Dodge's Potential NASCAR Return: What We Know So Far

Key Takeaways

• Dodge may return to NASCAR’s Cup Series in 2027, after a decade-long absence.
• The company has made a breakthrough in engine production, making a return more likely.
• Dodge will reportedly race a body resembling the two-door Charger with Hurricane inline-6 power.
• Kaulig Racing will likely be the key factory partner for Dodge’s potential return.
• Dodge may debut with a two-car effort in the Cup Series.

What Makes Dodge’s Potential Return So Significant?

In my experience, a manufacturer’s return to a top-level racing series like NASCAR’s Cup Series is a significant undertaking. It requires a substantial investment of time, money, and resources. Dodge’s potential return is no exception.

The company’s parent, Stellantis, announced plans to return to NASCAR’s Truck Series in 2026, which seemed to pave the way for a potential Cup Series return. However, engine and aerodynamic design needs were considered major hurdles to overcome.

How Did Dodge Overcome the Engine Production Hurdle?

According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, Dodge has made a breakthrough in engine production, making a return to the Cup Series more likely. This could suggest that the company either believes it can purchase an existing engine program or get something similar up to speed in a matter of months.

This is a significant development, as engine production is a critical component of a successful NASCAR program. Dodge’s ability to overcome this hurdle is a major step towards a potential return to the Cup Series.

What Can We Expect from Dodge’s Potential Cup Series Return?

When Dodge does make its return, it is expected to race a body that resembles the two-door Charger currently being sold with Hurricane inline-6 power. The design of this car would have to be approved by NASCAR as part of a complicated process that’s meant to keep aerodynamic parity between all manufacturers competing in the series.

According to Bianchi, such a design “has already undergone initial wind tunnel testing.” This suggests that Dodge is making progress towards a potential return, and that the company is taking the necessary steps to ensure that its car is competitive.

Who Will Be Dodge’s Key Factory Partner?

Kaulig Racing, the partner chosen to operate the five-car Ram program in the Truck Series, is likely to be the key factory partner for Dodge upon its potential 2027 return. The team owns two of the 36 chartered entries in the Cup Series and currently races two Chevrolet-powered cars.

Without signing on additional teams, that could mean Dodge debuts with just a two-car effort in a series where competitors often race a dozen or more cars on a weekly basis. Kaulig has just two wins in the Cup Series—both on road courses with driver AJ Allmendinger—and would not be expected to be a major contender to collect more wins in its first year with Dodge.

Frequently Asked Questions

When might Dodge return to the Cup Series?

A: Dodge may return to the Cup Series as soon as 2027, after a breakthrough in engine production.

What car will Dodge race in the Cup Series?

A: Dodge will reportedly race a body that resembles the two-door Charger with Hurricane inline-6 power.

Who will be Dodge’s key factory partner in the Cup Series?

A: Kaulig Racing is likely to be the key factory partner for Dodge upon its potential 2027 return.