NASCAR insider reveals possibility of Richard Childress Racing, Dodge partnership

With Stellantis bringing Ram back to the NASCAR Truck Series, could Richard Childress Racing partner with the future Dodge program? Ideally, we will see the automaker put Dodge back into the Cup Series, and when that happens, who will be the flagship team or teams?

It is obvious that Kaulig Racing is the frontrunner to be the factory team for Dodge. This partnership, with five truck teams scheduled to race at Daytona in 2026, is a big deal. It opens the pipeline for Kaulig to go from Ram to Dodge when the Cup Series deal becomes reality.

Kaulig runs ECR engines. Those are, of course, owned by Richard Childress Racing. Chevy has Hendrick making engines already. Could RCR/ECT pivot to the Dodge engine manufacturer?

Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic was asked in a mailbag article about that possibility. Here is what the journalist had to say:

“It’s still too early to definitely state which team(s) will join Kaulig in carrying the Dodge banner whenever it re-enters Cup, as there are several candidates, but Richard Childress Racing is an intriguing option — especially because of its engine program that could then supply engines to other Dodge-backed teams,” Bianchi wrote.

“Whether RCR would actually make the switch from Chevrolet to Dodge is another question. Since RCR first entered Cup back in the late 1960s, it has always fielded General Motors-branded cars (Chevrolet, Oldsmobile or Pontiac). Severing these ties would be something team owner Richard Childress, who values loyalty, would not do without great hesitation.

“But there are compelling reasons why RCR should consider a switch, if the option is there. Staying aligned with Chevrolet assures RCR will never rise above being Chevrolet’s No. 2 team, with Hendrick Motorsports cemented in the top spot. A hypothetical jump by RCR to a different manufacturer, however, presents an opportunity to be the top dog. If RCR wants to win its first Cup title since 1994, Childress might have to cut his longstanding ties with Chevrolet.”

Richard Childress Racing has been GM loyal for decades. It would be shocking to see that change anytime soon for RCR and the man himself, Richard Childress. But things change. A new manufacturer and the opportunity it brings could be enticing enough to peel RC and ECR away from Chevy.