Stellantis returns to Nascar with Ram in Truck Series from 2026

• Stellantis would not “go to Truck and not Cup” as it eyes top-level entry
• Nascar “very close with one other” manufacturer for Cup Series entry, with Honda linked

Nascar has announced that Stellantis will return to the Truck Series with its Ram brand from the 2026 season.

Ram becomes the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to join any of Nascar’s three national series since 2004, when Toyota brought its Tundra model to the same series.

“I know that this is something that we have been talking about for a long time, and it’s something that we don’t get to do very often,” said John Probst, executive vice president and chief racing development officer of Nascar.

“I think the last time we did this was over 20 years ago when Toyota entered our sport, so this is something that is a big moment for our entire sport and our existing competitors, potential new competitors, our OEMs.”

Ram last raced in Nascar as part of the Dodge entry, which departed the Truck Series after the 2013 campaign. The return confirms reports earlier this year that Dodge was evaluating a Nascar entry.

Tim Kuniskis, chief executive of Ram, revealed the brand is targeting at least four trucks on the Truck Series grid next season, but it also has loftier ambitions beyond just one of Nascar’s series.

“We’re looking for a date to the prom right now,” Kuniskis said. “So how am I going to get to Cup? That’s going to depend on how I get to Truck. So however we get to Truck is going to obviously weigh heavily on ‘do I have a path to Cup?’ Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to Truck and not to Cup. That’s not our plan.”

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According to Probst, it takes around 18 months to allow for proper engine development and the submission of a competition-ready body to the Cup Series. He added that it is not just Ram eyeing up an entry to Nascar’s top series.

“I don’t want to jinx ourselves, but I would say that we are very close with one other,” said Probst. “Can’t speak for them. Obviously, it’s their decision to make.

“We would love for them to decide to come into Nascar, and even with that, there’s one or two others that we’re a little bit earlier in the discussions, but also looking pretty positive. But we all know that an OEM deciding to come into Nascar, it’s a big commitment for them. It’s not something that they take lightly.

“It requires a lot of research and approval at the highest levels. We’re confident right now. We like the position we’re in, and think that we’re a pretty good investment for an OEM.”

Probst’s comments come as Honda is heavily rumoured to be evaluating its US motorsport interests. The Japanese manufacturer currently competes in the IndyCar Series but is reportedly concerned about the cost of doing so, with the Nascar Cup Series seemingly offering a much more cost-effective alternative.