Chip Ganassi, the legendary motorsports team owner, has suggested a potential return to NASCAR despite having sold his team to Trackhouse Racing in 2021. At 67 years old, Ganassi is still a major figure in racing, known for leading Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) to numerous victories across different series. His recent remarks came during a press conference where he addressed questions about Honda‘s potential entry into the NASCAR Cup Series and whether that might influence his decision to rejoin the sport.
Although Ganassi has yet to hold discussions with Honda or NASCAR about re-entering the Cup Series, he left the door open for the possibility. When asked directly about a comeback, he declined to commit but admitted it could not be ruled out.
“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,” Ganassi told Motorsport.com. “I have never had that conversation with NASCAR but I am also smart enough to never say never.”
—Chip Ganassi, Team Owner
Honda is evaluating the prospects of supplying engines to NASCAR’s Cup Series, a move that could trigger the release of additional ownership charters. This development could pave the way for former team owners like Ganassi to return to stock car racing if Honda commits to the series.
Ganassi’s Track Record in NASCAR and IndyCar
Ganassi’s two decades as a NASCAR owner left a significant legacy, with his teams securing 20 Cup Series wins and 24 victories in the Xfinity Series, including prestigious events like the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400. His stable featured notable drivers such as Sterling Marlin, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kurt Busch, Jamie McMurray, and Kyle Larson.
Following the sale of his NASCAR program, Ganassi’s success in IndyCar has flourished. His team has captured four championships in five years, including titles in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, largely driven by Alex Palou’s outstanding performance. This sustained excellence has sparked speculation about Palou’s future, including whether Ganassi might consider transitioning him into NASCAR.
Evaluating Alex Palou’s Prospects in NASCAR
Ganassi acknowledged that he has indeed considered Alex Palou’s potential as a NASCAR driver. He emphasized how recent changes in NASCAR’s car design and race format now resemble aspects of IndyCar racing, the discipline where Palou currently excels.
“You’re onto something there, so the answer is yes (I have considered how good Palou could be in NASCAR) because the formula has changed since I was there,”
—Chip Ganassi, Team Owner
Despite this, Ganassi clarified that no formal discussions or plans have been made about Palou transitioning to NASCAR, leaving the idea as a thought rather than an imminent move.
Ganassi Denies Alex Palou-to-Red Bull Formula 1 Rumors
Alongside NASCAR rumors, Ganassi confronted circulating reports linking Alex Palou with a potential switch to Red Bull Racing in Formula 1. These rumors speculated that Palou’s consistent championship wins, combined with Red Bull’s uncertainty regarding their second driver seat, might make him a candidate for the F1 team.
Ganassi dispelled these claims firmly on August 26, stating his conversations with Palou and his management revealed no such discussions had taken place.
“I read that myself, and there was nobody quoted in there. I talked to Palou, and Palou says he’s never talked to anybody about it. I talked to his management and they know nothing about it, and I know nothing about it. I think it’s a clickbait story and somebody needs to brush up on their investigative journalism.”
—Chip Ganassi, Team Owner
While Red Bull seeks stability alongside Max Verstappen, with Sergio Pérez moving to Cadillac’s Formula 1 program and Yuki Tsunoda’s uncertain position, speculation has grown. Yet Ganassi highlighted Palou’s loyalty, referencing the driver’s rejection of a McLaren offer in 2022 as a sign of commitment to CGR.
“Everybody wants a driver that everybody else wants to have. That means you have something that’s really valuable,” Ganassi said. “Alex had the opportunity to leave (McLaren deal) and he didn’t.”
—Chip Ganassi, Team Owner
Ganassi further expressed reservations about Palou joining Formula 1 only to take a subordinate role, affirming the priority remains on Palou’s continued dominance in IndyCar.
Future Implications for Ganassi and Palou in Motorsport
Chip Ganassi’s openness to revisiting NASCAR hints at possible shifts within high-level motorsports, especially if Honda proceeds with its Cup Series plans. This could reignite Ganassi’s involvement in stock car racing, leveraging his proven experience and success in the category.
Meanwhile, Alex Palou’s path remains firmly rooted in IndyCar, where he has become one of the sport’s leading figures. Ganassi’s dismissal of the Formula 1 rumor and cautious approach to a NASCAR transition suggest a measured strategy that prioritizes Palou’s development and achievements over speculative moves. How these dynamics unfold will shape the future of both Ganassi and Palou in racing’s competitive landscape.
