NASCAR is “very close” to securing entry for the fifth manufacturer, following Sunday’s news that RAM will be taking part in the track series in 2026.
It has been revealed that Stellantis brand Ram will be competing in the track series over the Michigan race weekend, with CEO Tim Kuniskis celebrating the announcement by driving a RAM 1500 concept race track.
The arrival of Ram marked the end of a two-year drought for the new car brand to NASCAR, with Toyota being last participant in 2004.
Currently, NASCAR is already working hard to get another OEM in place, and EVP John Probst has made it clear that the discussion is in advanced stages with another brand.
Probst was asked by SBJ if the fifth manufacturer wait was waiting for 20-year-old RAM.
“But I’ve told you this 900 times. To this day, there has been no groundbreaking news to be announced.
“I don’t want to jinx myself, but I say we are very intimate with each other. We can’t speak for them – obviously that’s their decision – (but) we want them to decide that they come to NASCAR.
“Even then there is one or two other things that we are a little early in the discussion, but seem quite positive.
“But we also know that the OEMs have decided to come to NASCAR. It’s a huge commitment for them and not something they underestimate.”
Probst acknowledged that introducing new manufacturers into sports is a long and complicated process. “It requires a lot of research and approval at the highest level and we are confident now. I think we’re a pretty good investment in OEMs.”
Another profile did not end up revealing the name of the manufacturer mentioned above. Both Honda and Stellantis are widely rumored to be valuing their foray into NASCAR.
When Honda asked about the subject, it did not deny that it was discussing it with NASCAR.
“I am not in a position to speculate about what Probst is referring to,” Chuck Schiffsky, manager of Honda and Acura Motorsports, told SBJ.
“I can say that – Honda continues to explore multiple options for future efforts in US motorsports. There is no news to share at this time.”