According to reports, Dodge is considering a comeback to NASCAR. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic claims that Dodge has started the process of rejoining the Truck Series as early as 2026. After that, the American automaker would hope to participate in the 2027 or 2028 Cup Series. “NASCAR is reviewing Dodge’s submission to field a truck through its ‘Ram’ brand and an answer is expected soon, sources with knowledge of the plans said,” Bianchi stated. “Sources anticipate that the league will eventually authorize Dodge’s return, though there are no assurances. In order for Dodge to successfully test its Ram truck before perhaps taking to the track in a real race the following year, such approval would have to occur within a few months.
In 2016, Dodge departed from the Truck Series after 21 years of operation. In 2004 and 2005, Ted Musgrave and Bobby Hamilton Sr. won consecutive championships for the company. In 2001, Dodge became a member of the Cup Series. In 2012, the company’s last year in the top level of NASCAR, Brad Keselowski earned a Cup Series championship. Soon, Dodge might be able to join Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota on the NASCAR circuit. Bianchi pointed out that automakers are no longer required to produce their own engines, even if Dodge quit because of the expenses. Steve Phelps, the president of NASCAR, discussed the addition of a new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the near future with Sports Business Journal prior to last Sunday’s Daytona 500. He mentioned that a new OEM would have “a lot of benefits” in terms of more finance and advertising potential.
According to Phelps, “We’re in some discussions,” “Isn’t that a lot of work? Even if we reach a consensus today, there is still a lot of preparation that has to be done. I’m not sure what time that is. For me, the most important thing is to finish it and declare a fourth. A fifth would be ideal.
