Everything We Know About Dodge and Ram’s Return to NASCAR (So Far)
What’s Happening? One major storyline to keep up with during the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond is the ongoing saga of…
Groovy Hollow Recap
Amid Ram’s impending return to the sport, NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps is reiterating that NASCAR is still in talks with other OEMs, stating that in some cases, these discussions are “more advanced than others.”
What’s Happening? One major storyline to keep up with during the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond is the ongoing saga of…
During NASCAR’s 2025 State of the Sport press conference, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell and Commissioner Steve Phelps were asked if, in the aftermath of Ram’s announced return to the sport, any other OEMs are interested in joining NASCAR.
In response, Phelps, who assumed the role of Commissioner earlier this season, reiterated that they are in talks with other OEMs, noting that some of these discussions are further along than others.
“Are we in other discussions with potential OEs that would come into the sport? The answer is yes. Some are more advanced than others. There’s nothing to announce today.” — Steve Phelps
In last year’s State of the Sport press conference, Phelps addressed a similar question by saying they were in talks with several OEMs and that one of these was, at the time, “close” to joining NASCAR. We can now assume that this was the Stellantis-owned Ram, which will field five trucks with Kaulig Racing in 2026.
Throughout this season, those with Ram have often hinted that an impending Stellantis brand could join the Cup Series in the near future. Though Stellantis or Ram has not directly confirmed it, many suspect this brand to be Dodge.
During Friday’s press conference, Phelps addressed Dodge, saying, “What we do know is it’s better to have more OEs than it is to have fewer. We would like to have the portfolio of Dodge and Ram as part of the sport.”
This also matches last year’s press conference, in which Phelps said that five manufacturers is the ideal number for the sport. Meaning, if Dodge does make it to the Cup Series in the next two to three years, there is a chance another OEM could line up for that fifth slot.
As of press time, and according to Phelps, there is no clear indication as to who these OEMs are. For the better part of a decade, rumors have circulated that Honda is interested in joining the sport, although the OEM has never officially announced plans to do so.
What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube..
