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Dodge’s Anticipated Return to NASCAR Sparks Excitement and Concern: Insights from Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 28, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Dodge’s Anticipated Return to NASCAR Sparks Excitement and Concern: Insights from Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Apr 9, 2011; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kurt Busch leads in the Shell/Pennzoil Dodge late in the race at the Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The potential arrival of an additional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to NASCAR had initially left motorsport legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. feeling distinctly underwhelmed. However, rumors of a comeback by the iconic American car manufacturer, Dodge, have turned his indifference into outright excitement.

Earnhardt Jr. had aired his apprehensions about the introduction of a new OEM on his podcast, citing concerns about the potential impact on the sport’s identity. He feared the possibility of hybrid engines, further reduction in horsepower, and changes that may drift away from the American racing tradition. His concerns were not unfounded, given the substantial decrease in horsepower over the years and the introduction of the hybrid ABB NASCAR EV prototype at the 2024 Chicago Street Race, both of which had raised eyebrows in the racing community.

However, the potential reentry of a historic American automaker into NASCAR seems to have swept away his skepticism, replacing it with unbridled enthusiasm. The possible reemergence of Dodge, a brand synonymous with American muscle, has had him bubbling with excitement. And with good reason.

Reports suggest that Dodge’s return to NASCAR is more than just hearsay. The American automaker seems to be seriously considering a reentry, with speculation that they might enter the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026 before eventually joining the Cup Series. For Earnhardt Jr., this kind of news is a game-changer.

In his latest Dale Jr. Download episode, the two-time Daytona 500 winner couldn’t suppress his excitement, praising the cool reputation and historic significance of the Dodge Charger from the ‘70s and other vehicles from the brand.
Dodge has a rich legacy in NASCAR, having first joined the sport in the 1950s and quickly establishing itself as a powerful contender. The brand’s iconic Dodge Charger was one of the most dominant cars in NASCAR history, aiding King Richard Petty in securing two championships and over 20 race victories in just four seasons.

Despite its impressive track record, including 217 Cup Series victories and the 2012 championship with Brad Keselowski, financial difficulties and shifting corporate priorities forced Dodge to leave the Cup Series in 2012, and by 2016, they had exited NASCAR entirely. Now, almost a decade later, Dodge is reportedly considering a comeback, possibly beginning with the Truck Series and using their Ram brand as a stepping stone before advancing to the Cup Series. This phased approach would allow them to streamline their operations before taking on the most significant stage. If all goes as planned, by 2028, Dodge could be contending for victories in NASCAR’s top division once again.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps, though unsure about the timeline, reassured fans that new OEMs are indeed entering the sport. Earnhardt Jr., despite his newfound enthusiasm, still harbors some reservations. He had previously warned that introducing a new manufacturer could come with conditionalities that might alter the essence of the sport.

Even with these concerns, the latest reports suggest that NASCAR might have persuaded some American heavyweights to join the sport. The potential return of Dodge indicates that there are no plans to alter the trajectory of NASCAR in the near future. However, the question remains: can Dodge assemble a competitive team to challenge the top teams? Earnhardt Jr. seems to have a solution for this too.

He suggests that Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motorsports, which hasn’t had the best run since switching to Toyota in 2024, could consider becoming the flagship team for the new OEM. This move could provide the much-needed support and resources to the struggling team, which has failed to garner the same level of backing from Toyota as top teams like Joe Gibbs Racing.

Jimmie Johnson has stated his commitment to Toyota, but if the performance doesn’t improve, he might have to consider other options. While nothing is confirmed yet, the potential return of Dodge could be one of the most significant shake-ups in the modern era of NASCAR. With fans on tenterhooks, all eyes are on the developments in the sport.

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