When Could Dodge Make Its Thrilling NASCAR Cup Comeback?

Dodge has left a notable mark in NASCAR’s Cup Series, securing five Daytona 500 victories from 1973 through 2008. The manufacturer left the Cup grid after the 2012 season, closing out its run with Brad Keselowski winning the championship.

Dodge’s involvement in NASCAR has seen long breaks in the past, including a 16-year absence after 1985 before a return in 2001. For more than a decade now, only three major manufacturers have competed in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Recently, news broke that Ram, a brand under Stellantis like Dodge, plans to rejoin the NASCAR Truck Series beginning in 2026. This announcement has sparked speculation about Dodge possibly returning to the Cup Series.

So far, Dodge officials have not ruled out the possibility. Some experts point out that when new manufacturers join NASCAR, they often begin with the Truck Series, as Ram is doing now.

This approach mirrors past strategies, allowing manufacturers to build NASCAR experience before moving up to more competitive series. Bringing a new make into the Cup Series is not simple.

According to NASCAR executive vice president John Probst, any brand must go through an onboarding period of at least 18 months. This includes submitting a new car body design and preparing an engine program up to NASCAR’s standards.

A new manufacturer would need to handle body and engine development before joining the Cup races. Even if Dodge made an immediate decision, its entry probably wouldn’t happen before the 2027 season.

One main difference between the Cup Series and Truck Series is the engine set-up. The Truck Series uses spec NT1 engines supplied by Ilmor, which are standardized for all teams.

The Cup Series, however, requires manufacturers to support their own engine programs. Dodge last developed and raced a Cup engine in 2012, and much has changed since then.

Although some engine parts such as the block, head, and manifold remain similar, other updates and developments would be required. NASCAR’s current engine builders make improvements every season, so Dodge would need to invest in updated technology and resources if they return.

NASCAR officials remain confident about adding a fourth major manufacturer, even if it does not turn out to be Dodge. According to Probst, talks are advancing with another OEM, with further discussions ongoing with at least one or two more potential partners.

Still, a Dodge comeback is not out of reach, especially after Ram’s upcoming debut in the Truck Series. A potential Dodge return to the Cup Series generates excitement, especially among longtime fans.

While hurdles remain, Ram’s involvement could be the first step in seeing a Dodge team back on the Cup grid for the first time since 2012. For now, the earliest possible return would be in 2027, should the process begin soon.

Motorsports fans are watching closely as manufacturers and NASCAR work towards adding more competition in the years ahead, much like how strategies evolve in other racing series such as Formula 1 with teams like McLaren and Lewis Hamilton adapting to changes over time (McLaren Lewis Hamilton Monaco).