Kaulig Racing, known for its relentless drive and tenacity in NASCAR, is preparing for a significant transformation as it considers launching its own in-house engine operation, with strong indications that a partnership with Dodge may be in the works. The Kaulig Racing Dodge engine program, discussed by CEO Chris Rice, could permanently shift the balance of power in the sport as the team aims to break away from mid-tier status and compete on equal footing with established giants as soon as 2026.
Kaulig Racing Targets Long-Term Success Amid Team Expansion
At the heart of Kaulig Racing’s recent conversations is CEO Chris Rice, who has been candid about the team’s dramatic growth and their shifting ambitions in NASCAR. In recent years, Kaulig Racing has earned a reputation as a determined underdog, always competing fiercely even without top-tier factory backing. This season, however, talk around the team has focused on building an operation that can sustain success, not just get by year-to-year.
Rice has made it clear to his staff and the public that the 2025 season may come with hurdles, as the organization deals with expansion and internal changes. He acknowledged that growing pains are expected, but his sights are set further down the road—on a decade-long vision stretching from 2026 to 2035. This extended timeline intentionally matches up with NASCAR’s transition to a new engine platform, the introduction of hybrid technologies, and the anticipated arrival of a fourth manufacturer before 2027. The significance of this planning is underscored by Rice’s view that, after more than a decade of owner Matt Kaulig’s heavy investment, the team is ready to play a lead role in shaping its own destiny within the sport.
For years, Kaulig Racing has purchased engines and technology from established organizations while giants like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske have enjoyed the advantages of direct factory support. Now, Rice and his leadership team want to take control of their competitive future by building an engine program themselves, a move that aligns with both their ambitions and potential industry shifts.
Potential Collaboration with Dodge—A Natural Fit
Although Chris Rice stopped short of officially naming Dodge in recent public comments, references to an in-house engine program and the current climate of manufacturer discussions have fueled widespread speculation. Dodge has long been considered a “sleeping giant” in stock car racing, viewed as waiting for the right partner—a team that’s willing to create a genuine program instead of merely benefiting as a customer. With Kaulig’s demonstrated desire to build from within, their trajectory mirrors exactly what sources suggest Dodge is seeking in a NASCAR re-entry partner.
Strategically, a partnership between Kaulig Racing and Dodge makes sense on several levels. Both Ram and Dodge operate under the Stellantis umbrella, and Ram already equips Kaulig’s Truck Series operation. This corporate alignment could streamline technical collaboration and logistical integration into the organization’s Cup Series efforts. As Kaulig Racing continues to strengthen relationships with Stellantis, industry observers see the team positioning itself as the go-to candidate for any returning manufacturer looking to truly invest in NASCAR.
The message from within the Kaulig Racing camp could not be clearer: the team’s future lies in breaking through the barriers that have held customer outfits back from consistently challenging the established powerhouses. Whether their engine program ultimately carries a Dodge badge or not, Kaulig intends to close the performance gap and do it by their own rules. This marks a dramatic escalation in ambition for an organization that only recently stepped up to the Cup Series but now wants to set the pace in NASCAR’s next era.
Intensifying the Drive for Performance and Engineering Excellence
Chris Rice has emphasized the need for significant structural improvements inside the Kaulig Racing shop. From bodywork to engineering staff, the team is undergoing upgrades at every level. Rice has been open about falling behind in key areas such as preparing and developing car bodies, and he stated that staff will continue working through December to put the necessary foundation in place. The hiring of a new group of engineers signals Kaulig’s commitment to building a deep, technically proficient organization prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s NASCAR.
This heightened focus on innovation and development echoes among other top Cup teams, but for Kaulig, it represents a turning point. For a team that has built its brand on scrappiness and resourcefulness, the move toward full-scale factory-style operations marks a different kind of challenge—one that the leadership is intent on meeting head-on.
Christian Eckes Departs Amid Roster Realignment
Alongside this push for enhanced engineering and technical capability, Kaulig Racing is also confronting inevitable changes to its driver lineup. The departure of Christian Eckes will see him return to the Truck Series in 2026, piloting the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado RST with McAnally Hilgemann Racing, a team where he previously achieved multiple victories and came close to securing a championship.
Eckes’ time at Kaulig Racing was notable not just for his steady performance but also for the sense of professionalism and consistency he brought to the garage. His recruitment by Kaulig was once viewed as the beginning of a long-term internal development plan—a classic narrative of a young talent rising within a single organization. Their parting after just one season, however, reflects the speed and unpredictability of team development at this pivotal moment for Kaulig Racing.
Despite his short tenure, the transition appears amicable. The team has expressed public appreciation for Eckes’ openness, and future discussions for a formal exit interview underscore the respect and civility of the split. Rather than a sign of instability or retreat, Eckes’ exit is widely interpreted as the necessary recalibration of a roster tasked with keeping pace as Kaulig sets its sights on new, far more ambitious targets.
Ram, Stellantis Partnerships Highlight Broader Ambitions
While the rumors of a Kaulig Racing Dodge engine program capture the headlines, the organization’s deepening relationship with Stellantis is just as critical. As Ram continues to field Kaulig’s entries in the Truck Series, opportunities for increased collaboration across the Stellantis family are growing. Leadership, including Chris Rice, is actively leveraging these existing connections to expand support and resources, further aligning the team with potential new manufacturer partnerships in NASCAR.
This strategic focus extends to the driver corps as well. Veteran A.J. Allmendinger remains a steadying force for the organization, while Shane van Gisbergen is advancing quickly through the racing ranks, suggesting that the team’s leadership is seeking a precise mix of established talent and rising stars capable of executing their long-term vision.
The Road Ahead: Aiming Beyond Mid-Pack Status
Kaulig Racing’s approach is clear: the days of being a resilient middle-tier operation are over. The pursuit of a factory-backed engine program—potentially with Dodge—signals the team’s intention to become a serious contender, unafraid to make tough decisions or weather short-term challenges for greater rewards. Internal culture has evolved as well, prioritizing future competitiveness over short-lived comfort or stability.
Observers and fans alike understand that realizing this goal will require enduring difficult choices and testing loyalty across the roster. Still, if Kaulig’s plan succeeds, the payoff could permanently change their place within NASCAR’s hierarchy. Whether the whispers about Dodge’s return materialize or not, the actions Kaulig is taking now—building technical depth, realigning its stable of drivers, and positioning itself for full-factory alignment—are what define organizations that outgrow their old identities and step into the ranks of the elite.
What happens next will depend on how swiftly and effectively Kaulig Racing can translate intent into reality. If the widely discussed Kaulig Racing Dodge engine program does come to fruition, the team will have rewritten its destiny, joined new company among Cup Series leaders, and perhaps inspired the kind of manufacturer-team partnerships that could reshape NASCAR’s future.
