After more than a decade away from NASCAR’s national series, Ram is poised to make a significant comeback to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. The Auto Junkie of InsidersMopar reports that Ram has formally submitted an application to NASCAR, signaling its intent to rejoin the series it once dominated. This move has been corroborated by additional sourcing from the Sports Business Journal, indicating that NASCAR is in advanced discussions with Stellantis, Ram’s parent company, regarding this return.
Ram’s history in the Truck Series is notable, with the manufacturer securing three Manufacturers’ Championships in 2001, 2003, and 2004. The brand’s last official participation in the series was in 2016, although Dodge, Ram’s predecessor, had withdrawn factory support after the 2012 season.
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The re-entry is expected to be facilitated by the current use of standardized Ilmor NT1 V8 engines across all manufacturers in the Truck Series, simplifying the integration process for Ram.
Industry insiders suggest that Ram’s return to the Truck Series could be a strategic first step towards a broader re-engagement with NASCAR. Reports indicate that Dodge, also under the Stellantis umbrella, is evaluating a potential return to the NASCAR Cup Series as early as 2027 or 2028. This phased approach mirrors Toyota’s entry strategy into NASCAR, starting with the Truck Series before progressing to higher tiers.
The potential return of Ram to the Truck Series has been met with enthusiasm from the NASCAR community. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his excitement, stating, “Dodge has got such a cool reputation… I’m thrilled that they’re considering a return, and I hope it’s a successful one.”
As of now, NASCAR has not made an official announcement regarding Ram’s application. However, the growing evidence and industry chatter suggest that fans could see Ram-branded trucks back on the track as early as the 2026 season, adding a new dynamic to the competition alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and as NASCAR potentially welcomes back a storied manufacturer to its ranks.
