@@InsaneCelery238uhhh 2008 is the phone for you. Smoke literally blamed Toyota for him leaving. Now he hates Ford. I think SHR already signed with Chevy, Rick, and Dale.
@@xavierjuno4572I think they make the most sense actually. They have 4 drivers currently under contract and only 2 charters. By making the switch to Honda they could get two more Charters from NASCAR as mentioned, NASCAR has 4 charters reserved for a new manufacturer. I could also see Kaulig making the switch as well.
Calling it now...watch it be Penske. He has in the past, and still does with his dealer network, have a strong relationship with Honda. We also know he is not afraid to jump ship, moving from Pontiac to Ford, to dodge, back to Ford. Some food for thought 🤔
In my opinion, I don’t believe that Trackhouse is going to change manufacturers. Justin Marks said that his relationship with Chevrolet is very important to him and the team.
Never thought Tony would leave GM either. Especially since JGR's move to Toyota necessitated his move to owner driver. But, money makes people do strange things.
True that he would lose Hendrick support as well. and moving to a brand new Man they could be on an island. the only thing that would make sense for Trackhouse would be Toyota IF he did switch because then he would at least be aligned with another powerhouse.
@@NoskywydNo. I'm afraid not. They haven't been in since 2013. The only way they'll come back is if we go fully electrical, which I do not seeing as a viable option.
@@mrsegagamecube6419 Wouldn’t it make more sense for it to be the Subaru BRZ? To be honest the BRZ would fit perfectly in the Xfinity Series along side the Supra.
Subaru is for the rich elitist snobs, which most of the fanbase isn't. They're all domestic-loving, Chase Elliott (90% of them) simping fans. Nissan is more likely to climb aboard with its Pathfinder for Cup and Frontier for Trucks. That is, if Honda isn't making a move and Dodge doesn't pull their head out of their @$$ fast enough
I've thought for a while that Stewart Haas is probably the best fit, with FRM being a tier 1 ford team now and I've thought SHR could downsize to 2 full time cars
I feel like SHR should go to Honda it can be another helping hand to their rebuild and also I feel like ford doesn’t care about them anymore. Also I think trackhouse going to Honda would be very interesting and would like to see them maybe try something new
Stewart hates foreign cars, and he burned the bridge with Chevy, my guess is his time is up. It could be interesting to see Trackhouse go Honda to compete against 23XI and Toyota, but I feel it's unlikely
I honestly think Spire is going to end up being an extension of HMS. Those companies work hand in hand and Steve Letart is part of Spire. I think Honda takes Trackhouse and Kaulig from Chevy, RWR (he uses Honda in IndyCar) and then they bring Ganassi back as the factory team like Evernham was with Dodge.
My thoughts: SHR- yeah they ain’t sticking with Ford much longer I don’t know if they’ll join Honda Trackhouse- I don’t think so unless they have a massive falling out with Chevy or Honda offers them a really good deal Kaulig- maybe but a part of feels like they should stick with Chevy or go to Toyota RWR- long shot but hey you never know Andretti- that would be awesome but probably wouldn’t happen right away
Spot on with Trackhouse, SHR may go Honda but only if Tony Stewart is fired. Guy hates foreign car makers since he raced for them in 2008. Kaulig and Ware are good candidates imo. They can boost Honda's appeal for the smaller teams and put a serious challenge on Toyota and Ford, knowing how many teams they have (only 1 big and 1 small), as long as they don't pull a MWR
I'm not sure Andretti would go with Honda. They just bought into a team in the Supercar series and they switched from Chevy to Ford. I think if you see Honda go to NASCAR, SHR will switch and then I think Andretti might go to Ford. Andretti has an interest in one of the Chevy NASCAR teams - I think Spire, so they might switch to Ford.
SHR was the one in my mind which would go. But the way you mentioned Trackhouse makes a lot of sense too. The addition of charters would help them expand the team in the way it's obvious they want to. They've got too many drivers for cars and that would be an option to fix the other issue. I had Spire in mind because of the Andretti/Gainbridge links.
I could honestly see Andretti and Cadillac buying Haas F1, switching the Indy team to Chevy, the Imsa teams go to Chevy and Cadillac, and they become the 1.5 tear GM team in NASCAR. I definitely think Chevy will want to keep Spire with them. Trackhouse going to Honda would make them as good or BETTER than HMS, JGR, and Penske. Hell, maybe Penske goes to Honda in nascar and IndyCar. He has a history with Honda, Acura, and has allegiance to one specific car.
Everyone is saying not Trackhouse, but I think you're right. They made a HUGE splash when they came on. If there are 4 charters waiting for a new OEM, then 2 charters go to Trackhouse, they bring on SVG and Zane Smith to partner with Suarez and Chastain with Honda, and I see them dominating 2026. I think we'll see rumors until September of 2025 that it'll happen, but they won't announce it until then. I'd be shocked if Honda doesn't submit their body template this year.
Spire / Andretti as the big Tier 1, SHR as a Tier 1.5ish (kinda like RCR with chevy, not the top but still good) and then either a JTG or a team stepping up from Xfinity as the Tier 2 team (*cough JRM cough*)
I would agree but I don’t see how at this point. Their contract is up with Ford at the end of the season. Ford already promoted Front Row. Honda, if they do come in can’t do so until 2026. So what would SHR do for 2025? I guess they could possibly work a one year extension out with Ford but they would be getting as much support from Ford next season as Rick Ware currently gets.
I think the combination of Trackhouse, Kaulig & Spire as Hondas tier 1 teams would be fire. I mean all the teams already have a connection right now with Trackhouse being in the center.
Wayne Taylor/Andretti are racing the Acura's now, Penske Motorsport is running the factory Porsche 963's in IMSA and WEC. That said I don't think Rodger is particularly brand loyal. If Honda would give him a better chance of winning in NASCAR he'd jump.
SHR would be a good fit to accelerate their rebuild. Going to ford was a disaster for them so I think a change manufacturer wise is much needed for them.
Andretti Global makes the most sense since the connections in indycar are there, but i do agree in thinking that trackhouse could jump there, since they are trying to be the innovator in NASCAR, that no other team will be.
Trackhouse as THE tier one Honda team is scary for everyone else. Kaulig makes a lot of sense. Stewart-Haas might make sense, but Honda won't be there until at least 2026, so what does SHR do for 2025? It seems unlikely Chevy or Toyota are going to sign them for one season, if they leave Ford. None of those three have teams in all three national series, so is Honda Cup only (Trackhouse) or Cup/Xfinity only (Kaulig/SHR). Does Honda run in Trucks? Wildcard option with the assumption that Honda will not run NASCAR AND IndyCar. Andretti Autosport comes to NASCAR as a NEW four car Honda team using the four "available" charters NASCAR is sitting on.
I see both SHR and Trackhouse moving. SHR so they can maintain top tier status of a manufacturer given Ford is downgrading them. I see Trackhouse moving so they can utilize the extra Charters they need for their expanded roster
One thing everyone has to remember is this: A manufacturer has to want you, they have a say and choice in what they want. Just because a team wants to switch manufacturers doesn’t mean that OEM wants you.
Actually Toyota has made it extremely difficult to buy pieces parts or engines if you are running a small team with no support such as LiveFast , NY Racing or The Money Team for example.
I think SHR, Spire, and Kaulig are the most likely to switch. It’s important to consider Xfinity and Trucks too. SHR has a top tier Xfinity team, and Kaulig’s Xfinity team appears to play second fiddle to JRM. Spire has a truck team that so far has performed really well. These 3 teams would give Honda a development pipeline as well as a solid cup presence.
As an Indycar fan in addition to NASCAR, the main way I see Honda joining NASCAR is if the cost to be involved in Indycar remains where it is currently or goes up as that is the main reason why they would leave. Another thing that could cause Honda to leave is if Indycar is unable to attract a third engine provider (that would start in Indycar in 2027 assuming there are brand new technical regulations) by the time 2026 rolls around (when the current contract between Honda & Indycar expires). Apart from the very faint possibility that Porsche/Audi decides to rescind their arrival into F1 in 2027 & switches to Indycar, there is no other manufacturer that is interested in entering Indycar.
Honda and Andretti coming to CUP with a competitive team would be like a 1997 dream come true. Maybe years too late is actually just what CUP needs right now. Besides, back then I was a Honda hater bro like everyone else, that all changed. 06-11 Si might have been the cheapest best FF all-round sports car ever created. Bury me with mine, and my blown Chally. Seeing Honda in NASCAR would be a welcome sight especially now that Dodge has developed congenital heart failure and entering hospice.
If anything, Honda can just join RWR. If they can make it. I’ll never see them doing work with SHR. Simply can’t happen, and frankly I’d prefer the return of Dodge to NASCAR over Honda, and with SHR with Dodge. That would be EPIC!
I will die on this hill but if any team is going to make the switch to honda it will be spire they need the team to grow and they do have some good drivers (not lejoykill) and going from a t3 team to a oems main focus i think would be great for that team
SHR would be a great fit. I think they could potentially lease one of their charters to a smaller team to lure them to Honda. Maybe Spire. Or they could lease it to a startup team. I could also see them try to lure a part time team like NY Racing Team, LiveFast and maybe even Beard Motorsports over to Honda to give themselves a big amount of teams to help develop the Honda program.
Sometimes I wonder how would Honda would perform out on the track..? But also how would the engine package would be like...? But if Honda is making its NASCAR debut next year it'll be a unique experience... I don't know if Honda will track in the Truck Series... but I doubt it. We'll see what happens...
If SHR’s contract expired after next year instead of this year I’d say they’d be top pick buuuut >Andretti buys out Spire and switches to Honda MAKE IT HAPPEN
Wouldn’t surprise me to see Honda in NASCAR in 2025. I know how the rule is written, but I also know NASCAR’s track record of modifying/completely ignoring their own rule book.
I said no on trackhouse but honestly....if they become a 4 car team and are hondas primer team it's a smart move Plus if they bring spire & kaulic that would be a good start for Honda
Def not JGR, they've had a long partnership and have very very close ties. It took 16 years to get to 8 cars. Toyota supports a few teams very well. Toyota will do anything in their power to keep jgr
Not sure trackhouse leaves GM. Probably gonna see them driving a caddy imo. Not saying this will happen but what about a partnership between Honda and Jrm, could be dale's path to cup series.
SHR seems like the best option. But also RWR share a shop and are a key alliance with RFK so unless they move to Honda I dont see RWR moving to Honda. Another team I can see going to Honda with there move they did this year to be more competive is Spire. They are probably a four tear seed at Chevy maybe third behind Hendrick,Trackhouse,Kaulig. If they want to be a top team swiching Manufactors might be the best way to go
I could see Kaulig making the jump as well mostly because compared to Trackhouse and RCR, they don't seem to get a lot of support from the manufacturer
I think you hit it on the head. SHR needs a home, and while Chevrolet would gladly take them in, they need an OEM who's going to make them a priority, especially now that there's little room in the Toyota camp anymore. I can see a world where Rick Ware moves, but they've spent a lot of time investing in Ford and I wouldn't think they'd give that up so quick. Kaulig I don't think would move unless Trackhouse moved to Honda too. They seemed pretty tied to the hip for the time being.
True. I was thinking more about the Xfinity Series because one of their drivers (SVG) is racing for Kaulig there and that's their only current connection to a lower series (no one fron Trackhouse is driving a Spire truck). But I think the same rule would apply to Spire. They wouldn't move unless Trackhouse moved as well. All three are tied at the hip, I guess.
The issue with Chevy is everyone always knows they will be second HMS but HMS is Chevy in Nascar and they truly have been since the last Earnhardt championship so any team could always try that move to become number 1 elsewhere.
Stewart Hass can complain ..but they don't really have a hot shot driver with Harvick gone...they boys are young but they are not a Jeff Gordon or Kyle Larson caliber
I would say Spire could be an interesting situation along with Andretti should they choose to come over to @NASCAR that way Spire could be a top tier team instead of a lower tier team with Chevy
Just a heads up, but your thumbnail credit is incorrect. That Reddit user simply reposted my work without giving credit.I've been making Honda-related stuff for NASCAR sim racing games since 2009.
Bold prediction for outsider team: Red Bull They run Honda in F1 and are certainly way better off in that league than they were when they joined NASCAR the first time. I dont think they'd be the only Honda team, SHR makes a lot of sense. But I do see a possible Red Bull return to cement a legacy in American autosport while also having a possible battle with the Monster cars a la Pepsi vs Coke. Just a thought
Highly unlikely imo. Red Bull will be moving to Ford and Honda is moving to Aston Martin and fundamentally, the Honda/RBR setup atm is closer to an engineering-for-hire setup (sorta how Porsche built an engine for McLaren in the ‘80s as a work-for-hire contract.)
@@Argent_99 The Ford partnership's similar to their situation with Honda now as I understand it; the engines would be built by RBR themselves with technical support from Ford. It's not as if Ford are fully building an engine themselves, unlike Audi.
SHR and Kaulig would make sense. I doubt RWR would as they just teamed up with RFK (don’t they share the shop with them?). No way Trackhouse would leave, as that would complicate their partnership with Spire. I see Andretti buying an ownership stake into Spire before them starting their own team. I mean, I feel like they already are big partners with them
My top 3 teams of interest would be 1.Kaulig 2.Spire (even though they’re gradually getting more competitive with Chevrolet) 3.JRM. Some people may be surprised with JRM, as it’s widely known DaleJr is very loyal to Chevrolet and seems to be sworn to them until he dies. However, I would’ve said the same about Jimmie Johnson before he joined the Toyota camp with his joint share in legacy. To me I also think about his ties with Hendrick Motorsports, and the fact that for JRM to go cup racing a lot would have to be addressed and or changed in terms of the technical relationship, numbers and branding, and likely a lot of sponsorship factors. Honda presents an opportunity for a fresh start, and a potential key partnership opportunity for the organization to gain an edge. If it carries over to xfinity, it could definitely be a good long term move as they could regain their edge over Kaulig and RCR’s xfinity programs as it seems they have been overall more consistently on the winning side of races in the xfinity series since the 2021 season.
SHR would have to go the 2025 season with no manufacture support or alliance, and they’re rebuilding right now, so not the greatest timing regardless of Tony. Trackhouse would have to be confident the upside of switching will work, it’s a maybe for them.
SHR and Spire are my best bets as even though spire is well connected to Chevy, they’ll never have the same support as trackhouse, Hendricks or RCR and Toyota is enjoying having legacy on board and Ford already putting support towards front row .
Highly likely • JTG Daugherty, RWR, Legacy Motor Club, Live Fast the underdog teams for the most part… Hard maybe• SHR seem like they need a fresh reset and should be one of those top teams to make the leap and lead Honda in NASCAR seeing since the switch to ford worked short term but not long term for whatever reason and been on a decline. Then you have RFK & Front Row seem like they got some momentum with wins and consistent results as of late with ford, don’t think ford willing to give those teams up unless Honda flash some serious funds in their faces 🤑 and last but not least you got Front Row but they just swapped alliance from RFK to Team Penske so if Front Row leave Penske for Honda in 2026 they want security 💵 from Honda right away
I could see SHR switching over for two charters, taking Briscoe and Josh with them. Kaulig sells one charter, and throws in a bunch of money for AJ to drive for Honda, and then RWR switches over to Honda
People really think Kaulig, which is on RCRs campus and has a huge deal with not only RCR but Chevy will switch to Honda. Bad take. I think SHR is the easiest choice here
That's a likely route, but for that, Tony Stewart needs to have some sense knocked into him, he's so anti-foreign car makers in NASCAR. And the MWR scandals are somewhat fresh despite Michael Jordan's investment in the maker and 23XI
I think Honda should get either Hendrick or Penske and be their "A" team. If Hendrick goes with Honda then I see SHR having a technical alliance with them. But Honda won’t join unless NASCAR finally ditches V8 engines.
If there are four charters available then Andretti and Honda is a perfect match imo. So that takes care of 4 cars. Then maybe SH goes to Honda staying with ford for 2025. Of not SH the perhaps Kaulig or Trackhouse, with Trackhouse probably winning out with their overall Joy de vive over there. Like you said, Hendrick are top dog with Chevy, then Chidress then I would say Trackhouse with fairly decent support with TCR only having two cars. Man it seems like we need some more Chevys in the field after loosing some to Legacy and Toyota. I hope Honda come in. They could really help some teams.
I could see Trackhouse going to Honda. You made very good points. Top team with Honda vs 2 or 3rd team with Chevrolet.. and with the rumors of SHR going back to Chevy that would probably drop Trackhouse another spot in the Chevy order. Rick Ware Racing I don’t think would be close to the top of Hondas wish list. Kaulig I don’t see that happening either because of their alliance with RCR. Their shop is on the RCR campus.. doubtful RCR lets them stay on campus if they went to Honda.
Justin Marks has already said that Trackhouse isn't going anywhere. Last year before the season started there was talk about Toyota trying to add teams. Marks said it will not be Trackhouse. Personally, I highly doubt Trackhouse leaves Chevrolet.
Honda already said they won't be producing a pushrod v8 so nascar will have to change some rules to allow them in. However they ran v6 cars in the past so they may be open to a v6 or inline 6 option. This would also open the door back up for dodge with the new hurricane inline 6 if they choose to allow it.
I like stewert haas racing being chevy 2013 - 2015 That 99 could've stayed with RFR 2013 - 2014 The 31 could've stayed with RCR 13' , 14' , '15 and 2018
JMO, Tony Stewart will probably sell his shares/charters in the team and leave NASCAR all together before switching to Honda. I can see Spire either selling outright or forging a partnership with Andretti and possible becoming a Honda Team. JTG, Kaulig and RWR, its a coin toss if they switch or not.
What team or teams would you think of as the best fit to go to Honda in NASCAR?
R.F.K
Andretti
@@iracingdriver9 But... are they in NASCAR ?
I think Spire
@@DaYapGuydo they have to be
SHR makes the most sense. The change from Chevy to Ford was a win in the short term but a loss long term.
Stewart would rather go broke than go foreign, especially after his tirade against Toyota in 2008, and to this day, hasn't budged
Dodge still has a fuel engine so still a LITTLE chance shr can get them in@@S.K.R.E.Inc.
@@S.K.R.E.Inc. I mean, its not like just because Honda is based foreign means that literally anything associated with their cup effort 🙄
@@InsaneCelery238uhhh 2008 is the phone for you. Smoke literally blamed Toyota for him leaving. Now he hates Ford. I think SHR already signed with Chevy, Rick, and Dale.
@@InsaneCelery238Smoke wants Dodge in NASCAR not Honda.
I highly doubt that Trackhouse will
I mean you never know, those guys are always full of surprises
It would fit Trackhouse if they did
@@xavierjuno4572I think they make the most sense actually. They have 4 drivers currently under contract and only 2 charters. By making the switch to Honda they could get two more Charters from NASCAR as mentioned, NASCAR has 4 charters reserved for a new manufacturer. I could also see Kaulig making the switch as well.
@@jessedaly7823 I guess, depending if Honda actually joins Nascar
@@jessedaly7823you have to remember tho svg has huge ties to Chevy .. I’m not saying trackhouse isn’t switching but they will be doing without svg
Calling it now...watch it be Penske. He has in the past, and still does with his dealer network, have a strong relationship with Honda. We also know he is not afraid to jump ship, moving from Pontiac to Ford, to dodge, back to Ford.
Some food for thought 🤔
Good possibility actually
ran honda's factory sportscar team 2018-2020 as well
Not likely. Penske is the top tier at Ford. Having the defending champion and fielding two other championships, they are blue oval's top dog.
Penske is a Chevy in Indy, not a Honda.
In my opinion, I don’t believe that Trackhouse is going to change manufacturers.
Justin Marks said that his relationship with Chevrolet is very important to him and the team.
THIS. Also, Pitbull has money, money that Marks needs, and it's in jeopardy if he switches makers
And trackhouse is a teir 1. I don't see a reason to give that up
Never thought Tony would leave GM either. Especially since JGR's move to Toyota necessitated his move to owner driver. But, money makes people do strange things.
Money talks
True that he would lose Hendrick support as well. and moving to a brand new Man they could be on an island. the only thing that would make sense for Trackhouse would be Toyota IF he did switch because then he would at least be aligned with another powerhouse.
Only left Nissan and Dodge, imagine a epic battle between the biggest 3 brands of 2 countries.
Dodge is still in NASCAR
@@NoskywydNo. I'm afraid not. They haven't been in since 2013. The only way they'll come back is if we go fully electrical, which I do not seeing as a viable option.
I'd love to see Nissan join Nascar and run the GTR in Cup. If they don't, Subaru running the WRX would be fairly cool.
@@mrsegagamecube6419 Wouldn’t it make more sense for it to be the Subaru BRZ? To be honest the BRZ would fit perfectly in the Xfinity Series along side the Supra.
Subaru is for the rich elitist snobs, which most of the fanbase isn't. They're all domestic-loving, Chase Elliott (90% of them) simping fans. Nissan is more likely to climb aboard with its Pathfinder for Cup and Frontier for Trucks. That is, if Honda isn't making a move and Dodge doesn't pull their head out of their @$$ fast enough
I've thought for a while that Stewart Haas is probably the best fit, with FRM being a tier 1 ford team now and I've thought SHR could downsize to 2 full time cars
Tony doesn't want Honda though he wants Dodge.
@@runrafarunthebestintheworldIt doesn't matter what Tony wants. Dodge aint coming back to NASCAR
Differently Stewart Haas Racing start over start fresh...
For that, they need to fire Stewart. Guy hates foreign car makers with a passion
Tony would NEVER do that. He left JGR because of Toyota. I'm willling to bet he still wouldn't go to a non American name plate.
I agree and hopefully he doesn't do that. But we know money talks and Honda has a shit load of it.
Stewart Haas that would be a dumb mistake Better stay with Ford screw Honda
I feel like SHR should go to Honda it can be another helping hand to their rebuild and also I feel like ford doesn’t care about them anymore.
Also I think trackhouse going to Honda would be very interesting and would like to see them maybe try something new
Stewart hates foreign cars, and he burned the bridge with Chevy, my guess is his time is up. It could be interesting to see Trackhouse go Honda to compete against 23XI and Toyota, but I feel it's unlikely
@@S.K.R.E.Inc. I’m honestly thinking the same either he goes to Honda or it might be the end of the line
Why not Spire? I think they've shown competitiveness and could be a great team to jump on with a new Manufacturer
Andretti is also investing in them, which could help build the team some more
I honestly think Spire is going to end up being an extension of HMS. Those companies work hand in hand and Steve Letart is part of Spire. I think Honda takes Trackhouse and Kaulig from Chevy, RWR (he uses Honda in IndyCar) and then they bring Ganassi back as the factory team like Evernham was with Dodge.
My thoughts:
SHR- yeah they ain’t sticking with Ford much longer I don’t know if they’ll join Honda
Trackhouse- I don’t think so unless they have a massive falling out with Chevy or Honda offers them a really good deal
Kaulig- maybe but a part of feels like they should stick with Chevy or go to Toyota
RWR- long shot but hey you never know
Andretti- that would be awesome but probably wouldn’t happen right away
Spot on with Trackhouse, SHR may go Honda but only if Tony Stewart is fired. Guy hates foreign car makers since he raced for them in 2008. Kaulig and Ware are good candidates imo. They can boost Honda's appeal for the smaller teams and put a serious challenge on Toyota and Ford, knowing how many teams they have (only 1 big and 1 small), as long as they don't pull a MWR
I'm not sure Andretti would go with Honda. They just bought into a team in the Supercar series and they switched from Chevy to Ford. I think if you see Honda go to NASCAR, SHR will switch and then I think Andretti might go to Ford. Andretti has an interest in one of the Chevy NASCAR teams - I think Spire, so they might switch to Ford.
SHR was the one in my mind which would go. But the way you mentioned Trackhouse makes a lot of sense too. The addition of charters would help them expand the team in the way it's obvious they want to. They've got too many drivers for cars and that would be an option to fix the other issue.
I had Spire in mind because of the Andretti/Gainbridge links.
I could honestly see Andretti and Cadillac buying Haas F1, switching the Indy team to Chevy, the Imsa teams go to Chevy and Cadillac, and they become the 1.5 tear GM team in NASCAR. I definitely think Chevy will want to keep Spire with them. Trackhouse going to Honda would make them as good or BETTER than HMS, JGR, and Penske. Hell, maybe Penske goes to Honda in nascar and IndyCar. He has a history with Honda, Acura, and has allegiance to one specific car.
@willgriffin5647 where do you buy your meth from?
SHR, Kauling, & Andretti (or an outside team) make a lot of sense
Everyone is saying not Trackhouse, but I think you're right. They made a HUGE splash when they came on. If there are 4 charters waiting for a new OEM, then 2 charters go to Trackhouse, they bring on SVG and Zane Smith to partner with Suarez and Chastain with Honda, and I see them dominating 2026. I think we'll see rumors until September of 2025 that it'll happen, but they won't announce it until then. I'd be shocked if Honda doesn't submit their body template this year.
Spire / Andretti as the big Tier 1, SHR as a Tier 1.5ish (kinda like RCR with chevy, not the top but still good) and then either a JTG or a team stepping up from Xfinity as the Tier 2 team (*cough JRM cough*)
Jr is die hard chevy
Jr ain't leaving Chevy but I wanna see his team in cup
Spire & hendrick go hand and hand and hendrick ain’t leaving Chevy and if spire want hendrick backing they won’t break off either
SHR most likely
I would agree but I don’t see how at this point. Their contract is up with Ford at the end of the season. Ford already promoted Front Row. Honda, if they do come in can’t do so until 2026. So what would SHR do for 2025? I guess they could possibly work a one year extension out with Ford but they would be getting as much support from Ford next season as Rick Ware currently gets.
1:26 Just seeing this clip made me happy, thank you
Trackhouse, Kaulig & JTG is who i predict. Depending on how many charters Trackhouse picks up that is 5-7 cars
I think the combination of Trackhouse, Kaulig & Spire as Hondas tier 1 teams would be fire. I mean all the teams already have a connection right now with Trackhouse being in the center.
I don’t see RWR because they have a super tight alliance with RFK now, they’re even in the same building.
The first team to go to Honda would be Penske. He already has a strong alliance with Honda/Acura with his Indy and IMSA teams.
It makes sense.....
Penske is a Chevy in Indy.
Wayne Taylor/Andretti are racing the Acura's now, Penske Motorsport is running the factory Porsche 963's in IMSA and WEC.
That said I don't think Rodger is particularly brand loyal. If Honda would give him a better chance of winning in NASCAR he'd jump.
SHR would be a good fit to accelerate their rebuild. Going to ford was a disaster for them so I think a change manufacturer wise is much needed for them.
First they need to remove the S in the room. Cause that S represents the guy who hates foreign car makers in NASCAR
Andretti Global makes the most sense since the connections in indycar are there, but i do agree in thinking that trackhouse could jump there, since they are trying to be the innovator in NASCAR, that no other team will be.
Trackhouse as THE tier one Honda team is scary for everyone else.
Kaulig makes a lot of sense.
Stewart-Haas might make sense, but Honda won't be there until at least 2026, so what does SHR do for 2025? It seems unlikely Chevy or Toyota are going to sign them for one season, if they leave Ford.
None of those three have teams in all three national series, so is Honda Cup only (Trackhouse) or Cup/Xfinity only (Kaulig/SHR).
Does Honda run in Trucks?
Wildcard option with the assumption that Honda will not run NASCAR AND IndyCar. Andretti Autosport comes to NASCAR as a NEW four car Honda team using the four "available" charters NASCAR is sitting on.
I see both SHR and Trackhouse moving. SHR so they can maintain top tier status of a manufacturer given Ford is downgrading them. I see Trackhouse moving so they can utilize the extra Charters they need for their expanded roster
Trackhouse or spire strike me as the most likely candidates to switch.
One thing everyone has to remember is this: A manufacturer has to want you, they have a say and choice in what they want. Just because a team wants to switch manufacturers doesn’t mean that OEM wants you.
No. No they don't. You can buy what ever body you want for your cars. Now... They can can hold back manufacturer support.
Actually Toyota has made it extremely difficult to buy pieces parts or engines if you are running a small team with no support such as LiveFast , NY Racing or The Money Team for example.
I went into this video thinking the trackhouse mention was ridiculous, but you make some good points
I doubt trackhouse will but it really is the trackhouse style tho doing something new innovative and unexpected that's their thing
I think SHR, Spire, and Kaulig are the most likely to switch. It’s important to consider Xfinity and Trucks too. SHR has a top tier Xfinity team, and Kaulig’s Xfinity team appears to play second fiddle to JRM. Spire has a truck team that so far has performed really well. These 3 teams would give Honda a development pipeline as well as a solid cup presence.
The lower series is something that isn't being taken into account enough with these rumor and conspiracies...thanks for thinking ahead 🙂
If Honda signed off on a civic type r body for Super GT’s GT500 class then an appearance in NASCAR isn’t out of then question
I see spire and Andretti but also trackhouse with JRM actually getting a deal of a lifetime with charters from SHR.
As an Indycar fan in addition to NASCAR, the main way I see Honda joining NASCAR is if the cost to be involved in Indycar remains where it is currently or goes up as that is the main reason why they would leave. Another thing that could cause Honda to leave is if Indycar is unable to attract a third engine provider (that would start in Indycar in 2027 assuming there are brand new technical regulations) by the time 2026 rolls around (when the current contract between Honda & Indycar expires). Apart from the very faint possibility that Porsche/Audi decides to rescind their arrival into F1 in 2027 & switches to Indycar, there is no other manufacturer that is interested in entering Indycar.
Honda and Andretti coming to CUP with a competitive team would be like a 1997 dream come true. Maybe years too late is actually just what CUP needs right now. Besides, back then I was a Honda hater bro like everyone else, that all changed. 06-11 Si might have been the cheapest best FF all-round sports car ever created. Bury me with mine, and my blown Chally. Seeing Honda in NASCAR would be a welcome sight especially now that Dodge has developed congenital heart failure and entering hospice.
RWR already use Hondas in Indy
It's more Dayle Coyne Racing than RWR (the partnership only runs the #51 while the #18 is purely DCR), but yes.
If anything, Honda can just join RWR. If they can make it. I’ll never see them doing work with SHR. Simply can’t happen, and frankly I’d prefer the return of Dodge to NASCAR over Honda, and with SHR with Dodge. That would be EPIC!
Andretti's money is mainly money from Gainbridge, and Gainbridge already has a team in NASCAR. So, both teams could work something out.
I will die on this hill but if any team is going to make the switch to honda it will be spire they need the team to grow and they do have some good drivers (not lejoykill) and going from a t3 team to a oems main focus i think would be great for that team
SHR and Spire/Andretti
SHR would be a great fit. I think they could potentially lease one of their charters to a smaller team to lure them to Honda. Maybe Spire. Or they could lease it to a startup team.
I could also see them try to lure a part time team like NY Racing Team, LiveFast and maybe even Beard Motorsports over to Honda to give themselves a big amount of teams to help develop the Honda program.
Sometimes I wonder how would Honda would perform out on the track..? But also how would the engine package would be like...? But if Honda is making its NASCAR debut next year it'll be a unique experience... I don't know if Honda will track in the Truck Series... but I doubt it. We'll see what happens...
Not only is Andretti with honda in indycar but he also tried bringing another team in formula 1 with Cadillac which ended up being rejected by f1.
Trackhouse is already working with Honda on their MotoGP team.
Delulu take: Lance stroll finally gives up his F1 seat in 2026 when Aston Martin moves to Honda, starts the nascar venture for Aston Martin
Tier 1-Trackhouse.SHR,Spire
Tier 2-Kaulig,RWR
If SHR’s contract expired after next year instead of this year I’d say they’d be top pick buuuut
>Andretti buys out Spire and switches to Honda
MAKE IT HAPPEN
I have a feeling Spire isn't for sale
Spire (let's face it, Andretti) makes a ton of sense.
I would say Richard pettys cars will go to Honda instead of trackhouse
Wouldn’t surprise me to see Honda in NASCAR in 2025. I know how the rule is written, but I also know NASCAR’s track record of modifying/completely ignoring their own rule book.
Now imagine Buick returning.
I said no on trackhouse but honestly....if they become a 4 car team and are hondas primer team it's a smart move Plus if they bring spire & kaulic that would be a good start for Honda
RWR already runs Honda products in indycar and imsa
Probably JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) and Penske
Def not JGR, they've had a long partnership and have very very close ties. It took 16 years to get to 8 cars. Toyota supports a few teams very well. Toyota will do anything in their power to keep jgr
@@Flowformed Ya but Penske I can definitely see moving seeing as how Roger isn't really loyal to one manufacturer (even in Nascar)
I really hope that Honda does join NASCAR and presses for a 2026 entry. More competition can only do good for the sport.
Not sure trackhouse leaves GM. Probably gonna see them driving a caddy imo. Not saying this will happen but what about a partnership between Honda and Jrm, could be dale's path to cup series.
SHR seems like the best option. But also RWR share a shop and are a key alliance with RFK so unless they move to Honda I dont see RWR moving to Honda. Another team I can see going to Honda with there move they did this year to be more competive is Spire. They are probably a four tear seed at Chevy maybe third behind Hendrick,Trackhouse,Kaulig. If they want to be a top team swiching Manufactors might be the best way to go
I could see Kaulig making the jump as well mostly because compared to Trackhouse and RCR, they don't seem to get a lot of support from the manufacturer
I think you hit it on the head. SHR needs a home, and while Chevrolet would gladly take them in, they need an OEM who's going to make them a priority, especially now that there's little room in the Toyota camp anymore. I can see a world where Rick Ware moves, but they've spent a lot of time investing in Ford and I wouldn't think they'd give that up so quick. Kaulig I don't think would move unless Trackhouse moved to Honda too. They seemed pretty tied to the hip for the time being.
Spire is the one aligned with Trackhouse.
True. I was thinking more about the Xfinity Series because one of their drivers (SVG) is racing for Kaulig there and that's their only current connection to a lower series (no one fron Trackhouse is driving a Spire truck). But I think the same rule would apply to Spire. They wouldn't move unless Trackhouse moved as well. All three are tied at the hip, I guess.
The thylasine reference top notch
The issue with Chevy is everyone always knows they will be second HMS but HMS is Chevy in Nascar and they truly have been since the last Earnhardt championship so any team could always try that move to become number 1 elsewhere.
Stewart Hass can complain ..but they don't really have a hot shot driver with Harvick gone...they boys are young but they are not a Jeff Gordon or Kyle Larson caliber
I would say Spire could be an interesting situation along with Andretti should they choose to come over to @NASCAR that way Spire could be a top tier team instead of a lower tier team with Chevy
Just a heads up, but your thumbnail credit is incorrect. That Reddit user simply reposted my work without giving credit.I've been making Honda-related stuff for NASCAR sim racing games since 2009.
I’d like the idea of Honda running under Acura. Acura is American made and they have a lot better looking cars.
I think RWR and Legacy are the only teams to take the risk
Bold prediction for outsider team: Red Bull
They run Honda in F1 and are certainly way better off in that league than they were when they joined NASCAR the first time. I dont think they'd be the only Honda team, SHR makes a lot of sense. But I do see a possible Red Bull return to cement a legacy in American autosport while also having a possible battle with the Monster cars a la Pepsi vs Coke. Just a thought
Highly unlikely imo. Red Bull will be moving to Ford and Honda is moving to Aston Martin and fundamentally, the Honda/RBR setup atm is closer to an engineering-for-hire setup (sorta how Porsche built an engine for McLaren in the ‘80s as a work-for-hire contract.)
@@Argent_99 The Ford partnership's similar to their situation with Honda now as I understand it; the engines would be built by RBR themselves with technical support from Ford. It's not as if Ford are fully building an engine themselves, unlike Audi.
SHR and Kaulig would make sense. I doubt RWR would as they just teamed up with RFK (don’t they share the shop with them?). No way Trackhouse would leave, as that would complicate their partnership with Spire. I see Andretti buying an ownership stake into Spire before them starting their own team. I mean, I feel like they already are big partners with them
I do gotta say it would be weird to see an accord in cup, a civic in xfinity, and a ridgeline in trucks.
I doubt SHR would do it. Their time is up at the end of the year with Ford and I cant see Honda being able to produce a cup engine before 2026.
Ross Chastain is Toyota’s golden boy right now. He’s arguably the most marketable driver in the field. Trackhouse isn’t going anywhere.
Toyota??💀
Ross Chastain is in a Chevrolet you 🤡
My top 3 teams of interest would be 1.Kaulig 2.Spire (even though they’re gradually getting more competitive with Chevrolet) 3.JRM. Some people may be surprised with JRM, as it’s widely known DaleJr is very loyal to Chevrolet and seems to be sworn to them until he dies. However, I would’ve said the same about Jimmie Johnson before he joined the Toyota camp with his joint share in legacy. To me I also think about his ties with Hendrick Motorsports, and the fact that for JRM to go cup racing a lot would have to be addressed and or changed in terms of the technical relationship, numbers and branding, and likely a lot of sponsorship factors. Honda presents an opportunity for a fresh start, and a potential key partnership opportunity for the organization to gain an edge. If it carries over to xfinity, it could definitely be a good long term move as they could regain their edge over Kaulig and RCR’s xfinity programs as it seems they have been overall more consistently on the winning side of races in the xfinity series since the 2021 season.
No need to add. The first team I thought of was Trackhouse strictly because of the Hendrick debacle last year.
SHR would have to go the 2025 season with no manufacture support or alliance, and they’re rebuilding right now, so not the greatest timing regardless of Tony. Trackhouse would have to be confident the upside of switching will work, it’s a maybe for them.
That's why I think they go Chevy and another 2 Chevy teams go to Honda freeing up space for SHR.
SHR and Spire are my best bets as even though spire is well connected to Chevy, they’ll never have the same support as trackhouse, Hendricks or RCR and Toyota is enjoying having legacy on board and Ford already putting support towards front row .
I hope Honda isnt the only manufacturer that shows up in Nascar. Id love to see BMW, Subaru, and even Dodge make a return.
I don't think both BMW and Subaru would like to join NASCAR at all, while Dodge because of the Stellantis, is difficult to happen
I don't think BMW and Subaru would like to join NASCAR at all, while Dodge because of the Stellantis, it's difficult to happen
I think if the popularity of Nascar continues to grow, anything is possible. @@pedroa.baptista4906
Only Dodge
Highly likely •
JTG Daugherty, RWR, Legacy Motor Club, Live Fast the underdog teams for the most part…
Hard maybe•
SHR seem like they need a fresh reset and should be one of those top teams to make the leap and lead Honda in NASCAR seeing since the switch to ford worked short term but not long term for whatever reason and been on a decline. Then you have RFK & Front Row seem like they got some momentum with wins and consistent results as of late with ford, don’t think ford willing to give those teams up unless Honda flash some serious funds in their faces 🤑 and last but not least you got Front Row but they just swapped alliance from RFK to Team Penske so if Front Row leave Penske for Honda in 2026 they want security 💵 from Honda right away
I could see SHR switching over for two charters, taking Briscoe and Josh with them. Kaulig sells one charter, and throws in a bunch of money for AJ to drive for Honda, and then RWR switches over to Honda
Seeing dat accord on the track gone hit different
People really think Kaulig, which is on RCRs campus and has a huge deal with not only RCR but Chevy will switch to Honda. Bad take. I think SHR is the easiest choice here
Btw the person who did the Honda NASCAR render is actually James Hodge’s render, the other person just reposted it
Definitely SHR and really a silent Tier 1 team if they are serious about growth or definitely tier 2 being Spire.
I could possibly see trackhouse. Especially with all the other entities they race in.
SHR would probably be the only team to join Honda
That's a likely route, but for that, Tony Stewart needs to have some sense knocked into him, he's so anti-foreign car makers in NASCAR. And the MWR scandals are somewhat fresh despite Michael Jordan's investment in the maker and 23XI
Tony wanted OUT of JGR when they went to Toyota. I don't see them with Honda.
SHR would be my pick. Of course, as someone who works for BMW, I'd like to see them enter in as well. That doesn't appear to be the case, though.
Legacy Motor Club.
I think Honda should get either Hendrick or Penske and be their "A" team. If Hendrick goes with Honda then I see SHR having a technical alliance with them. But Honda won’t join unless NASCAR finally ditches V8 engines.
If there are four charters available then Andretti and Honda is a perfect match imo. So that takes care of 4 cars. Then maybe SH goes to Honda staying with ford for 2025. Of not SH the perhaps Kaulig or Trackhouse, with Trackhouse probably winning out with their overall Joy de vive over there. Like you said, Hendrick are top dog with Chevy, then Chidress then I would say Trackhouse with fairly decent support with TCR only having two cars. Man it seems like we need some more Chevys in the field after loosing some to Legacy and Toyota. I hope Honda come in. They could really help some teams.
I think 2 of the teams i think 100% will if Honda does join are SHR and Spire and maybe a couple smaller teams like RWR or Kaulig or maybe even JTG
I think Trackhouse would be perfect for Honda. I believe Spire would be a good Honda fit also.
Trackhouse ain’t going anywhere, Justin marks said last year he was tied to Chevy
What about Spire? I think they might use a Honda support as well.
I could see Trackhouse going to Honda. You made very good points. Top team with Honda vs 2 or 3rd team with Chevrolet.. and with the rumors of SHR going back to Chevy that would probably drop Trackhouse another spot in the Chevy order.
Rick Ware Racing I don’t think would be close to the top of Hondas wish list.
Kaulig I don’t see that happening either because of their alliance with RCR. Their shop is on the RCR campus.. doubtful RCR lets them stay on campus if they went to Honda.
SHR, Andretti, CGR and 23XI
Bring Andretti in with 3 charters and give one to Trackhouse.
Justin Marks has already said that Trackhouse isn't going anywhere. Last year before the season started there was talk about Toyota trying to add teams. Marks said it will not be Trackhouse. Personally, I highly doubt Trackhouse leaves Chevrolet.
Honda already said they won't be producing a pushrod v8 so nascar will have to change some rules to allow them in. However they ran v6 cars in the past so they may be open to a v6 or inline 6 option. This would also open the door back up for dodge with the new hurricane inline 6 if they choose to allow it.
Rick Ware Racing had an Indy 500 entry that was powered by Honda.
I like stewert haas racing being chevy
2013 - 2015
That 99 could've stayed with RFR
2013 - 2014
The 31 could've stayed with RCR 13' , 14' , '15 and 2018
A random long shot, but if JRM wants a charter - entry with Honda in 26 would be a good way in for both.
JMO, Tony Stewart will probably sell his shares/charters in the team and leave NASCAR all together before switching to Honda. I can see Spire either selling outright or forging a partnership with Andretti and possible becoming a Honda Team. JTG, Kaulig and RWR, its a coin toss if they switch or not.
How in the world did Andretti accidentally stating he intended to expand into NASCAR during an interview last year go unnoticed by basically everyone?
Just throwing it out there Penske they run acuras in imsa
No they don't, they run Porsches now, have done since 2022. They're Porsche's factory team in both IMSA and WEC.