For years, NASCAR fans have been patiently waiting for Dodge’s return to the coveted championship. We may finally get what we wanted — according to multiple reports, Dodge is expected to rejoin NASCAR in 2026, starting in the Craftsman Truck Series. It’s a move that has the potential to shift the competitive balance and bring back one of the sport’s most iconic manufacturers.
Dodge has not participated in NASCAR since 2012 when Brad Keselowski drove the No. 2 Dodge Charger to a Cup Series championship for Team Penske. Dodge exited the sport after that, and Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota were the only manufacturers at NASCAR’s highest levels.
Dodge Expected To Enter the Truck Series
Instead of going directly into the Cup Series, Dodge is said to be eyeing the Craftsman Truck Series as its gateway. This would make sense — getting a competitive Truck Series program under its belt enables Dodge to get its feet wet before it expands to the Xfinity and Cup Series.
There is only one problem: Dodge does not currently have a truck in its lineup. Ram, formerly part of Dodge, now stands as its own brand under Stellantis. That raises an excellent question — will Dodge rebadge a Ram truck for NASCAR competition, or will it develop something new?
Dodge’s Cup Series Goals
Dodge’s potential return doesn’t stop at the Truck Series. Reports indicate that the manufacturer is also searching for an engine partner for a possible Cup Series entry in 2028. If that happens, it would mark Dodge’s first time back in the Cup Series since its departure in 2012.
That timeline gives Dodge two years to build its NASCAR program from the ground up, refine its truck engines, and establish relationships with teams before making a full-fledged Cup Series push.
Dodge’s NASCAR comeback is shaping into one of the biggest storylines heading into 2026. The Truck Series appears to be the launching pad, but the long-term goal could be a full-fledged Cup Series return by 2028.