With NASCAR president Steve Phelps pressing on the importance of bringing a fourth OEM (Original Equipment Manager) to the grid, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has revealed that Dodge is considering making a comeback to oval racing. With a rich history in the sport, Dodge officially parted ways with NASCAR in 2016 after ending their Cup Series participation in 2012.
Nearly a decade later, Earnhardt claims the American automobile maker plans to make a comeback. Speaking on the “Dale Jr. Download,” the veteran NASCAR driver revealed the bombshell news while also expressing his excitement.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Excited Over Dodge’s Potential Return to NASCAR
Reports claim Dodge is eyeing a NASCAR return via the Truck Series before climbing the ladder. The automaker could be fielding vehicles from its “Ram” series, becoming the fourth OEM on the grid once again.
Excited about the potential return, Earnhardt spoke about the team’s historical relevance and contribution to the sport.
“Dodge has got such a cool reputation. They’ve had some ups and downs over the past several decades, but in my eyes, they’re still a true muscle car brand. The Dodge Charger from the 70s, a beautiful vehicle, historic. The Challenger, a lot of great vehicles come out of that brand. The Ram. Yeah, the Ram truck. Yeah, it’s just a cool brand.
“I’m thrilled that they’re considering a return, and I hope it’s a successful one, to be honest with you. It’s good for the sport, I think.”
Dodge is considering a return to NASCAR – and we are here for it. 🐏 @DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/asbxlHZ88Z
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) February 26, 2025
While Earnhardt was slightly worried about what the introduction of a new OEM would mean for the sport, Dodge’s potential inclusion has made life a bit easier for him. He feared that there could be the introduction of the hybrid era or fewer HP cars, but as things stand, there has been no such update.
Meanwhile, Dodge could be seen running on the circuits as early as 2026 as part of Phelps’ “no bull****” approach. The NASCAR president made it abundantly clear that he was focusing all of his efforts on bringing a new manufacturer to the sport.
However, John Probst, NASCAR’s chief racing development officer, had already revealed last season that a new constructor could join the grid within 18-24 months.
