Honda’s long-rumored hopes of entering NASCAR face major doubts after Honda confirmed a new multi-year deal with the NTT IndyCar Series starting in 2027. The February 12 announcement sparked discussion about whether Honda could realistically fund another major North American project.

The new agreement locks Honda and Chevrolet into IndyCar’s future development cycle, including developing a new engine formula and 2028 car. Honda has long said competing at the highest level in multiple series requires careful allocation of resources.

fox sports Reporter Bob Pockrass spoke about the situation on X, suggesting that the IndyCar deal could significantly impact NASCAR’s hopes. After the announcement, he wrote:

“Honda staying in IndyCar and working on new engine development is expected to impact the possibility of entering NASCAR. Considering the dollars that will be spent on engine development, I would be a little surprised if Honda invested in both series.”

Rumors about Honda joining the Cup Series in 2024 are intensifying. There are reports that Cup officials are actively seeking a fourth manufacturer to join Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. Industry chatter has linked Honda to several teams, as well as from NASCAR leadership says talks ‘heating up’“.

At the time, Honda representatives insisted no formal decision had been made but confirmed they were evaluating opportunities in U.S. motorsport. Those ones Rumors will cool down by the end of 2025. But Honda ended its technical support for Red Bull in F1 last year, sparking speculation that resources may be diverted to NASCAR.

However, the new IndyCar deal shows a renewed focus on North American open-wheel racing. The deal includes long-term engine development investments and Grant manufacturer licenses to Honda and Chevrolet Starting in 2028.

The commitment continues Honda’s three-decade presence in IndyCar, where the company has supplied engines since 1994 and has won multiple constructors’ titles. Investment in new hybrid-age engines and future cars represents a significant financial commitment. Such a massive participation raises questions about whether cup participation is still realistic for them.

Motorsports had little factory involvement in the early years, 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.

Toyota went public in 2007 Marking the last new manufacturer to join, Dodge bowed out after 2012, leaving the Cup Series with just three OEMs. Today, the 36 chartered cars are divided into: 11 Ford Mustang Dark Horses, 9 Toyota Camry XSE, and 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Bob Pockrass notes industry skepticism despite Honda keeping NASCAR door open

Despite the IndyCar commitment, Honda leadership hasn’t completely closed the door on other opportunities. In the announcement, IndyCar Series President Doug Boles, GM Vice President of Performance and Motorsports Jim Campbell and Honda Racing U.S. President David Salters were asked whether staying in IndyCar precludes the possibility of NASCAR expansion.

Salters emphasized that the company will continue to evaluate multiple series, saying (via Racer.com):

“We evaluate all series on their merits. Being in IndyCar doesn’t prevent us from doing other things. So we evaluate things on their merits. We’re excited to be in IndyCar, but we’re constantly evaluating all series.”

Bob Pockrass later noted the broader industry reaction, writing on X:

“Honda executive David Salters was asked what the INDYCAR postponement means for NASCAR, and he said it doesn’t prevent them from competing in other series. … I would say the industry is skeptical that Honda will compete in both INDYCAR and NASCAR because of the investment required.”

Any realistic timeline for new OEMs now to move to the next major technology cycle, Possibly relevant to future next-generation cars.