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Dodge Is Reportedly Considering A Big NASCAR Cup Series Move

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 23, 2025 11:04 AM ET

Dodge is reportedly eyeing a return to NASCAR.

According to The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, Dodge has begun the process to re-join the Truck Series as soon as 2026. The American car manufacturer would then aim to compete in the Cup Series in 2027 or 2028.

"NASCAR is reviewing Dodge’s submission to field a truck through its 'Ram' brand and an answer is expected soon, sources with knowledge of the plans said," Bianchi wrote. "While there are no guarantees, sources expect that the league will eventually approve Dodge returning. Such approval would need to happen within a few months to allow Dodge to effectively test its Ram truck before potentially hitting the track in an actual race next year."

After 21 years of operation, Dodge left the Truck Series in 2016. Bobby Hamilton Sr. and Ted Musgrave won back-to-back titles for the manufacturer in 2004 and 2005.

Dodge joined the Cup Series in 2001. Brad Keselowski won a Cup Series title in 2012, the company's final year in NASCAR's top division.

Dodge could soon join Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford on the NASCAR track. Although Dodge left due to costs, Bianchi noted that car manufacturers no longer must build their own engines.

Ahead of last Sunday's Daytona 500, NASCAR president Steve Phelps spoke to Sports Business Journal about adding a new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) soon. He cited "a lot of benefits" to a new OEM creating more funding and advertising opportunities.

"We're in some discussions," Phelps said. "It's a lot of work, right? There's a lot of prep work that needs to happen even if we came to an agreement today. I don't know what that timing is. To me, it's really more about getting it done, making an announcement for a fourth. Ideally, we'd have a fifth."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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