Latest news with #JohnProbst
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
NASCAR Confirms Talks With New Automakers Following RAM Trucks Announcement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Following the announcement of RAM Trucks' entry into NASCAR in 2026, John Probst, NASCAR's executive vice president and chief racing development officer, has confirmed that the sport is in discussions with three other manufacturers for a NASCAR entry in the future. RAM separated from Dodge in 2010, and before that, the brand had celebrated three manufacturer championships in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2001, 2003, and 2004. The team last raced in 2013. There has been no new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in NASCAR since Toyota introduced the Tundra in 2004. Probst shared that, for an OEM, to participate in NASCAR was a "good investment" and revealed that Cup Series newcomers would be allowed to follow an 18-month schedule to prepare and develop their team and cars to race. A general view of the Ram announcement that its brand will return to NASCAR competition, scheduling a Craftsman Truck Series campaign beginning in 2026 on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino... A general view of the Ram announcement that its brand will return to NASCAR competition, scheduling a Craftsman Truck Series campaign beginning in 2026 on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. MoreOpening up on the ongoing discussion with other automakers during the announcement of RAM's NASCAR entry, Probst said: "I don't want to jinx ourselves, but I would say that we are very close with one other. Can't speak for them. Obviously, it's their decision to make. We would love for them to decide to come into NASCAR, and even with that, there's one or two others that we're a little bit earlier in the discussions, but also looking pretty positive. "But we all know that an OEM deciding to come into NASCAR, it's a big commitment for them. It's not something that they take lightly. It requires a lot of research and approval at the highest levels. We're confident right now. We like the position we're in, and think that we're a pretty good investment for an OEM." Could Honda be one of the automakers NASCAR has been in talks with? A report by Sports Business Journal, which anticipated the arrival of RAM Trucks, stated that "Honda is also said to be eyeing a potential entry into NASCAR, though the timing of that is less clear." The entry of RAM would likely encourage manufacturers to consider a NASCAR entry, and push forward those that are already in talks. RAM Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed that his team will be all set to race next year at Daytona. He said: "We'll be on track in Daytona in eight months, and the way we're going to do it is unlike anyone else." Kuniskis hinted that RAM's ultimate goal was to race in the Cup Series. He added: "We're looking for a date to the prom right now. So how am I going to get to Cup? That's going to depend on how I get to Truck. So however we get to Truck is going to obviously weigh heavily on 'do I have a path to Cup?' Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to Truck and not to Cup. That's not our plan."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Who's next? Officials are 'very close' to another deal after Ram joins NASCAR
The sanctioning body remains focused on getting at least four manufacturers back in the Cup Series, which hasn't happened since 2012. While Dodge is certainly a possibility, especially following news of Ram's return to the Truck Series, NASCAR's options are not limited. Speaking to a limited media availability that included NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer John Probst got candid about the current state of play as they court more OEMs. Advertisement 'I feel like we've said this 900 times to you guys, and until today, (we) have not had any breakthrough news to announce, and today, we're proud to welcome Ram back into NASCAR,' said Probst. 'I don't want to jinx ourselves, but I would say we are very close with one other (manufacturer) – can't speak for them, obviously. It's their decision to make. 'We would love for them to decide to come into NASCAR and even with that, there's one or two others that we're a little bit earlier in the discussions, but also, looking pretty positive. We all know that an OEM deciding to come into NASCAR – it's a big commitment for them. It's not something that they take lightly. It's something that requires a lot of research and approval at the highest levels, and you know, we're confident right now. We like the position we're in, and we think we're a pretty good investment for an OEM.' Ram Truck Ram Truck Advertisement While this is pure speculation, Honda is likely among that group in some form as the manufacturer has been linked to previous discussions with NASCAR. But regardless of who, it's clear that the sanctioning body is finally making inroads in their mission to expand their number of dedicated OEMs in the sport. As for why now, Probst claimed, 'there's a lot of momentum around our sport right now … outside of our sport, particularly around a lot of the blue-chip stuff when we go out and get to visit with folks. Particularly, companies that aren't in our sport today, but a lot of positive momentum there.' Probst also believes the Next Gen car, which was introduced in 2022, is another factor in renewed interest from manufacturers. He said the current generation gives the OEMs 'cars that really match what they have on the dealership side and all of the other stuff that's going on over at Dodge, Ram, and Stellantis. The timing was just right for us to get back to work and go racing again together.' As for a timeline, Probst repeated 18 months as the bare minimum for a manufacturer from the moment they say 'yes' to the day they first show up on the grid in order to get everything ready for such an endeavor. But in the meantime, NASCAR finally has its fourth manufacturer – at least at the Truck level. To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR secures fourth manufacturer as Ram enters Truck series in 2026
The NASCAR Truck Series field will feature four manufacturers for the first time in over a decade next season with Ram entering the category, joining Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. This is a monumental decision that has been rumored for several months, but representatives from Ram and Stellantis finally confirmed it in a public unveiling at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. Advertisement Speaking in a limited media availability that included NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer John Probst said of the highly anticipated return: 'We are excited to welcome Ram back to the Truck Series, starting in 2026. I know this is something that we've been talking about for a long time, and it's something we don't get to do very often. I think the last time we did this was over 20 years ago when Toyota entered our sport. So this is something that is a big moment for our entire sport and our existing competitors, potential new competitors, our OEMs. 'When we work with our existing OEMs, they have made it loud and clear that they would welcome a new OEM into our sport with open arms. They've been very helpful in that process with Ram and some of the other OEMs we continue to talk with. As we've said before, something we do on the regular is talk not just with our existing OEMs but potential new ones.' Probst continued, outlining the advantages of having an additional manufacturer join the NASCAR Truck Series. 'We're excited to see the depth in the Truck garage grow even deeper with the support of Dodge coming in there. And I think something that is very clear is that they are going to come in here and do this very differently to the recent trend in the Truck Series. We look for them to really energize our fan base, particularly in the Truck Series next year. 'From the NASCAR side, I think this is proof positive of the strength NASCAR has when it comes to attracting those blue chip brands to come in and participate in our sport. So, we are very excited to welcome them back to the NASCAR family, and hopefully that creates a lot of momentum for us to have some more exciting announcements regarding OEMs in the future.' Advertisement Dodge has quite the history in NASCAR, but the brand chose to pull its factory support from all three national divisions ahead of the 2013 season. In the Truck Series, Dodge won the manufacturer's title with Ram in 2001, 2003 and 2004. However, Sunday's announcement does not include a planned return to the Cup Series. At this time, the plans only involve Ram in the Truck Series. understands that they are aiming to have up to four to six entries on the grid for the 2026 season-opener. There is no finalized partnership with an existing team, but should the field size increase as a result of Ram's entry, NASCAR has indicated that they are willing to consider increasing the current field size in Trucks. The Ram 1500 concept race truck unveiled at Michigan resembles a production truck, adopting elements from the Ram Sport Truck lineup (Warlock, Rebel and RHO) with some aerodynamic adjustments to fit NASCAR competition. While the new Ram body must undergo wind tunnel testing, NASCAR hopes to have it approved by August 15th. None of the existing OEMs are planning to update their bodies for the 2026 season. The Truck Series also utilizes spec NT1 engines provided by Ilmor for all manufacturers, removing a hurdle that exists in the higher two divisions. NASCAR hasn't had a new manufacturer enter the sport since Toyota — roughly two decades ago. They also entered the Truck Series first in 2004, before expanding into the Cup Series for the 2007 season. To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR adds an optional caution flag in latest effort to make its All-Star Race interesting
Another year, another attempt to spice up the NASCAR All-Star Race. NASCAR announced the format for the 2025 edition of the race on Wednesday and this year's iteration includes an optional caution flag that can be thrown before lap 220 of the 250-lap race. The caution is a 'promoter's caution' and 'will be in the mix to reshape the race's complexion,' according to the release on NASCAR's website. The caution has to be thrown before lap 220, but can't be thrown after lap 200 if a caution for a wreck or debris happens after that lap. Simply put, the optional caution has been added in an attempt to save what could be a boring race. The May 18 race is at the 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway. The quality of short-track racing in the Cup Series has declined precipitously since the current car was introduced in 2022 because of its low horsepower and higher downforce characteristics. With a high likelihood of a boring race with difficult passing, the caution could be used to bunch the field in the hopes of an exciting late restart. 'The NASCAR All-Star Race continues to evolve as one of the most fun and innovative events on our calendar,' NASCAR vice president John Probst said in a statement. 'Returning to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third year in a row allows us to honor our sport's roots while pushing the envelope with fresh competitive elements. The introduction of the Manufacturer Showdown brings a new layer of intensity and pride for our OEM partners, and fans can expect even more strategy, teamwork and drama on race day.' That manufacturer showdown will include an equal number of Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota teams. The automaker with the lowest total finish among its cars will win the competition. The optional caution is the latest gimmick among many in recent All-Star Race history. Previous All-Star races have featured option tires and final restart orders calculated based on a driver's average finish in the earlier stages. The continued attempts to make the All-Star Race relevant underscore that the race might have outlived its usefulness and that NASCAR could be better served with an off weekend for its teams instead of a race featuring participants who race each other in 36 points events per season. The 250-lap race is also 50 laps longer than the 2024 race was. Drivers who won a race in 2024 or 2025, have won an All-Star Race before or who have won a Cup Series title before are automatically entered into the event. The drivers who don't fit that criteria will race each other in a 100-lap qualifying race earlier in the day. The top two finishers from that race will qualify for the main event along with the driver who received the most votes from fans to compete in the All-Star Race.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NASCAR adds an optional caution flag in latest effort to make its All-Star Race interesting
Another year, another attempt to spice up the NASCAR All-Star Race. NASCAR announced the format for the 2025 edition of the race on Wednesday and this year's iteration includes an optional caution flag that can be thrown before lap 220 of the 250-lap race. Advertisement The caution is a 'promoter's caution' and 'will be in the mix to reshape the race's complexion' according to the release on NASCAR's website. The caution has to be thrown before lap 220, but can't be thrown after lap 200 if a caution for a wreck or debris happens after that lap. Simply put, the optional caution has been added in an attempt to save what could be a boring race. The May 18 race is at the 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway. The quality of short track racing in the Cup Series has declined precipitously since the current car was introduced in 2022 because of its low horsepower and higher downforce characteristics. With a high likelihood of a boring race with difficult passing, the caution could be used to bunch the field in the hopes of an exciting late restart. 'The NASCAR All-Star Race continues to evolve as one of the most fun and innovative events on our calendar,' NASCAR vice president John Probst said in a statement. 'Returning to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third year in a row allows us to honor our sport's roots while pushing the envelope with fresh competitive elements. The introduction of the Manufacturer Showdown brings a new layer of intensity and pride for our OEM partners, and fans can expect even more strategy, teamwork and drama on race day.' That manufacturer showdown will include an equal number of Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota teams. The automaker with the lowest total finish among its cars will win the competition. Advertisement The optional caution is the latest gimmick among many in recent All-Star Race history. Previous All-Star races have featured option tires and final restart orders calculated based on a driver's average finish in the earlier stages. The continued attempts to make the All-Star Race relevant underscore that the race might have outlived its usefulness and that NASCAR could be better served with an off weekend for its teams instead of a race featuring participants who race each other in 36 points events per season. The 250-lap race is also 50 laps longer than the 2024 race was. Drivers who won a race in 2024 or 2025, have won an All-Star Race before or who have won a Cup Series title before are automatically entered into the event. The drivers who don't fit that criteria will race each other in a 100-lap qualifying race earlier in the day. The top two finishers from that race will qualify for the main event along with the driver who received the most votes from fans to compete in the All-Star Race.
