Dodge announces return to NASCAR Cup Series beginning at Daytona 500

Dodge is set to return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, ahead of its originally planned timeline, according to a statement from the automaker. At the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Stellantis-owned brand unveiled its return, with the announcement made on Monday. Dodge will bring four manufacturers to the Cup Series, alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, as the sport prepares for a 36-race schedule commencing in mid-February and culminating in a champion in early November.

Kaulig Racing will utilize the Dodge Charger to field a two-car team, with AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon likely to take those spots. NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell expressed his excitement over the return, stating that it reflects Dodge's confidence in the sport and offers fans another reason to anticipate the future. The partnership involving NASCAR, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, and Stellantis has been highly positive, with both parties sharing a strong passion for NASCAR and its capacity to feature the world’s top brands.

Dodge withdrew from NASCAR in 2012, ending its involvement just after celebrating a Cup title with Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing, marking the brand’s first Cup championship since Richard Petty's sixth of seven titles in 1975. In 2026, Dodge rejoined the NASCAR Truck Series with the Ram brand, aiming to expand its presence to the premier Cup Series by 2028.

NASCAR President Tim Kuniskis emphasized his intention to disrupt the status quo and elevate the sport beyond the current 20 million fan base to reach 80 or 100 million. Kaulig Racing recently operated five trucks in the season, none of which ranked in the top 10 of the series standings heading into the championship finale at Homestead, Florida, this weekend.

Historically, Dodge would typically require two years to prepare for the Cup Series. However, the automaker accelerated the process by collaborating with Earnhardt Childress Racing to develop Dodge-specific engines while concurrently focusing on their regular Chevrolet operations. The decision to allow the fourth manufacturer in NASCAR was seen as beneficial for the series' overall health by Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, who believed that additional competition would enhance the racing experience for fans and drivers alike.