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Prior to the beginning of last year’s season, Stewart-Haas Racing knocked the NASCAR industry on its rear end when they announced their switch from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2017 season. With the ongoing and never-ending discussions of whether and perhaps when Dodge will return to the sport – the real question becomes where would they fit in?

The answer could be a ‘mic drop’ type bombshell when and if it happens.

While most everyone in the media, garage area, and fans feel the return or entry of another manufacturer is a good idea, the only official statement released is from the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles expressing interest and that a couple of meetings with NASCAR executives have taken place. Steve O’Donnell, Executive Vice President at NASCAR confirmed during ‘The Morning Drive’ on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Monday morning that NASCAR is in ‘aggressive conversations’ with new manufacturers.

“We are aggressively pursuing new (manufacturers),” O’Donnell said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio without divulging details. “We want to make sure that they come in similar to how Toyota did and it’s really changed the sport. They’ve done a tremendous job and really helped the industry.

“Those conversations are ongoing. It’s a tough process. There’s a lot to consider doing this, but that is a huge goal for the sport right now.”

A new manufacturer is certainly part of the NASCAR silly season speculation and since their departure in 2012, many are hoping Dodge will return.

Ideally, with today’s Charter System in place, hooking up with an established top-notch team with self-sufficiency would be the goal. But new manufacturers may not have that luxury in NASCAR’s current environment. Look at some of the more realistic or potential teams Dodge or any other new manufacturer may consider.

Team Penske was with Dodge at the time of the manufacturers departure when driver Brad Keselowski delivered a championship during their last year in the sport. Since then, Penske has become one of, if not the premier team for Ford as an annual championship contender. Penske is looking at a possible third team for Ryan Blaney and has a strong alliance with the Wood Brothers Racing, making it doubtful that Dodge would return to their former stable.

Richard Childress Racing has seen several seasons pass since they were a top team in the Chevrolet camp. Chevrolet has been with RCR since the team owner Richard Childress debuted in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team is beginning to regain its footing, having already secured two playoff berths this year with wins from drivers Ryan Newman and Austin Dillon, who also made it last year on based on points.  Although it would be a flagship team for a new manufacturer, I don’t see RCR leaving the ‘Bowtie Brigade’ anytime soon.

Chip Ganassi Racing has a history with Dodge, so they seem a logical option. The problem with this option however, is that since SHR’s switch to Ford, CGR’s alliance is now with Hendrick Motorsports with CGR’s driver Kyle Larson, now a multi-race winner, the points leader, and the favored championship contender. Pulling the plug with Chevrolet would be a risk, possibly erasing the progress they’ve made in recent years. But Chip Ganassi has been known as a trailblazer and shrewd business man in managing his race teams, so don’t rule out this idea just yet.

JTG Daugherty Racing  is typically lower in the pecking order for any manufacturer, but they have managed to stay right on the edge of becoming a contending team. The team has picked up race wins on the road-courses and have some solid finishes at short tracks and superspeedways alike. They’re able to secure sponsorship on their own and the right manufacturer support, could elevate this team without a huge investment.

Richard Petty Motorsports is on life support, so a return to their grass-roots with Dodge is perhaps equal to a heart transplant for the team. It would take a major commitment from the any new manufacturer however, because RPM has already cut back from two teams to one this season, with rumors of a possible shutdown sooner than later. Focused attention on the organization could get them over the hump and closer to becoming a consistent top-20 team with consistent good runs and a perhaps even a win.

Front Row Motorsports has two wins with promise, but still at the bottom of the list of manufacturer preferred teams. For a new manufacturer this organization could show a good return on minimal investment, because their team structure is capable and competitive on certain tracks.

BK Racing is another team at the bottom of the barrel for support but continues to bring in sponsors and young drivers. On the negative side, they lack the ability to run in the top-20 on weekly basis, but in their favor is their tenacity to scrape by on a low-budget to survive. Again, focused support could make a positive difference.

Andretti Motorsports from the IndyCar Series perpetually comes up when the topic of a Dodge return comes up. Starting a brand new team from scratch is a massive undertaking, which is what Dodge did before with Ray Evernham in 2001. Don’t expect Dodge to climb that mountain again. Any Andretti involvement in NASCAR is more likely as a partner or a buyout of an existing team charter.

If Dodge or any new manufacturer comes into NASCAR, it will take a big commitment and lots of capital with few viable options requiring less investment for a greater return.  But if they’re looking for inspiration, look no further than Furniture Row Racing who in the span of no more than five years is now contending for championship titles under the Toyota logo – the newest manufacturer to NASCAR.

Also noteworthy in the NASCAR Silly Season discussion is that seen at Sonoma Raceway recently, was former driver Carl Edwards – will he eventually return to NASCAR? According to Edwards, there are no plans for his return. Also former Richard Childress Racing crew chief Slugger Labbe hasn’t signed with a new team yet and add to the mix that Hendrick Motorsports’ executive vice president and general manager, Doug Duchardt recently left the organization at the end of June. The last time a big contributor left HMS was when Ray Evernham parted ways in 2001.

Then this past weekend, Matt Kenseth said he is not racing with Joe Gibbs Racing after this season. Speculation that Erik Jones will race in the No. 20, leaving his No. 77 seat open at Furniture Row Racing were quickly dispelled by team owners Joe Gibbs (JGR) and Barney Vasser (FRR) along with Jones, driver of the No. 77, with all saying there are no firm plans for next year in place at this time.

That leaves several silly season questions unanswered with key players ‘Dodging the Questions’…at least for now and until the time is right.