NASCAR’s Fuel Future in Jeopardy? Sunoco’s Uncertain Deal Sparks Speculation
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for another action-packed season, but behind the scenes, the sport is facing a massive business decision—securing its official fuel supplier beyond 2025. With Sunoco’s contract set to expire, NASCAR is weighing its options, and potential replacements could shape the sport’s future.
Sunoco’s Future Up in the Air
Sunoco has been NASCAR’s exclusive fuel provider since 2004, delivering high-performance fuel to all three national racing series. However, with its current deal expiring after 2025, no extension has been signed, and NASCAR is actively exploring alternatives.
Speaking on the sport’s long-term vision, NASCAR President Steve Phelps acknowledged the ongoing discussions with manufacturers. “What’s the (future) power plant going to look like? What’s the fuel going to look like? What is the body style going to look like? How do we differentiate the series? All those things we are working with our (original equipment) partners on today,” Phelps said via Sports Business Journal.
Meanwhile, Sunoco is broadening its motorsports presence. The fuel giant has already partnered with Formula 1’s Stake F1 Team and is now backing NASCAR Truck Series driver Toni Breidinger as well as former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace’s social media content. These moves suggest that Sunoco is diversifying its investments rather than committing exclusively to stock car racing.
Who Could Replace Sunoco?
With Sunoco’s future uncertain, NASCAR is expected to begin talks with other fuel brands in the coming months. Potential replacements include ExxonMobil, Shell, and VP Racing Fuels, the latter already supplying fuel to NASCAR’s IMSA sports car series.
Adding to the uncertainty, NASCAR has been testing alternative energy solutions, including a rumored electric racing series. Last year, the organization introduced an EV prototype, and recently, Ford unveiled an electric NASCAR Mustang Mach-E prototype, featuring a 78.0 kWh battery, carbon fiber body panels, and a three-motor setup exceeding 1,500 horsepower.
While a fully electric NASCAR Cup Series is unlikely in the near future, the sport is moving toward hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles, which could further complicate NASCAR’s decision on its next fuel supplier.
NASCAR’s Push for a Fourth Manufacturer
Beyond fuel concerns, NASCAR is aggressively pursuing a fourth manufacturer to join Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Honda has been rumored as the frontrunner, but no official deal has been confirmed.
“I won’t get into exactly where those are and who they are, but we have a close OE (Original Equipment Manufacturer). That OE has buyouts from those that are in the racing portion of that. So, it just comes down to the business portion and can we strike a deal that is advantageous for them and us?” Phelps previously stated.
Since Dodge’s departure in 2012, NASCAR has operated with just three manufacturers. But with the evolution of sustainable fuel technology and the current Next Gen platform, new automakers may be enticed to join. However, charter disputes and outgoing sponsors continue to cast a shadow over the sport’s long-term stability.
With NASCAR navigating uncharted waters, the decisions made in the coming months—whether on fuel partnerships or new manufacturers—will be critical in shaping the future of stock car racing.
