The last straw was witnessing yet another Toyota victory in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. The other manufacturers have little chance now that Toyota has seized control of NASCAR’s top series.
The best quote came from Clint Bowyer in the Nationwide race, another category that the foreign manufacturer has dominated this year. The Toyotas, according to Bowyer, simply have too much power.
I’m interested in finding out what NASCAR will do. This sport was built by famous American motor manufacturers.
In 2007, Toyota entered the top two NASCAR divisions. Just ask team owner Jack Roush: Toyota invested TOO much money and hired the best minds in sports. In an effort to make ownership more affordable, NASCAR unveiled the COT in 2007. Teams ended up paying even more money to obtain data on the new vehicle as a result of NASCAR’s limited schedule with the new chassis.
This resulted in one of the most unbalanced seasons in recent memory, with nearly half of NASCAR’s 36 victories going to Hendrick Motorsports. Toyota has won seven of the 18 races so far this year, followed by Chevrolet four times, Dodge four times, and Ford three times. It’s not all that horrible to look at these statistics unless you break them down by driver.
With six victories, Kyle Busch has the most in the series; Carl Edwards is second with three victories. It shouldn’t take NASCAR too long to realize that TOYOTA is the key differentiator.
Since they will likely lose their only championship driver to Haas CNC, I don’t blame Joe Gibbs Racing for switching. However, NASCAR has to examine their 2008 campaign theme, “Back to Basics,” and take action against Toyota’s hegemony in the sport.
In This Article...
Has a Toyota engine ever been used in a NASCAR race?
The NASCAR engines from Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet are identical in size and have a lot of structural similarities. The three engines differ in that different manufacturers supply different engine components. For instance, while Chevrolet provides engine parts to the Chevrolet NASCAR teams, Ford provides engine parts to the Ford NASCAR teams. The only automaker in NASCAR that produces complete engines for teams is Toyota.
Dodge left NASCAR when?
Since 1949, NASCAR has had a crowded field of manufacturers competing for victories. The following four businesses should and could participate in the sport.
There have only been three manufacturers in NASCAR since Dodge exited the series in 2012: Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. NASCAR has made an effort to emulate the automobiles you’d see on a freeway since its inaugural season. Every American automobile manufacturer used to field a team on Sundays.
Rumors regarding more organizations entering the sport have recently been circulating. But none of these rumors have materialized as of yet. NASCAR requires a significant time and financial investment, as Toyota discovered when they entered the sport in 2007. Even while this may deter some manufacturers, investing in the sport can have a significant positive impact. Here, I examine four significant manufacturers who ought to think about joining NASCAR.
Nissan unveiled the Vmotion 2.0 concept on January 9, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, at the Cobo Center for the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY NETWORK via Romain Blanquart/Detroit Free Press
It would make sense for the Japanese corporation to enter NASCAR. The company is one of the biggest automakers in the world, selling about 1.5 million vehicles annually in the US. It has several American manufacturing facilities, and its sales have increased annually. Nissan’s brand would undoubtedly benefit from joining NASCAR and fighting against Ford, Chevy, and its Japanese rival Toyota. This would also help Nissan increase sales.
In particular, competing in the Camping World Truck Series would provide the Nissan Titan much-needed exposure. Nissan has worked hard to promote the brand, but sales of the truck have lagged far behind those of Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Ram. Nissan would likely compete in the truck series with the Titan and the XFINITY and Cup series with the Altima or Maxima. The manufacturer’s participation in NASCAR would significantly increase its sales.
8.01.2017; Detroit, Michigan, USA; At the Garden Theater during the North American International Auto Show, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas R-Line is unveiled. Elaine Cromie/Detroit Free Press via USA TODAY NETWORK is required credit.
European automakers have participated in NASCAR for a longer period of time than casual spectators might anticipate. In 1954, Al Keller, driving an imported Jaguar XK120, took first place in NASCAR’s first road course race. Long imports continued to make sporadic cameos in NASCAR for a while, a European manufacturer has never been a regular participant in the sport.
It makes sense to choose Volkswagen to open the road. The German team joining the sport has long been the subject of rumors. Recently, rumors circulated that the Volkswagen affiliate Audi will start selling vehicles in 2020. Although the corporation denied these rumors, it ought to nonetheless think about participating in the sport. After Dieselgate, the company’s fuel pollution scandal, made headlines in 2016, Volkswagen could use some good PR. A strong showing in NASCAR, most likely with its iconic Passat sedan, would help Volkswagen put that problem behind them.
8.01.2017; Detroit, Michigan, USA; During the 2017 North American International Auto Show at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, the 2018 GMC Terrain Denali was unveiled. Mandatory credit: USA TODAY NETWORK via Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press
Chevrolet has been the most successful brand in NASCAR history, and General Motors already has a significant presence there. Oldsmobiles raced alongside Chevys until 1994, while Pontiacs continued to compete until 2004. Nevertheless, GM used to have a strong heritage of backing numerous manufacturers in NASCAR. General Motors, one of the top manufacturers in the world despite surviving a chapter 11 bankruptcy, might bring back its three other American lines for the competition. It makes sense to bring Buick back to the Monster Energy Cup Series. Chevy and Buick would share chassis, engines, and R&D, saving GM from having to fund the program. The GMC Sierra would be added to the truck lineup, which would result in the same advantages of low launch costs and extensive exposure for GM’s other brands.
9.01.2017; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan won the award for utility vehicle of the year, which was accepted by Jim Kuniskis, head of Fiat Chrysler automobile brands. At the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center, the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle, Honda Ridgeline truck, and Chrysler Pacifica minivan were named North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Mandatory credit: USA TODAY NETWORK via Mandi Wright/Detroit Free Press
Dodge has already stated that they are investigating a comeback to NASCAR. Dodge left the competition following Brad Keselowski’s 2012 victory, despite creating a Gen-6 vehicle. Because it was unable to locate a flagship team to take the position of departed Penske Racing, the American carmaker withdrew its backing. However, Dodge has a chance to re-enter NASCAR because Ray Evernham has welcomed his return to the competition.
Dodge could be revived by Evernham, as he did sixteen years ago, or the group could take a totally new path. The business would not need to start from scratch like they did in 2001 because they already have Gen-6 chassis and engine technology from the Car of Tomorrow. Dodge could easily field two or three teams if they decide to return to the sport because once-proud organizations like Roush Fenway are no longer supported by their manufacturers. Since many teams are seeing a decline in sponsorship money, a new manufacturer with fresh funding would attract attention right away. Since Dodge is an American icon, it is only fitting that it compete in the nation’s most recognizable motorsport.
How did Toyota make its NASCAR debut?
It appeared impossible to convince supporters to get over their worry that Toyota would supplant smaller automakers like Chevy and Ford. Toyota did indeed outperform the odds, but it did so by edging in gradually rather than with a lot of hoopla.
Toyota debuted in NASCAR in 2004 by joining the Camping World Truck Series. Given that it doesn’t have the same fan base as the Cup and Xfinity series, this was a wise choice.
Toyota didn’t even officially acknowledge that the Cup or Xfinity series was a possibility at that time, according to David Wilson, head of Toyota Racing Development, speaking to USA TODAY Sports.
Getting the drivers to support Toyota may be the best way to win over fans, according to a survey conducted by the Toyota team. Some drivers and NASCAR teams weren’t against Toyota.
“For instance, a poll question asked, “What do you think if Toyota entered NASCAR? ” The responses caused controversy since many fans were, to put it bluntly, not very receptive. However, if you were to ask, “What would you think if Jeff Gordon (or their favorite driver) drove a Toyota in NASCAR?” you could get a different response. The responses were unquestionably more encouraging.
Bill Davis Racing, Red Bull Racing, and Michael Waltrip Racing all received financial support from Toyota. Toyota also took care to avoid building a significant winning streak that would indicate it was undercutting rival automakers.
Why doesn’t Dodge compete in NASCAR?
Dodge held a news conference in October 1999 to announce their return to NASCAR’s premier series. The attempt was being led by Ray Evernham, the hotly tipped crew leader for hotly tipped Jeff Gordon. Dodgeand would finance Evernham’s new squad in a novel arrangement with its dealer body. After 13 years, Dodge will be leaving NASCAR at the conclusion of the current campaign. Why? mostly because the company was unable to repeat the success it had in 1999 when it found a prominent NASCAR figure like Evernham to lead its effort.
Dodge was able to field teams despite Chrysler’s bankruptcy, a severe recession, a lack of finance from cash-strapped Dodge dealers who were retreating due to the shoddy restructuring, and several ownership changes. But the decision by Penske Racing to switch to Ford for its two-car squad at the end of 2012an announcement made in Marchproved to be the decisive factor. According to sources involved with the negotiations, a deal might have been made if Dodge had acted more forcefully to re-sign Penske. However, the chance passed before a choice could be made since parent firm Fiat was watching over Dodge’s shoulder and the Italians were either unable or unwilling to understand the significance of NASCAR in our nation.
Dodge then started seeking for a team to invest its money in, initially leisurely. It required a top-notch crew, preferably one with a wealth of experience in research and development, as well as its own engine shopbasically, a like-for-like replacement for Penske. It wasn’t to be. Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet tied for the most qualifying teams. The few teams still with engine shops, like Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Fenway Racing, recoup a large portion of their costs by providing engines to other teams. However, that source of income vanishes if there are no other teams using Dodges. Dodge has been whistling through the graveyard over the past few months, preparing the new Charger race car for the 2013 Sprint Cup rules and establishing backup plans to produce its own engines, a la Toyota’s TRD group, if necessary.
In the end, Dodge considered Turner Motorsports, which has had success in the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, as well as Richard Petty Motorsports, Furniture Row Racing, and a number of other prominent teams in lower-tier Cup series. But none are accessible, and it required not only a top team but also at least one elite driver. Kurt Busch’s former team, Penske, revealed in Dodge management that it was willing to take a chance on him but was unable to place him with a team.
To recruit for Dodge, there are no Hendrick, Roush, Joe Gibbs, or Richard Childress Racing teams. No Ray Evernham exists who is willing to start over from scratch. In the end, Dodge made the decision to stop rather than make a feeble effort for 2013. The lack of a compatible dancing partner was more important than politics, corporate intrigue, or a disapproving European parent.
This is unquestionably a setback for NASCAR. Sure, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and even Honda have been discussed as potential NASCAR manufacturers, but what incentive remains given what Dodge went through? Domestic automakers like Pontiac, Buick, Mercury, and Oldsmobile were once active in NASCAR but are no longer present.
Dodge has had a “disproportionate amount of success running just two Penske cars,” understated Ralph Gilles, chairman of SRTChrysler’s performance business. The successes of Penske in general and Brad Keselowski as a driver in particular are utterly astounding. Even open-wheel champion Sam Hornish Jr., who spent a very long time learning to drive stock cars, is now actively pursuing the Nationwide title. Furthermore, under the direction of Dan Reid and seasoned publicist Denny Darnell, Dodge has received a similarly disproportionate amount of media attention for having only two starters out of every 43 in Cup races.
Is Dodge returning to NASCAR?
“major news today Following our discussions with Dodge, it appears that we will move on with the construction of a Next-Gen vehicle. You are aware that when Dodge departed NASCAR, I quit the scene. We are planning to develop a Next-Gen car for Watkins Glen now that I’ve gotten the team back together.
Shortly after the story was uploaded, racing newspapers began to publish it. Gordon then had to modify the video’s comment to include the sentence “Keep in mind that this is an April Fool’s joke. This happened after the video was published on April 2nd, the day following April 1st.
With an arrangement for technical, manufacturing, and marketing services with the era’s Gillet-Evernham Motorsports, Gordon did receive factory assistance from Dodge in 2008. (GEM). Gordon switched to Toyota for the 2009 season after a disappointing season in which he dropped to 33rd position in the standings. For the 2011 campaign, Gordon rejoined Dodge and brought his own energy drink, Speed Energy, on board as a sponsor. He would compete in 25 races over the course of a Dodge season, coming in 34th overall. Before leaving NASCAR, Gordon made a comeback to the Cup in 2012 and competed in five races with the Charger.
Some of the followers were irritated by the hint of a return to NASCAR in the video. But those who were sane about the issue understood that it would take a while for Dodge to obtain NASCAR’s approval of the needed templates for its version of the Next-Gen car. In light of this, it seems unlikely that the automaker would want to rejoin NASCAR in the middle of a season with a non-competitive squad.
Dodge left Penske Racing after the 2012 season because Penske Racing sought a multi-year contract, which is why Dodge left. Instead, Penske, the only factory-backed team for Dodge, defected to Ford, leaving the automaker without a competitive squad to race its vehicles. Soon later, it was announced that NASCAR would be completely abandoned.
The Tony Stewart rumors are still going strong if you want to see Dodge return to NASCAR’s premier series. Given that Stewart-Haas Racing is now bound by a contract with Ford Performance through the conclusion of the 2023 season, the most recent reports suggest that Dodge might make a comeback in 2024.
Stewart expressed his dissatisfaction with the manufacturer as it appears that he attempted to hire Larson for the past four years but was finally unsuccessful due to a decision by Ford. Ford made the choice based on Larson’s usage of an offensive racist term during an iRacing session, which led to his suspension from NASCAR competition and forced him to take a number of seminars before he could resume racing. Larson had a three-year contract with Chip Ganassi Racing during that time. Nevertheless, Larson would later use Hendrick Motorsports to capture the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
The manufacturer would also be in line with NASCAR’s future ambitions to electrify their Next-Gen car if it made its debut in 2024. According to NASCAR, the Next-Gen car was built to support both internal combustion engines (ICEs) and all-electric and gas-electric hybrid power systems. For the 2024 season, NASCAR has stated that it plans to use some form of electricity with its Next-Gen cars.