The NASCAR Truck Series Ram entry is generating excitement and speculation throughout the racing world after Saturday’s announcement that the Ram Truck brand will compete with Kaulig Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series next season. This move has led many fans and teams to wonder if Dodge could soon return to the Cup and Xfinity Series, reigniting old rivalries and drawing on the brand’s storied motorsport history.
While Dodge and NASCAR haven’t confirmed any plans for a broader return, the step is reminiscent of Dodge’s initial modern comeback to truck racing in 1995, before the manufacturer later appeared in the Cup and Xfinity Series in 2001. The past involvement of Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth—in conjunction with legendary names like Richard Petty and Petty Motorsports—set a powerful precedent for breakthrough performance and fan loyalty in the sport.
Roots of the Dodge and NASCAR Legacy
Decades ago, Dodge—with its sister brands Chrysler and Plymouth—built a legacy on the track. Richard Petty’s memorable success with the Plymouth Superbird, especially marked by the car’s towering rear wing in the late 1960s and early 1970s, made headlines. The notorious Hemi motor, key to Petty’s advantage, even led NASCAR to ban it in 1965, stating it gave the manufacturer an unfair edge against rivals and other car makers.
Dodge’s position makes sense for a return to NASCAR, both for nostalgic reasons and for the company’s dedication to manufacturing some of the quickest and most powerful cars available, such as the Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Durango SUV, and of course, Ram trucks—vehicles renowned for their strength and capability.
Renewed Fan Demand Pushes the Brand Forward
After leaving the NASCAR scene across all three major series in 2012—ironically the same year Brad Keselowski clinched Dodge’s only Cup championship with Team Penske—the outcry from diehard supporters never really faded. The NASCAR Truck Series Ram entry has revived long-standing calls from fans for Dodge to reclaim its place in the sport. Historically, Dodge first entered the Truck Series in 1995, but it wasn’t until six years later that they made their way to Cup and Xfinity. This time, the waiting period is expected to be shorter, with speculation centering on a return by 2027 or 2028.
Questions persist about leadership for Dodge’s potential comeback. Ray Evernham—known for guiding Jeff Gordon to multiple Cup championships as crew chief—was instrumental during Dodge’s last re-entry, which involved an 18-month rollout before seeing cars officially compete. With the partnership between Kaulig Racing and Ram, Dodge’s renewed involvement is poised to benefit from significant investment and support, strengthening Kaulig’s multi-truck operation and resource base.
Shifting Strategies and Consumer Influence
The course of recent history has not been without missteps. In a notable decision two years ago, Dodge and its parent company Stellantis indicated intentions to transition the entire lineup to electric vehicles, even engineering synthetic engine sounds in an effort to recreate the signature growl of their classic gas-powered engines. This shift did not land well with Dodge loyalists.
Citing widespread opposition, the company faced intense backlash from longtime supporters who rejected the all-electric plan and withheld new purchases. As a result, electric vehicle sales suffered. Ultimately, Stellantis relented, reviving their high-output gasoline models, including renowned versions of the Challenger, Charger, and Durango, such as the Hellcat, Demon, and Scat Pack. With this pivot, Dodge reaffirmed its commitment to muscle and performance, both on the street and, potentially soon, on the track once more.
Although there’s still no official word on Dodge’s plans for returning to the Cup and Xfinity Series, industry observers expect a possible reappearance by 2028, contingent upon the results of Ram’s performance with Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series.
The Road Ahead for Ram, Dodge, and NASCAR
The partnership with Kaulig Racing positions Ram to make a high-profile re-entry into the NASCAR Truck Series. The added financial backing from Dodge is expected to amplify both the competitive reach of Kaulig and the brand presence of Ram among fans and participants.
Whether Kaulig will also play a central role in any Cup or Xfinity Series collaboration is still uncertain, especially since the demands of operating a multi-truck program are considerable. Still, resources are expected to increase dramatically with Dodge’s involvement. Echoes of past slogans—such as Ram’s “Grab Life By The Horns”—may return as promotional campaigns ramp up, but fans are already reminiscing about other iconic catchphrases. One such phrase, emblematic of Dodge’s muscle car heritage, persists:
“Hey, that thang got a Hemi?”
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This familiar quip highlights the passion and nostalgia surrounding the prospect of Dodge’s expanded return to NASCAR competition, reflecting the deep connection between the brand, its customers, and the legacy of American motorsport.
If Ram’s venture with Kaulig Racing is a success in the Truck Series, the potential for Dodge and its storied history to rejoin the Cup and Xfinity Series becomes more plausible, reinvigorating fan enthusiasm and reshaping the competitive landscape in the seasons ahead.
