Dodge, Honda, and Cleetus? NASCAR’s Manufacturer Future Is Getting Interesting

Dodge, Honda, and Cleetus? NASCAR’s Manufacturer Future Is Getting Interesting originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

NASCAR fans have heard for years that there was the possibility of a new manufacturer joining the sport. In fact, one of the sanctioning body’s main lines of reasoning for not increasing horsepower through the years has been due to said potential manufacturer not having the ability to produce that level of power.

On Sunday, Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal reported that YouTube sensation and part-time ARCA driver Cleetus McFarland could drive for a Truck Series team in 2026 with support from the Stellantis’ Ram brand, if the automaker enters the sport as has been reported since earlier this year.

Dodge exited the sport in 2012 and there hasn’t been a new OEM enter NASCAR since Toyota joined the Trucks in 2004.

According to Stern, a document viewed by SBJ indicated that McFarland is listed as one of the names of the drivers in the program. He would also be a brand ambassador.

In addition to Dodge, Stern wrote that Honda is “also eyeing a potential entry into NASCAR, though the timing of that is less clear.”

NASCAR has been in conversations with Honda for years, trying to convince the Japanese automaker to enter its series. Honda is currently one of two OEMs in IndyCar with Chevrolet, but it has stated that it is considering leaving IndyCar when its deal expires after the 2026 season. 

All of the possible NASCAR entries, both McFarland and OEMs, are rumors at this point. That said, things do appear to be heating up and it wouldn’t be a surprise if there’s an announcement in the coming months. 

Related: NASCAR Truck Series Driver Slams Martinsville: ‘I Hate This Racetrack’

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

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