The automotive giant Dodge, with a market worth of $14.1 billion, is revving up its engines for a triumphant comeback to NASCAR, sparking excitement among racing enthusiasts worldwide. This decision marks a significant turn in the manufacturer’s journey in the sport, which has been a roller coaster ride of victories, defeats, and withdrawals.
Few cars have achieved the iconic status in NASCAR as Richard Petty’s #43 Dodge Charger. ‘The King’, as Petty is affectionately known, drove this beast to victory, winning his first championship with Dodge in 1972. His performance was so outstanding that it seems fair to claim that Petty and his #43 were instrumental in marking Dodge’s territory on NASCAR’s map in the early ’70s. His unstoppable streak in 1974 and 1975 saw him win 23 races, securing back-to-back championships.
However, as is often the case in sports, Dodge’s journey in NASCAR has been a tumultuous one. The manufacturer exited the sport after the 2012 season, following a championship with Team Penske and Brad Keselowski. After Team Penske switched to Ford, Dodge found itself in a challenging position. Lacking a strong team like Penske, the manufacturer decided to withdraw from the sport, sparking rumors about a potential return that have been circulating ever since.
Recent reports suggest that these rumors might finally be coming to fruition. According to Catchfence.com, NASCAR has received a formal submission from a manufacturer seeking to join Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota in the series next year. The report suggests that the applicant is none other than Dodge, planning a return with its iconic RAM Truck brand for the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.
The RAM Truck is not unfamiliar with the NASCAR scene. It was a dominant force in the early 2000s, winning the manufacturer’s championship three times. Dodge’s last victory was in 2012 with Ryan Blaney, but the manufacturer faced a decline soon after with the Penske switch and the removal of factory support from the series.
Now, it appears that Dodge is ready to reclaim its glory. A recent email from a Wisconsin Dodge dealership hints at RAM’s return to the Craftsman Truck Series. The email suggests that promotional packages for local Dodge dealers this year include a RAM activation, indicating the manufacturer’s participation in the next season’s Truck division.
Dodge’s re-entry into the sport could be facilitated by a significant change NASCAR introduced to the Truck Series in 2018. Original OEM engines were replaced by a spec Ilmor engine, meaning that all teams now run the same engine, regardless of their OEM. Dodge only needs to find a suitable body to fit over the engine to make its comeback.
While the Truck Series return is exciting news, fans are also eager to know when Dodge will make a return to the Cup Series. Insiders suggest that Dodge intends to establish a full Cup program, potentially operational by 2027 or 2028. This timeline may be in sync with NASCAR’s plans to introduce changes to the engine of the next-gen under a BOP-style regulation system.
Dodge’s re-entry into the sport may not be smooth sailing. The manufacturer will need to overcome challenges, including finding a strong team to represent them. However, with teams like RFK and Trackhouse potentially looking to step out of the shadows of their current affiliations, the future looks promising for Dodge.
As we wait in anticipation, the return of Dodge as the fourth OEM in NASCAR promises to add an exciting dynamic to the sport. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share your views in the comments section below.