The sanctioning physique stays targeted on getting at the very least 4 producers again within the Cup Collection, which hasn’t occurred since 2012. Whereas Dodge is definitely a risk, particularly following information of Ram’s return to the Truck Collection, NASCAR’s choices should not restricted.
Talking to a restricted media availability that included Motorsport.com, NASCAR government vice chairman and chief racing improvement officer John Probst acquired candid in regards to the present state of play as they court docket extra OEMs.
“I really feel like we’ve mentioned this 900 instances to you guys, and till at present, (we) haven’t had any breakthrough information to announce, and at present, we’re proud to welcome Ram again into NASCAR,” mentioned Probst. “I don’t wish to jinx ourselves, however I might say we’re very shut with one different (producer) – can’t communicate for them, clearly. It’s their determination to make.
“We’d love for them to determine to return into NASCAR and even with that, there’s one or two others that we’re a little bit bit earlier within the discussions, but additionally, wanting fairly constructive. Everyone knows that an OEM deciding to return into NASCAR – it’s an enormous dedication for them. It’s not one thing that they take frivolously. It’s one thing that requires a number of analysis and approval on the highest ranges, and you understand, we’re assured proper now. We just like the place we’re in, and we expect we’re a reasonably good funding for an OEM.”
Ram Truck
Whereas that is pure hypothesis, Honda is probably going amongst that group in some kind because the producer has been linked to earlier discussions with NASCAR. However no matter who, it’s clear that the sanctioning physique is lastly making inroads of their mission to develop their variety of devoted OEMs within the sport.
As for why now, Probst claimed, “there’s a number of momentum round our sport proper now … outdoors of our sport, notably round a number of the blue-chip stuff once we exit and get to go to with of us. Significantly, firms that aren’t in our sport at present, however a number of constructive momentum there.”
Probst additionally believes the Subsequent Gen automobile, which was launched in 2022, is one other consider renewed curiosity from producers. He mentioned the present technology provides the OEMs “vehicles that basically match what they’ve on the dealership aspect and all the different stuff that’s happening over at Dodge, Ram, and Stellantis. The timing was excellent for us to get again to work and go racing once more collectively.”
As for a timeline, Probst repeated 18 months because the naked minimal for a producer from the second they are saying ‘sure’ to the day they first present up on the grid to be able to get all the things prepared for such an endeavor.
However within the meantime, NASCAR lastly has its fourth producer – at the very least on the Truck degree.
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