Connect with us

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 […]

Published

on


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

What’s Happening?

The 2026 NASCAR Rumor Mill is starting to heat up, as a new rumor names not only Dodge’s first…

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.



Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Motorsports

Atlanta Motor Speedway new name

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Motor Speedway has a new name!  Gov. Brian Kemp joined Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive for the announcement on Tuesday, in which the new name was revealed: EchoPark Speedway.  According to a release from the speedway, it’s part of a new partnership that will carry the EchoPark brand through a seven-year, […]

Published

on


ATLANTA — The Atlanta Motor Speedway has a new name! 

Gov. Brian Kemp joined Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive for the announcement on Tuesday, in which the new name was revealed: EchoPark Speedway. 

According to a release from the speedway, it’s part of a new partnership that will carry the EchoPark brand through a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement. 

EchoPark Automotive is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and a leading automotive and powersports retailer in the U.S. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith said. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama.

“This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue,” Sonic Automotive Chairman and CEO David B. Smith added. 

The speedway hosts two NASCAR Cup Series events annually, including the Quaker State 400 starting on June 28. For more information about EchoPark Speedway and its upcoming races, click here. 

News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.



Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

AUTO RACING: Blaney earns 1st season win in NASCAR and F1’s McLaren duo extends lead

By The Associated Press All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Firekeepers Casino 400 Site: Brooklyn, Michigan. Track: Michigan International Speedway. Race distance: 200 laps, 400 miles. Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9:30 a.m., qualifying, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX). Last year: Tyler Reddick held off William Byron to earn the win in […]

Published

on


By The Associated Press

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Firekeepers Casino 400

Site: Brooklyn, Michigan.

Track: Michigan International Speedway.

Race distance: 200 laps, 400 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 9:30 a.m., qualifying, 10:40 a.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX).

Last year: Tyler Reddick held off William Byron to earn the win in double overtime, giving him his second victory of the season.

Last race: Ryan Blaney led a race-best 139 of 300 laps at Nashville, earning his first series win of the year and securing him a spot in the playoffs.

Next race: June 15, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Last race: Justin Allgaier took the his third series win of the season in Nashville while holding off a late surge from rookie teammate Connor Zilisch.

Next race: June 14, Mexico City.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

DQS Solutions & Staffing 200 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics

Site: Brooklyn, Michigan.

Track: Michigan International Speedway.

Race distance: 125 laps, 250 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 8:05 a.m., race, Noon (FOX).

Last year: The last race which was held in 2020, was won by Zane Smith after a last-lap pass in double overtime.

Last race: Rajah Caruth broke a 31-race winless streak and earned his second career series win while leading the final 51 laps in Nashville.

Next race: June 20, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Last race: Oscar Piastri secured the victory and held off teammate Lando Norris in Spain to take back momentum after Norris’s previous win at Monaco.

Next race: June 15, Montreal.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Last race: Kyle Kirkwood surged ahead on a late restart to take his second win of the season.

Next race: June 15, Madison, Illinois.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

Site: Bristol, Tennessee.

Track: Bristol Dragway.

Race distance: 1/4 mile.

Schedule: Friday, qualifying, 6 p.m., qualifying, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 12:30 p.m., qualifying, 3 p.m.; Sunday, race, Noon.

Next race: June 22, North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

World of Outlaws Fendt Showdown

Site: Jackson, Minnesota.

Track: Jackson Motorplex.

World of Outlaws Badger State Triple

Site: Plymouth, Wisconsin.

Track: Plymouth Dirt Track.

World of Outlaws Jim “JB” Memorial

Site: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Track: Beaver Dam Raceway.

World of Outlaws Badger State Triple

Site: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Track: Angell Park Speedway.

Next events: June 13-14, Knoxville, Iowa.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

_____

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing





Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

DVIDS – News – New DeCA-themed race car logo unveiled at Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary ahead of simulator’s 54-store tour

By Mike Perron, DeCA public affairs specialist NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click https://vimeo.com/1090105713/2b54e7ac1c. FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports (JRM) driver Justin Allgaier at its Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary in Virginia May 14. During the visit, team sponsor Unilever […]

Published

on



By Mike Perron, DeCA public affairs specialist

NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click https://vimeo.com/1090105713/2b54e7ac1c.

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. – The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports (JRM) driver Justin Allgaier at its Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary in Virginia May 14.

During the visit, team sponsor Unilever joined Allgaier to unveil this year’s custom paint scheme bearing the commissaries’ logo on the hood of a full-sized simulator of the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet. Allgaier piloted the actual No. 7 Chevy in the BetMGM 300 race May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, finishing fourth.

Unilever and JRM have worked with DeCA for more than a decade to publicize the commissary benefit, and in 2021 presented their first military-themed car sporting the DeCA logo.

During his commissary visit Allgaier praised the collaboration, noting his pride in carrying the logo on the track at Charlotte over Memorial Day weekend.

“It’s a way for us to honor the military community and thank them for their service and sacrifice,” Allgaier said.

The event offered Fort Gregg-Adams families and race fans a chance to sit behind the wheel of the replica car, while enjoying music, prize giveaways, face painting and free food samples sponsored by Unilever.

Allgaier signed autographs, posed for photos with attendees and spoke about what the commissaries’ logo on the hood meant to him.

“This is more than just a paint scheme,” he said. “It’s about recognizing the men and women who serve — and making sure they know they’re appreciated.”

DeCA Director and CEO John Hall noted that commissary sales were up over the last three years, and added that he believed the ancillary benefits provided by commissary suppliers like Unilever have helped spur that increase.

“This drives awareness and drives traffic, but more importantly, it communicates that patrons can come and get 25 percent savings inside the gate versus outside the gate,” Hall said. “And on the back of the car, it also says ‘Commissary Click2Go™.’ It’s a great way to drive that message and hopefully we drive a lot of impressions and we drive traffic [to stores] and get patrons excited.”

Allgaier led this year’s Charlotte race for 103 laps of 205 and was leading headed into the final lap after multiple crashes sent the race into overtime. Having missed an opportunity to pit for tires, Allgaier was passed by William Byron in the No. 17 Chevrolet on fresher rubber for the win.

Allgaier remains firmly seated in first place in the NASCAR Xfinity Series points standing with 583 as of June 2. He’s JR Motorsports winningest driver, with 24 victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series championship trophy last season and drove the No. 7 Chevrolet bearing the commissary logo to victory lane at Charlotte in 2023. The team is co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., along with his sister Kelly Earnhardt Miller and fellow Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick.

The simulator’s tour takes it to 54 commissaries across the nation during the 2025 season, with its last stops at the Army’s two Fort Bragg Commissaries in North Carolina in September.

Schedule of remaining commissary appearances for the JR Motorsports No. 7 NASCAR Xfinity Series simulator car:

June

5, Fort Knox, Kentucky; 7, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; 11, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; 13, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; 16, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; 17, Fort Riley, Kansas; 19, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado; 20 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado; 21, Fort Carson, Colorado.

July

28, 29, Fort Bliss, Texas.

August

1, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; 2, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; 4, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; 6, Fort Cavazos I Texas; 8, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; 11, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas; 14, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; 15, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida; 22, Hurlburt Field, Florida; 23, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; 25, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; 26, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; 28, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida; 30, Fort Benning, Georgia.

September

2, Fort Eisenhower, Georgia; 4, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; 5, Fort Bragg North, North Carolina; 6, Fort Bragg South, North Carolina.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees, disabled veterans and other authorized patrons and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which supports the costs of building, modernizing and sustaining commissary facilities. A core military family support element and valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military services and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.







Date Taken: 06.03.2025
Date Posted: 06.03.2025 12:09
Story ID: 499521
Location: FORT GREGG-ADAMS, VIRGINIA, US






Web Views: 12
Downloads: 0


PUBLIC DOMAIN  





Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

Charlotte City Council considering $25 million for NASCAR Hall of Fame improvements – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010. “We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,” Executive Director Winston Kelley said. “But nothing on this level of magnitude.” A significant portion […]

Published

on


CHARLOTTE — Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010.

“We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,” Executive Director Winston Kelley said. “But nothing on this level of magnitude.”

A significant portion of the Hall of Fame would see changes under the proposal. A new education space would go where the current gift shop is located. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has served more than 21,000 students since its opening. It welcomes many field trips each year. An event space would take the space currently occupied by the café. The café would relocate to the Legends Room. A new gear shop will replace the former studio space.

The city of Charlotte has a dedicated fund for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The fund can only be used on projects for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Crown Ballroom and the Hall of Fame and Convention Center’s parking deck. The fund is paid for by a 2% tax added on to hotel bills.

Last year, more than 201,000 people visited the Hall of Fame. That’s the second-highest attendance since opening in 2010.

Charlotte City Councilmember Ed Driggs asked for more information about the Hall’s finances but generally leaders are in favor of the improvements. Like the Spectrum Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a city asset that they are required to maintain.

The Hall of Fame was projected to bring in 800,000 visitors for its first year. It has never hit that figure. Despite the attendance, Councilman James Mitchell says the Hall of Fame has been a success. He was a city leader as Charlotte recruited the facility.

“This has been good for tourism,” he said. “This has been good for our brand.”

The CRVA says the NASCAR Hall of Fame has an annual economic impact of $74 million.

Charlotte City Council will consider the project again in the late summer.

(WATCH BELOW: NASCAR drivers to honor fallen heroes in yearly Memorial Day tradition)





Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

EchoPark Lands Entitlement Sponsorship of Atlanta Motor Speedway

Atlanta Motor Speedway will now be known as EchoPark Speedway as the iconic race track in Hampton, GA, announced a naming rights agreement with EchoPark, an online and in-person used car marketplace, on Tuesday in a press event inside the Marcy Scott Media Center in the infield of the 1.54-mile speedway. According to a press […]

Published

on


Atlanta Motor Speedway will now be known as EchoPark Speedway as the iconic race track in Hampton, GA, announced a naming rights agreement with EchoPark, an online and in-person used car marketplace, on Tuesday in a press event inside the Marcy Scott Media Center in the infield of the 1.54-mile speedway.

According to a press release from Speedway Motorsports, which owns the facility, the partnership between the track formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway and EchoPark is a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith, EchoPark Speedway EVP and GM Brandon Hutchison, as well as NASCAR Cup Series drivers Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain took part in the Tuesday announcement at the facility.

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

The upcoming Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, June 28, will mark the beginning of a five-race in-season tournament, where 32 drivers will battle it out in a bracket-style tournament for a prize of $1 million.

The winner of the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will be presented with a “nearly new” EchoPark Chevrolet Silverado and a trailer equipped with the first of 26 manufacturered 85th Anniversary, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycles all courtesy of EchoPark.

Sonic Automotive, like Speedway Motorsports, is a Smith-family owned entitity. David B. Smith, the brother of Marcus Smith, serves as the Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive, which is the parent company of EchoPark.

Sonic Automotive feels the newly announced partnership will allow EchoPark to bring further attention to the plethora of used vehicles they sell.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible vehicles we sell at EchoPark and share the exposure with another important entity in our Sonic Automotive family,” said Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive. “The Sturgis Rally is right around the corner, and we know NASCAR fans and drivers will not only love the new presentation of this track, but also the opportunity to see this limited edition Harley-Davidson presented in Victory Lane.”

Christopher Bell took the win in the most recent NASCAR Cup Series event at EchoPark Speedway as he triumphed in February’s Ambetter Health 400.

EchoPark Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series event in July 1960, an event that was won by Fireball Roberts. In all, the facility has hosted 122 NASCAR Cup Series races as well as 38 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, and 24 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races.

Recommended Articles



Link

Continue Reading

Motorsports

Famed Atlanta NASCAR Facility Now EchoPark Speedway

EchoPark Speedway, then known as Atlanta International Raceway, hosted its first NASCAR event in 1960, and has been a stop on the calendar ever since. The venue hosted the NASCAR season finale from 1987 to 2000. It was the site of the memorable conclusion to the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series season, which saw Richard Petty’s […]

Published

on


EchoPark Speedway, then known as Atlanta International Raceway, hosted its first NASCAR event in 1960, and has been a stop on the calendar ever since. The venue hosted the NASCAR season finale from 1987 to 2000. It was the site of the memorable conclusion to the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series season, which saw Richard Petty’s final race, Jeff Gordon’s first career NASCAR Cup Series start, and a dramatic championship battle with Alan Kulwicki narrowly claiming the title.

The 1.54-mile oval was reconfigured following the 2021 season, with banking in the turns increased to 28 degrees. This repave and reconfiguration brought superspeedway-style racing to the Hampton, Georgia facility. In 2024, Daniel Suarez defeated Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide finish where the trio was separated by just 0.007 seconds.

EchoPark Speedway will host two NASCAR national touring series during the spectacular June 26-28 summer event. Schedules, tickets, and camping for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend, can be found online at EchoParkSpeedway.com.

-Photo credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images



Link

Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending