Honda Enters NASCAR in 2021?

The Japanese automaker Honda is observing NASCAR’s plans for the upcoming seasons that regards the next-gen vehicles and engines. But, the company spokesman stated that Honda would join the most famous racing series only “when it makes sense.”

Of course, this is a view from a budgetary perspective. We all know what Honda means to race sports. Currently, the automaker has a program of engine supplies in the IndyCar Series. Also, a dual program, through a performance-oriented brand Acura, in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Series.

Honda-IMSA
Team Penske

What Can NASCAR Bring To Honda?

The former Honda Performance Development President Art St.Cyr stated that the scale of NASCAR’s series is a challenge. But, it is also restraint in terms of the effort required. If Honda enters NASCAR, it will mean that the attention switches to racecars. In that case, the rest of the vehicles

Also, St.Cyr said if Honda enters NASCAR from the engineering point of view it would be genuinely great. Still, it’s a question of cost versus benefit. The NASCAR is enormous competition, with 38 races in a year, so that it might become a capacity problem. To participate successfully in NASCAR, you need at least four cars. That’s probably 20 powertrains per vehicle, 80 engines per season.

New-NASCAR-Rules

New NASCAR Rules

The NASCAR will introduce new chassis rules in 2021, followed by a refined engine in 2022 or 2023. Both alterations will be aimed at cost. It will try to draw the attention of major companies to join Toyota, Ford, and Chevy. Also, the engine hybridization is expected as well, to provide more road-relevant vehicles to the automaker. The Nascar’s Gen-7 plan of reducing costs will encourage carmakers like Honda to enter the famous racing series.

But, the budget spent on this program will play a key role. The reality of racing in modern-day surroundings is to figure out how to do it without enormous costs. In the past, Honda always has some bold moves when it comes to racing. There’s a famous quote from Soichiro Honda that says: ‘If we don’t race, then there is no Honda.’ However, the company needs to figure out where they need their racing cars and how to make the most sense of it for the benefit of the program. Honda has teams both in IMSA (Team Penske) and IndyCar (Chip Ganassi Racing).

Both sides have race-winning NASCAR actions. But, the Japanese automaker needs a large pickup truck to join the NASCAR indeed. The manufacturer must supply vehicles for all of the top three ranks – Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks.

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