Dale Earnhardt Jr. has raised questions about Dodge’s potential for quick success in the NASCAR Cup Series, citing a major technical challenge. On his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast, Earnhardt discussed how the engine program would be the most significant hurdle for Dodge in the fiercely competitive series, a point that directly ties to the ongoing interest in the Dale Earnhardt Jr Dodge NASCAR Cup Series debate.
Earnhardt Discusses Engine Challenges for Dodge
According to Dale Earnhardt Jr., the biggest challenge facing Dodge if it were to return to the Cup Series revolves around its engine program.
“The one thing that’s probably going to be the toughest part for the Dodge guys will be the engine,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR veteran.
He continued by adding insight on the rigorous standards set by NASCAR:
“Maybe that comes together, and that works better than I think. I have no knowledge of information. But I just know that to bring their power plan into the Cup Series and it do everyting it needs to do and perform the way it needs to perform, NASCAR is going to keep a very tight leash on all of that so that they can’t come in and overpower everybody.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR veteran.
Earnhardt noted that other manufacturers, or OEMs, are closely watching how power and torque are managed for any new entrants.
“The other OEMs are going to go, ‘All right, man. You better hold them accountable. Hold them within the confines of the power and torque that we have.’ That’s a little stickier.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR veteran.
Will Dodge Enter the NASCAR Cup Series Soon?
During the conversation, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s co-host, TJ Majors, questioned whether a successful Dodge entry would trigger more manufacturers to join the Cup Series. Earnhardt replied with skepticism about a newcomer having an immediate impact, emphasizing the difficulty for a brand-new OEM to find success right away.
“I don’t know that anybody can come brand new OEM and unload in the Cup series and be good.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR veteran.
No Immediate Plans for Dodge in the Cup Series
Currently, Dodge has not announced plans to return to the NASCAR Cup Series. However, Ram is making its return to the NASCAR Truck Series in the coming year with Kaulig Racing, who will serve as the anchor factory team. Kaulig Racing intends to field up to five Ram trucks when the 2026 season begins in February, marking an important step for Dodge-branded involvement in NASCAR’s lower divisions.
Last week, Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice was asked if the organization would want to field a Dodge car in the Cup Series should Dodge make the move. Rice responded candidly about recent internal discussions.
“We haven’t really talked about it,”
—Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing president.
Rice then explained the partnership with Ram for the Truck Series:
“I can just tell you what we did, as we talked through this, we wanted to be in the Truck Series somehow, another, but we couldn’t do it on Matt [Kaulig’s] money. Getting Ram as a partner was key.”
—Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing president.
What It Means for Dodge and NASCAR Moving Forward
As manufacturers like Alabama, Nebraska, and Virginia remain major topics in college sports, NASCAR’s manufacturer landscape also continues to evolve, with entities such as Kaulig Racing actively seeking new partners in various racing series. Experts like Joel Klatt and teams at Kaulig Racing are watching keenly as Dodge and Ram’s next moves could influence the interest of other automotive companies in the Cup Series.
The lack of clear plans for Dodge to return to the Cup Series underscores the significant engineering and competitive barriers any new manufacturer must overcome. For now, Ram’s return to the Truck Series represents the primary focus, while questions about future Cup Series expansion continue to spark debate among industry leaders and fans alike.
