The NASCAR garage is buzzing with speculation after a report from Catchfence revealed that a new manufacturer has formally submitted an application to join the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. According to sources, the leading candidate is Dodge, potentially signaling the long-awaited return of the iconic brand to stock car racing.
Dodge’s NASCAR Legacy
Dodge has a deep history in NASCAR, dating back to the early days of the sport. The manufacturer enjoyed success across all three national series, with its last major triumph coming in 2012, when Brad Keselowski delivered Dodge a Cup Series championship before the brand exited NASCAR at the end of the season.
In the Truck Series, Dodge last fielded full-time entries in 2012, with teams like Brad Keselowski Racing and ThorSport Racing carrying the Mopar banner. Since then, fans have speculated about a return, but nothing concrete has materialized—until now.
Why Dodge and Why Now?
The timing of this potential move is intriguing. NASCAR has been openly courting new manufacturers, with executives stating their desire to expand beyond Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. The Truck Series could serve as Dodge’s entry point, allowing them to re-establish their presence before considering a return to Xfinity or Cup competition.
With the upcoming Hybrid Cup Series powertrain set to debut in 2026, joining the Truck Series first would give Dodge a strategic foothold in the evolving NASCAR landscape.
What Would a Dodge Return Look Like?
If Dodge officially joins the Truck Series in 2025, several key questions remain:
• Which teams will make the switch? ThorSport Racing, which previously ran Dodges, could be a logical partner. However, Dodge would likely need to build an engine program and team alliances to compete against well-established rivals.
• Will Dodge expand beyond Trucks? A return to the Xfinity or Cup Series could follow in the coming years, depending on their success in the Truck Series.
• Will this open the door for other manufacturers? NASCAR has long sought to attract more brands, and a Dodge comeback could pave the way for others, like Honda or Hyundai, to explore an entry.
What’s Next?
While nothing is official yet, this report is the strongest indication in years that Dodge could be making its NASCAR return. If the manufacturer is indeed set to return in 2025, an announcement could come later this season—potentially by the summer.
For Mopar fans, the possibility of seeing a Dodge Ram battling on the high banks once again is an exciting prospect. Now, the wait begins to see if this return becomes reality.
