NASCAR has had three manufacturers competing in the Cup Series since Dodge left after the 2012 season and it looks like it will need to make a big change to bring in a fourth.
NASCAR has been in discussions with at least one automaker, which is likely Honda, although officials have not confirmed or denied that.
Now a NASCAR insider has told The Sports Business Journal that a new manufacturer entry hinges on whether or not the series switches to hybrid powertrains, or another compelling alternative power source.
The reasoning is that this would make the series a better marketing tool as hybrid sales have been sharply growing in recent years and are expected to continue to do so as strict new environmental regulations come into effect.
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The Next Gen NASCAR Cup Series car was engineered with the capability of adding an electric motor and battery to create a hybrid powertrain, but one has not yet been publicly demonstrated.
NASCAR has also built a fully electric car that was supposed to make its debut during the Clash at the Coliseum weekend in February, but the reveal was postponed as the event’s schedule was disrupted by weather.
NASCAR executives have also traveled to Japan to investigate hydrogen combustion technology that is being developed by Toyota and other automakers. Hydrogen burns without the release of greenhouse gases and can be used in modified piston engines.
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The Sports Business Journal said that the earliest a new technology and manufacturer would be able to be incorporated into the series is 2026 or 2027, which jibes with recent comments from NASCAR’s Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst that it would take 18-24 months to bring in a new manufacturer.
Cars would be able to recover energy under braking then use it as a power boost while accelerating, which would have the greatest effect on short and intermediate tracks.
IndyCar is scheduled to switch to hybrid powertrains this season after the Indy 500, although their introduction has been postponed several times over the past few years.