--- title: "Chinese Automaker’s Rumored NASCAR Bid Is Riddled With Red Flags" date: "2026-11-09" modified: "2026-11-09" authors: - name: "Caleb Jacobs" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/caleb-jacobs.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/chinese-automakers-rumored-nascar-bid-is-riddled-with-red-flags" categories: - "NASCAR" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Chinese Automaker’s Rumored NASCAR Bid Is Riddled With Red Flags ![MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 01: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet, leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 01, 2026 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)]() *\David Jensen/Getty Images\* I logged on today to see rumors swirling about Great Wall Motor joining NASCAR. The company revealed a race car prototype back in April at the Auto China Show, and just last week, [*Car News* *China*]() reported that GWM posted a job listing for a "NASCAR expert." So what should we make of this? Should we expect a manufacturer that doesn't sell cars in the U.S. to join Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, and [Dodge]() as the Cup Series' fifth major marque? Being honest, I don't think so. There's more than one reason why, and most of it boils down to precedent. I'll explain. The most compelling argument that GWM will join NASCAR is built on the aforementioned job posting, but that's pretty weak on its own. While hearing that GWM is game to pay someone for their NASCAR experience is at least interesting, it's not entirely surprising. We're talking about a major manufacturer that sells more than one million cars globally every year. In other words, it has the money to spend on exploratory ventures like this, and GWM likely won't chalk it up as a loss if no Cup Series entry comes of it. (If you know how much money car companies blow on trivial projects, you know what I mean.) I'll concede that the job description is at least specific. "Job responsibilities include overseeing the technical strategic planning and R&D roadmap for both NASCAR and IndyCar tracks, leading the performance development of the NASCAR Gen7 chassis and V8 engine (Coyote 5.86L), and calibrating and validating the IndyCar Dallara race car's twin-turbo V6 powertrain," explains Chinese outlet *[Phoenix Auto]().* "Other responsibilities include aerodynamic kit design, establishing vehicle dynamics tuning methodologies, optimizing race strategies using real-time telemetry data, and liaising with the NASCAR/IndyCar technical regulations team to ensure race car compliance." So not only does this position include consulting on NASCAR matters, but also IndyCar. While those are both American racing disciplines, they are wildly different, and it seems like further confirmation that this is an exploratory effort above all else. Next is the fact that [the GWM race car prototype]() from the 2026 Beijing Auto Show looks nothing like a NASCAR Cup car. Sure, it has two doors and a long hood, but that's about it. Rather than a Next Gen (or Gen 7) racer, it more closely resembles an IMSA GT car. Just look at the swan-neck rear wing. https://twitter.com/vincenzolandino/status/2119165576497012775 GWM claimed that the car was developed with a hybrid V6, but it would eventually be upgraded to a plug-in hybrid V8. It's important to note that NASCAR developed the Next Gen platform with the ability to go hybrid eventually, but that hasn't happened yet, and it's unclear when the series might add a battery and electric motor to augment rear-wheel power. GWM actually showcased [a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8]() at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas; however, that doesn't align with the NASCAR Cup Series' required 358-cubic-inch displacement. Likewise, the strange mention of a "Coyote 5.86L" in the job posting suggests the competition engine would be different altogether. And if GWM is alluding to a Ford Coyote V8 in any way, those are dual overhead cam engines instead of pushrod engines like NASCAR requires. ![HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: A NASCAR fan looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 08, 2026 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)]() *A NASCAR fan looks on during last weekend's season finale race, held at Homestead-Miami Speedway. *James Gilbert/Getty Images** Lastly, I just don't see NASCAR approving an entry from a Chinese manufacturer in our lifetimes. The sanctioning body has made decisions that frustrated fans in the past, but green-lighting GWM would rub millions of NASCAR diehards the wrong way. I'm not here to debate whether that anger would be justifiable, but it's true. Plus, with [how hostile the federal government is toward Chinese cars](), and [how cozy NASCAR is with the current administration](), I simply don't see the organization risking a public shaming from the president ([again]()). Could I be wrong about all this? Of course. I've been wrong plenty of times before. But I doubt I will be about this. *Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com* ## Author Caleb Jacobs is The Drive’s senior editor. When he’s not searching for stories or poring over copy, he’s usually driving his dump truck or wishing it was running so he could drive it. He was born and raised in the Missouri Ozarks, and he lives there today with his family. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]() [Twitter]() ## More - [The NASCAR Cup Series Might Run Its First Dirt Race in 50 Years Next Season: Report]() - [NASCAR Waiver or Not, Kyle Larson Was Right To Race the Indy 500]() - [NASCAR Confirms First-Ever Street Race in Chicago in 2023]() - [NASCAR Is Back in Sonoma at Full Bore This Weekend. Here’s How the Road Course Got Ready]() - [‘You’re Not Wanted in NASCAR’: Bubba Wallace’s Radio Hijacked During Race]() - [Ross Chastain Pulls Video Game Wall Ride Pass to Nab Final NASCAR Cup Championship Spot]() - [Why a NASCAR Street Race in Downtown Chicago Makes Sense]() - [Here’s Why Kimi Raikkonen’s NASCAR Run Will Bring Big-Name Drivers to the US]()