For years, NASCAR has made it clear that adding a fifth manufacturer to the Cup Series is one of its top priorities. Right now, only Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota make up the grid, with Ram reportedly returning next season after more than a decade with five Kaulig Racing cars in the Craftsman Truck Series. While that’s enough good news, one other name has also been dominating headlines constantly: Honda. The automaker has long been tied to American motorsport through IndyCar and other series, so the idea of it jumping into stock car racing doesn’t sound far-fetched anymore. And neither does Chip Ganassi’s return along with it.

Confused about the connection? Well, currently, Honda serves as Chip Ganassi Racing’s engine supplier in the NTT IndyCar Series. Given the good relationship between the parties, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that the team owner might want to come back to the highest rungs of stock car racing—an idea that was fueled by Ganassi himself. Talking to Motorsport.com on Tuesday, the veteran said about the possibility, “Am I open to it, I wouldn’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ but what I can tell you is that I haven’t had that conversation with Honda. I have never had that conversation with NASCAR but I am also smart enough to never say never.” Sharing the article, the publication’s senior NASCAR Editor, Matt Weaver, also shared his two cents on X later.

“Given the decision Honda is mulling regarding a NASCAR program, I thought it prudent to ask Chip Ganassi if he was out of the charter business these days He’s ‘smart enough to never say never.’ I asked him to consider Álex Palou as a potential SVG too,” he wrote. Notably, this comes two months after NASCAR executives informed that they were “very close to a deal with another carmaker.” As per Commissioner Steve Phelps, in a conversation with Sports Business Journal, “I don’t want to jinx ourselves, but I would say we are very close with one other; can’t speak for them — obviously it’s their decision to make…it’s a big commitment for them, and it’s not something they take lightly. It requires a lot of research and approvals at the highest levels, and we’re confident right now, we like the position we’re in and think we’re a pretty good investment for an OEM.”

Manager of Honda and Acura Motorsports for American Honda Motor Co, Chuck Schifsky, on the other hand, had said, “I am not in a position to speculate as to what Mr. Probst was referring to. I can say that — Honda continues to explore multiple options for our future endeavors in U. S. motorsport. We have no news to share at this time.”

Having said that, whether it’s a real possibility or just clever wording on Ganassi’s part, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect to fuel rumors. But that didn’t stop Reddit threads to stop buzzing, and fan theories to start spiraling out of control. From wild scenarios to half-serious predictions, the community had plenty to say.

Wild theories swirl around Ganassi & Honda comeback

Fans rushed to connect the dots after one user shared Weaver’s tweet on the social media platform: With NASCAR indicating it plans to issue a charter for 2026 to a redacted entity, speculation is rife that Ganassi could be the buyer. As one Redditot giddily put it: “Could Chip Ganassi be the mysterious charter buyer?” The court filings confirm NASCAR is on the verge of transferring a charter formerly held by 23XI Racing or Front Row Motorsports, increasing the temptation to name-check Ganassi.

Another thread had fans pleading: “Honda should return via the successor to CGR in Trackhouse (please, I’m begging at this point).”  Others weighed in with contractual theories: “I’m certain with Trackhouse buying out Ganassi, they’d implemented a no-compete clause for a certain amount of time.” That suspicion reflects NASCAR’s history with asset transfers and brand protection. Hopefully, the no-compete doesn’t stand at this moment.

A few comments looked back at Ganassi’s eye for rising talent: “Chip had a good eye for talent in NASCAR. He just didn’t have the resources to give them the cars they needed.” Fans recounted drivers like Kyle Larson, and Ryan Hunter-Reay—stars Ganassi launched who needed more support to become consistent winners.

One user also quoted Ganassi from a Dale Jr. Download podcast in 2023, where he’d said he’d consider a return to NASCAR “if the opportunity presented itself.” At the heart of these online theories lies the thrilling question. Could Chip Ganassi be gearing up for an unexpected return to NASCAR? Well, whatever the case, fans are ready.