Dodge has a notable legacy in NASCAR’s premier series, boasting five Daytona 500 victories from 1973 to 2008. Although the brand has been established for decades, its participation in NASCAR has been inconsistent. Dodge exited the sport after the 1985 season and showed minimal factory support for 16 years before making a dynamic comeback in 2001, continuing until the conclusion of the 2012 season. Their resurgence culminated in winning the 2012 NASCAR Cup Championship with Brad Keselowski. Since then, the Cup Series has featured only three manufacturers.
Looking ahead, RAM is set to return to NASCAR’s track in 2026, reigniting hopes for a Dodge comeback. When questioned about this, Dodge representatives did not dismiss the possibility. Historically, Dodge’s return coincided with Stellantis’ entry into NASCAR through the truck series alongside RAM. The brand has expressed dissatisfaction with remaining in the truck series alone and is eager to expand, suggesting a Dodge return to the Cup Series could be a strong consideration.
Regarding the timeline for a potential Dodge return to the Cup, NASCAR executive John Probst highlighted the complexity involved. He mentioned that an 18-month onboarding process is necessary, including body submissions and engine development, since Cup cars require manufacturers to build their own engines, unlike the Truck Series which uses a spec Ilmor NT1 engine. Dodge has not developed an engine for Cup racing in nearly 13 years, with core engine components still relevant but needing significant updates.
Even if Dodge does not re-enter the Cup Series, NASCAR is confident that a fourth manufacturer will join soon, as discussions are underway with one or two other potential OEMs.
Fan Take: Dodge’s possible return to the NASCAR Cup Series is thrilling news for fans craving greater manufacturer competition and diversity on the grid. It could revitalize the sport by reintroducing a historic brand with fresh energy, potentially sparking new rivalries and excitement for the future.
