Dodge announces NASCAR Cup Series comeback for 2027

The NASCAR Cup Series will have a fourth manufacturer in 2027. 

Dodge announced Monday at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, that it will return to the Cup Series in 2027, according to a report from the Associated Press. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic previously reported that Dodge was in the process of finalizing its Cup Series return for next year, a season earlier than previously expected. The manufacturer's 2027 return will mark the first time Dodge has competed at the highest level of stock car racing since 2012.

Stellantis took the first step towards returning to the Cup Series this year with RAM's return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series through Kaulig Racing. Kaulig is the most likely candidate to field Cup Series entries for Dodge next season.

Dodge making return to Cup racing in 2027

According to the AP report, NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell said that "Dodge’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series is a significant milestone for the sport" and that Stellantis has a "deep passion for NASCAR."

While Kaulig's first season with RAM has been shaky in regard to performance — none of the team's five trucks are inside the top 10 in owners points — it was a crucial first step to Stellantis re-entering the sport. Dodge's last return to the Cup Series was in 2001, with Bill Elliott winning the pole for the Daytona 500 in the manufacturer's return to the sport.

Dodge's engine-building partnership with ECR allowed the manufacturer to fast-track its return to the Cup Series. No team has officially announced a partnership with Dodge for the 2027 Cup Series season.