UPDATE 3: Another sign pointing towards Dodge returning to the NASCAR Truck Series has been found in the promotional packet local dealers are issuing to partners and employees.
For example, Wisconsin Dodge dealer Jerry Brickner is under the impression Dodge is indeed returning to the Craftsman Truck Series after attending a virtual ‘go to market’ meeting with corporate this week. In an email shared and screen shot by someone in the loop and passed onto Sportsnaut, Dodge dealers are anticipating a RAM activation to include its participation in the division next season.
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Dodge would then target a return to the Cup Series by 2028 with NASCAR working through several options to incorporate various engine platforms under a BOP style regulation system. (Update: This would be done through torque sensors, which have since been added to the 2025 rule book for test sessions in advance of this possible solution to incorporating various power plant types.)
— Sportsnaut —
UPDATE 2 – 2-22-2025: Dodge is eying a return to the NASCAR Truck Series as soon as the 2026 season, with the manufacturer having already begun the process to gain NASCAR’s formal approval to join Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota as competitors in NASCAR’s third-tier national series, people with knowledge of Dodge’s plans told The Athletic.
NASCAR is reviewing Dodge’s submission to field a truck through its “Ram” brand and an answer is expected soon, sources with knowledge of the plans said. While there are no guarantees, sources expect that the league will eventually approve Dodge returning. Such approval would need to happen within a few months to allow Dodge to effectively test its Ram truck before potentially hitting the track in an actual race next year.
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Dodge raced in Cup from 2001 to 2012 before exiting due to financial difficulties and a lack of viable teams willing to align with it. People with knowledge of the discussions said Dodge is returning with the intent to eventually put together a full Cup program. That Cup program could be operational as soon as 2027 or 2028.
— The Athletic —
UPDATE 2-16-2025: While the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season kicked off with Friday night’s Fresh From Florida 250, preparations for expansion in the following season are already in motion.
CATCHFENCE.com has confirmed that NASCAR has received a formal submission from a manufacturer aiming to join Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota in the series next year.
According to sources, Dodge is the leading candidate to return to the sport, marking a comeback after its 2016 departure with the RAM brand, though the manufacturer had withdrawn official support after the 2013 season.
— Catchfence —
ORIGINAL POST 2-12-2025: NASCAR President Steve Phelps said there’s legitimate reason for optimism in adding a fourth carmaker to the sport.