Everything We Know About Dodge and Ram’s Return to NASCAR (So Far)
What’s Happening? One major storyline to follow during the 2025 and 2026 NASCAR seasons is the ongoing saga of Dodge and…
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During his testimony in the ongoing NASCAR antitrust trial, NASCAR EVP John Probst claimed that he is “optimistic” that a new manufacturer will join the Cup Series in the next few seasons.
Probst, NASCAR’s Chief Racing Development Officer, said during his examination by 23XI Racing lawyer, Jeffery Kessler, that he is “very optimistic” about a new OEM joining NASCAR’s top division by 2027.
Despite Probst not naming names, given developments throughout the 2025 season, news of a new Cup OEM is no surprise to NASCAR fans. However, Probst’s statement somewhat supports an aggressive timeline this new manufacturer is taking to the Cup Series.
In June, Ram Trucks, owned by Stellantis, announced its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, with plans for another Stellantis brand, presumed to be Dodge, to debut in the sport’s top division in the coming seasons.
Stellantis could join the Truck Series with relative ease, as the series uses spec Ilmor Engines, with body panels being the only difference between OEMs.
But the Cup Series is a bolder task, requiring a sim program, finding teams to make the switch, and most important of all, an engine program.
In an interview with Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast in June, Ram Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis reaffirmed the bold ambition of Stellantis having its Cup Series program going by 2027. While this is hopeful, many insiders have pointed to 2028 as a more realistic effort.
While it is not confirmed that Probst is referring to Dodge or a Stellantis brand, it’s easy to assume, given the progress already underway with Kaulig Racing, which is fielding five Ram Trucks in 2026, and has cut its Cup Series technical alliance with Chevrolet’s Richard Childress Racing ahead of the coming season.
Though the team has yet to announce a switch to Dodge in Cup, without support, they are on somewhat of an island in 2026, and, if Dodge falls short of the 2027 Cup Series, their gamble could result in a second year without direct OEM support.
Probst took the stand Wednesday morning as the 13th witness to testify in the trial between teams 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR. He was also the first of NASCAR’s list of witnesses following the 12 presented to the jury by the teams from last Monday to Wednesday morning.
What’s Happening? One major storyline to follow during the 2025 and 2026 NASCAR seasons is the ongoing saga of Dodge and…
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