Former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick recently spoke with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis about the much-anticipated subject of Dodge’s re-entry into the top tier of stock car racing, making the discussion a focal point for fans watching the manufacturer‘s next move. With Dodge’s planned comeback initially taking shape through Ram’s participation in the Craftsman Truck Series, Harvick confirmed that the ultimate ambition is to join the Cup Series in 2027, putting the spotlight on both the company‘s history and its future in racing.
Dodge last participated in NASCAR’s Cup Series in 2012, notably stepping away after Team Penske, now known as Team Penske, shifted allegiance to ford/”>Ford. Their decision marked the end of an era where the Cup Series boasted four manufacturers — chevrolet/”>Chevrolet, Ford, toyota/”>Toyota, and Dodge — with the Michigan-based automaker making a significant mark, including Brad Keselowski’s championship win that season.
Ram Prepares for Truck Series Entry as a Stepping Stone
This upcoming season, the Ram brand, now operating as a subsidiary under Stellantis alongside Dodge, is entering the Craftsman Truck Series with its Ram 1500 model. The full-size pickup will face off against established competitors such as the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Toyota Tundra, bringing Ram squarely back into the NASCAR spotlight after a long absence.
During their conversation, Tim Kuniskis emphasized the strategic sequence of returning to NASCAR, beginning with the Truck Series. He explained,
“Coming into Truck (Series) is a lot easier than coming into Cup (Series), and that’s why we’re really confident with all the work that we’ve done on the Truck to say we’ll be in Daytona.”
—Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram
Kuniskis further outlined the timeline to Harvick, clarifying that rejoining the Cup Series would take more time, stating,
“It’s going to take a little longer to get to Cup. Our goal is to get to Cup a year after that,”
he added. —Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram
Addressing skeptics about the two-step return, Kuniskis said,
“We think there are a couple of things from our legacy that might speed that development time up, and maybe we could be at Daytona this year with Truck, and then the following year at Daytona in Cup.”
—Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram
Reactions from NASCAR Icons Highlight Industry Excitement
This evolving story has captured the curiosity of drivers and motorsports personalities. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and noted race winner, has publicly praised Dodge’s heritage in the sport and the excitement surrounding its potential return. He pointed out the iconic vehicles produced by the company and the nostalgia tied to legendary moments like Richard Petty piloting the famed #43 car in its Petty Blue and STP red livery.
Earnhardt expressed,
“Dodge has got such a cool reputation […] The Dodge Charger from the 70s, a beautiful vehicle, historic. The Challenger… a lot of great vehicles come out of that brand. I’m thrilled that they’re considering a return, and I hope it’s a successful one, to be honest with you.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Dodge’s impact in NASCAR stretches back decades with renowned names such as Richard Petty and Brad Keselowski, reinforcing the brand‘s legacy among fans of US stock car racing. Outside racing, Dodge remains a well-known adversary to both Ford and Chevrolet within the American muscle car segment, further intensifying anticipation for its competitive return.
Industry Impact and What to Watch for Next
If Ram’s debut in the Craftsman Truck Series goes as planned, it could pave the way for Dodge’s full return to the Cup Series, restoring a familiar rivalry among Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and a rejuvenated Dodge. Automotive enthusiasts and critics will be keeping a close watch, especially after the brand‘s recent moves to revive the V8 engine and re-enter pickup competition with the Ram 1500, following phases of innovation such as the electric Charger.
The 2027 target for Cup Series participation marks a significant timeline, especially given Dodge’s celebrated run in past seasons. As company leaders, racing veterans like Kevin Harvick, and industry icons such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. voice their excitement, the upcoming years promise a resurgence of competition and legacy as Dodge and Ram seek to reclaim their roles on some of the sport’s biggest stages.
