Dodge‘s long-awaited return to NASCAR’s top tier could happen much sooner than expected. According to The Athletic, the American brand could line up on the Cup Series grid as early as the 2027 season. Dodge would return to NASCAR’s premier championship for the first time since 2012, giving the Cup Series four manufacturers alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
Development Speeds Up
Stellantis
Dodge had originally targeted a 2028 return, but recent progress has accelerated the project. The company has reportedly completed initial wind tunnel testing of its new Charger race car body, while a breakthrough in engine development has helped overcome what was widely considered the biggest technical obstacle. There is still plenty of work to do before the opening race of the 2027 season, and a return next year is not yet guaranteed. However, the latest developments suggest the project is moving faster than many in the NASCAR paddock expected. Dodge would once again battle Chevrolet’s Camaro race car, Ford’s Mustang, and Toyota’s Camry.
Kaulig Racing Expected To Lead The Charge
Stellantis
The Athletic reports that Kaulig Racing will almost certainly become Dodge’s flagship Cup Series team if the plan moves ahead. The team already has close ties to Stellantis after partnering with the automaker’s Ram brand in the NASCAR Truck Series. Having ended its relationship with Chevrolet, Kaulig Racing appears well-positioned to become Dodge’s flagship Cup Series team. Reports also indicate NASCAR has no intention of expanding the number of Cup Series charters beyond the current 36. That means Dodge would need to compete through an existing chartered organisation rather than creating an entirely new entry.
Performance Is Back On Dodge’s Agenda
Stellantis
The NASCAR project is only one part of Dodge’s broader revival. The American automaker has already confirmed plans to bring back the HEMI V8-powered Charger by 2030, while two new performance models, a GLH hot hatch and the Copperhead SRT muscle car, are also reportedly in the pipeline. If Dodge does make the Cup Series grid next year, it would be one of the biggest stories in American motorsport and another sign that Stellantis is once again setting up Dodge to become America’s go-to performance brand.
