The Dodge-to-NASCAR rumor mill has been spinning again in 2025, especially since early reports suggested a mystery manufacturer formally submitted paperwork to NASCAR—and most fingers pointed at Dodge. After all, it’s been over a decade since the brand last raced in the Cup Series, and with the new two-door Dodge Charger aligning with NASCAR’s public availability rules, the speculation has taken off.
But before we all start photoshopping Mopar decals onto Cup cars, let’s take a step back and dig into what’s real, what’s possible, and what still feels like wishful thinking.
Where We Are Now: A Quiet but Telling Stir
In February 2025, reports emerged (including one from Sports Business Journal) that a major manufacturer had formally approached NASCAR about re-entering the Cup Series. Dodge immediately became the front-runner in the rumor pool, especially given the brand’s historical ties and fanbase loyalty.
Adding fuel to the fire, Ram (also under the Stellantis umbrella) is reportedly eyeing a return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026—a logical first step if Dodge is planning a full-scale comeback down the line. The Truck Series uses a standardized Ilmor NT1 engine, which simplifies the manufacturer’s burden compared to the bespoke demands of the Cup Series.
The Skeptic’s View: Timing, Money, and Silence
But here’s where the gears start grinding.
1. Stellantis is in flux.
The company’s CEO recently resigned amid broader financial struggles. Sales have slowed, cost-cutting is already underway, and major investments (especially in expensive motorsports programs) don’t always survive corporate reshuffling.
2. The engine problem.
NASCAR’s Next Gen Cup car doesn’t run on spec powerplants. Any new manufacturer must supply a Cup-level engine—or partner with someone who can. Sources suggest Stellantis is actively looking for an engine partner, possibly aiming for 2028. That’s a long road ahead and a significant technical and financial hurdle.
3. Dodge is keeping quiet.
When asked about the rumors, a Dodge communications rep offered a classic “no comment,” which is neither confirmation nor denial—but also not the kind of calculated hype a serious return usually brings. Compare that to Toyota’s aggressive rollout strategy back in the mid-2000s, and the silence is deafening.
Why Dodge Might Still Do It
Despite the obstacles, there are reasons Dodge may still have a toe in the water.
Brand Recognition: Dodge’s presence in NASCAR was synonymous with muscle, horsepower, and rebellious flair. Fans still talk about the Charger and iconic moments with drivers like Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch. The Charger fits. The new two-door design satisfies NASCAR’s requirement that race cars be based on publicly available vehicles. That puts Dodge in technical compliance from day one. Truck Series as a testbed: Re-entering through the Craftsman Truck Series gives Stellantis a lower-cost, lower-risk entry point with the potential to evaluate ROI and fan engagement before diving into the deep end.
Verdict: 50/50 Shot, But Don’t Bet the Farm on 2026
There’s undeniably smoke, but is there fire? The signs suggest Dodge might be laying the groundwork—but a full Cup Series return by 2026 feels ambitious at best. 2028 or later seems more realistic, especially with the time needed to develop a Cup engine and secure a strong team partner.
For now, fans of the Mopar brand may want to temper expectations. A Ram truck in the Craftsman Series? Likely. A Dodge Charger barreling down Daytona’s backstretch in 2026? That’s still firmly in the “maybe someday” column.
Final Lap Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong Dodge loyalist or just love seeing more competition in NASCAR, the idea of Dodge’s return is undeniably exciting. But as of mid-2025, the path back to the big leagues is murky. Until Stellantis shows more concrete signs of investment—and until NASCAR confirms anything—this story is still developing.
Stay tuned, and keep your eyes on those entry lists. The next chapter for Dodge in NASCAR might already be starting, just not as loudly as we’d like.
What do you think? Should Dodge make the leap back into the Cup Series, or is the timing all wrong? Drop your thoughts below or hit me up on @D1Word. 🏁
