What’s Happening?
The 2026 NASCAR Rumor Mill is starting to heat up, as a new rumor names not only Dodge’s first…
Motorsports
Everything We Know About Dodge and RAM’s Return to NASCAR (So Far)
What’s Happening? One major storyline to keep up with during the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond is the ongoing saga of Dodge and RAM’s return to NASCAR. This story will continue for the entirety of 2025, with announcements of their return and expected drivers and teams. So, here is everything that has unfolded so far […]
What’s Happening?
One major storyline to keep up with during the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond is the ongoing saga of Dodge and RAM’s return to NASCAR. This story will continue for the entirety of 2025, with announcements of their return and expected drivers and teams. So, here is everything that has unfolded so far in Dodge’s return to NASCAR.
- Dodge and RAM, both owned by Stellantis, are planning to return to NASCAR in the coming seasons. While Dodge’s Cup Series program could take two to three years, RAM could be ready as soon as 2026, thanks to engine rules in the Craftsman Truck Series.
- Dodge and RAM have both won Championships in those respective Series, though both withdrew support from the sport after 2012. RAM won two driver championships in the Truck Series, the most recent in 2005 with Ted Musgrave. Dodge left the Cup Series with a driver’s championship in 2012 with Brad Keselowski.
- RAM won the 2001, 2003, and 2004 Manufacturers’ championships. Dodge has two Cup Series Manufacturers’ champions, with the latest coming in 1975.
- We will update this page with the latest news, including announcements, rumors, and breaking news, as this story unfolds throughout the 2025 season.
Apr. 17 Official Announcement “Sometime This Summer”
In his latest NASCAR Mailbag, Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic reported that, in regard to Dodge and RAM’s return to NASCAR, “An official announcement on these plans is anticipated sometime this summer.”
While Bianchi did not elaborate further on this announcement, it is easy to believe this could take place at a major race, perhaps during NASCAR’s return to Mexico City or what might be the final race at the Chicago Street Circuit. But if Dodge doesn’t want to be overshadowed, maybe they do it at Michigan International Raceway, as the brand has long been tied to the state of Michigan.
Apr. 13 Long-time NASCAR Truck Series Staple Rumored to Return with RAM in 2025
While NASCAR fans speculated about what teams would be a good fit for Dodge and RAM, a rumor finally emerged about which team could, rather than make the switch, return to the Truck Series in 2025 with RAM backing.
The rumor, from the nascarumornostalgia Instagram account, claims that GMS Racing, a long-time staple of the Truck Series with Chevrolet, was eyeing a return with RAM in 2026. Per the rumor, team owner Maury Gallagher’s son Spencer will be behind the wheel. That previous week, Gallagher announced a shocking return to racing with a partial ARCA Menards Series schedule.
Mar. 7 Dodge and RAM Dealers Allegedly Told to Expect RAM in NASCAR in 2025
What’s Happening?
More information has emerged suggesting that Dodge is, in fact, headed back to NASCAR in the coming years. This…
Despite radio silence on whether NASCAR approved the admission of Ram into the NASCAR Cup Series, at least one Dodge dealer expects the RAM Truck brand to return to the Craftsman Truck Series. This is thanks to an email supplied to Matt Weaver, then of Sportsnaut.
This email sent to a Wisconsin Dodge dealership lists “return to NASCAR Truck Series” as part of its 2026 activation plans.
Feb. 22 Dodge Could Return to Cup Series “As soon as 2027 or 2028”
While RAM’s return to the Series is set for the near future, there was little word about a timeline for Dodge’s return to the Cup Series; however, in a Feb. 22 report from Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic, Dodge’s Cup Series program, “could be operational as soon as 2027 or 2028.”
Feb. 19 RAM Body Renderings Due to NASCAR Mar. 15
According to a thread from motorsports mechanic and insider Bozi Tatarevic on X, though the Truck Series has spec engines, Stellantis will have to provide OEM-specific body panels to their teams. These include a Front Bumper Cover, Hood, Hood Flaps, and Rear Bumper Cover.
Tatarevic claims that the brand would have had to submit an OEM Body Approval Process Initiation Request Form by Nov. 1, 2024, with the Render due to NASCAR by Mar. 15.
Feb. 18 Dodge and RAM Interested in NASCAR Return
Though heavy rain affected the Daytona 500, it was the major headline of the day. Chris Knight of Catchfence.com reports that NASCAR received a formal submission from a new OEM, which is most likely to be from Dodge owner Stellantis. Other insiders backed up this report, saying there is a long-term plan for the brand’s return.
According to the report, while the RAM truck brand will return to the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, thanks to the ease of the spec, Ilimor Engine in the Series, Dodge, in search of an engine manufacturer, could return to the Cup Series in 2028.
This article will be updated as information becomes available during the season.