week. Rick Ware Racing is no stranger to Honda though, as in IndyCar the team often runs Honda engines, making the team a likely candidate to make the switch if Honda decides to enter the sport.

While rumors will always be just rumors (until proven),  Honda’s step into NASCAR has often been expected and/or suggested. Most recently on Dirty Mo Media’s “Door Bumper Clear” podcast NASCAR spotter Brett Griffin expressed his confidence in Honda entering the sport by implying he already knows Honda is coming to NASCAR. With Toyota starting up teams like 23XI Racing and reportedly trying to get a hold of teams like Richard Petty Motorsports, it seems as though Honda and Toyota may be the rivalry needed to shine a forgiven shadow on the American Motorsport.