Ram is set to make a major return to NASCAR after more than ten years away, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is sharing his thoughts on the brand’s re-entry. The news about Ram’s upcoming involvement has sparked considerable discussion, especially in light of previous successes and the challenges that might lie ahead in the current motorsport landscape, making the focus on Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Ram return to NASCAR especially timely.
Ram’s NASCAR Revival Plan Unveiled
Earlier this week, Ram revealed its intention to come back to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season, with eyes on possibly entering the Cup Series in 2027 or beyond. FOX motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass disclosed that the Dodge-owned truck division wants to recapture its former racing glory, yet the path to the Cup Series remains uncertain, which has left both fans and industry insiders waiting for more concrete timelines.
During his announcement, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis highlighted uncertainties surrounding the progression from the Truck Series to the Cup Series.
“We’re looking for a date to the prom right now [for trucks],”
—Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO. The decision to step up to the top-tier Cup Series, according to Kuniskis, depends largely on the progress made in the Truck Series.
“Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to truck and not to Cup. That’s not our plan.”
—Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO. With the initial effort, Ram plans to field between four and six trucks at the 2026 Daytona International Speedway season opener, aiming to re-establish its presence on the famed track.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Shares His Perspective
On a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr.—a NASCAR Hall of Famer, team owner, and long-time observer of the sport—offered his viewpoint on Ram’s approach. He emphasized that Ram’s long-term goal is to get back into premier Cup Series competition. However, Earnhardt questioned whether Ram might need to fine-tune its vehicles in the Xfinity Series before taking on the top-level Cup teams.
“They want to go Cup racing,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
“They’re not coming to the Truck Series just to run trucks. Be curious to see what, if anything, they do in the Xfinity Series. I think the Xfinity Series is going through an evolution anyways. They may pause on that to kind of see where the Xfinity Series is in five years. What’s its identity? What even type of vehicles are we racing? They might just do trucks and Cup only.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
His remarks suggest there is some skepticism and concern about the timeline and broader strategy for Ram, given how other manufacturers have navigated entry and expansion in NASCAR’s multiple racing tiers.
Ram’s History and Renewed Aspirations
Throughout the early 2000s, the Ram Pickup was a dominant presence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, securing three manufacturer’s championships between 2001 and 2004. The brand’s return is not just a nostalgic move but also a response to persistent calls from customers and its dealership network, highlighting a decade-long yearning for renewed involvement in American motorsports.
“For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR. The desire was always there, but we didn’t have a plan that delivered the last tenth and following just didn’t fit our DNA,”
—Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO.
“Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field and will bring fresh new interest and engagement to America’s Motorsport.”
—Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO.
Industry and Fan Reactions Amid Uncertainty
The announcement has created an air of anticipation, with some tension and skepticism lingering regarding how Ram will execute its comeback. Industry figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and journalists such as Bob Pockrass have drawn attention to the possible hurdles, given the landscape of car development and series regulations that could reshape the company’s approach over the next few years.
Furthermore, the unclear status regarding Ram’s next steps—be it an entry into the Xfinity Series or a direct transition from trucks to Cup—introduces more variables, leading stakeholders to wonder how the manufacturer will balance ambition with the challenges of modern NASCAR competition.
Looking Ahead at NASCAR’s Evolving Scene
As the countdown to the 2026 Daytona race continues, all eyes are on Ram, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the wider NASCAR community to see how the renewed participation reshapes manufacturer rivalries. The presence of influential figures such as Tim Kuniskis and visible industry support suggest the move aims to leave a lasting impression, even as concerns over timing and adaptation remain unresolved for now.
Ram’s re-entry into the Craftsman Truck Series and its prospect for advancing into the Cup Series stand to invigorate both fans and the broader motorsports world, though the true impact will only become clear as plans progress and the competition intensifies in years ahead.
