When Ram Trucks announced its flamboyant return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2026, the headlines naturally centred on the American truck maker’s re-entry after more than a decade on the sidelines. But behind the bright lights and bold logos, the announcement may well signal something much larger in the works — the long-anticipated return of Dodge to the NASCAR Cup Series.
It has been thirteen years since Dodge last competed in NASCAR’s premier Cup category, departing the sport after Team Penske’s 2012 championship-winning season. Since then, only Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota have contested the Cup Series, leaving a noticeable absence in the grid’s manufacturer diversity. But comments from Ram brand CEO Tim Kuniskis have reignited hopes that Dodge may soon fill that void.
“First Truck, Then Cup”
Speaking candidly to media at Michigan International Speedway, Kuniskis hinted that Ram’s Truck Series campaign is only the beginning of Stellantis’ wider motorsport ambitions.
“The Hemi’s back… so we figured we might as well go back to racing, might as well go back to American motorsports, back to NASCAR,” Kuniskis said. “First with Truck, with the intention to go to Cup after that.”
While Ram’s involvement is strictly limited to trucks — in keeping with the brand’s focus — a return to the Cup Series would naturally fall under Dodge, another key division of Stellantis North America.
Personal Motivation Behind the Move
For Kuniskis, this isn’t simply a business decision. He revealed that Dodge’s departure from the Cup Series has weighed on him ever since.
“We left, what was it 13 years ago? And it’s bothered me ever since,” he admitted. “At the time, I was specifically just on Dodge when we left Cup. And it’s always bothered me. We’ve always been looking for a way to get back.”
This sense of unfinished business appears to have played a significant role in reviving Stellantis’ interest in NASCAR, with the Truck Series return serving as a strategic first step.
NASCAR Ready to Welcome Dodge Back
NASCAR’s leadership, for their part, appear eager to facilitate Dodge’s return to Cup racing. John Probst, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, confirmed the sanctioning body has already mapped out the process for onboarding a new manufacturer.
“If they decide they’re going to go that direction, for us it’s about an 18-month onboarding process,” Probst explained. “There will be, obviously, with a new OEM coming in, some work to be done on the engines. So, I’d say that 18-month runway would be pretty typical.”
The Cup Series has not welcomed a new manufacturer since Toyota’s entry in 2007, and Dodge’s return would not only broaden competition but also revive one of the sport’s most historic and passionate rivalries.
The Hemi Factor
Adding further fuel to the speculation is the recent resurrection of the Hemi engine — a move that could form the technical foundation for a future Cup Series entry. Ram’s 2026 trucks will showcase a modernised Hemi powerplant, reaffirming Stellantis’ ongoing commitment to high-performance American engines.
Kuniskis described the company’s bold approach:
“That’s just a taste. It’s just a taste of what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it. Completely different.”
A Return at the Right Time?
Stellantis is in a far stronger global position today than in 2012, and the timing may finally be right for Dodge’s long-discussed Cup Series return. With a loyal fanbase and brand heritage deeply woven into NASCAR’s history, Dodge’s re-entry would likely generate immense interest from fans, teams, and sponsors alike.
Though nothing has been officially confirmed, the signs are mounting. The Truck Series programme will serve as a testing ground — both technically and operationally — for what could be Dodge’s most significant motorsport return in more than a decade.
As Kuniskis put it, “We’re going to shake up the sport and really make our presence known.”
Whether that shaking up extends to NASCAR’s Cup garage remains to be seen — but few would bet against it.
Source: Reid Spencer via NASCAR Wire Service
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