Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor

Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor

      Ram

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      Ram is set to return to NASCAR racing for the first time in over a decade. The brand is embracing the revival of the Hemi V8 by committing to the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, a focus confirmed by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. He also mentioned that “the company” aims to enter the Cup Series in the future.

      What does that mean?

      During a Ram media event that The Drive attended virtually, Kuniskis expressed aspirations to join the Cup Series. When asked to clarify during the Q&A session, given that Ram primarily produces trucks, he stated, “We have cars in our company. I don’t own cars. Even though everyone refers to them as Dodge Rams.”

      So, it's still somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, it has certainly sparked conversation.

      Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis alongside the brand’s NASCAR Concept truck.

      I have written about the possibility of Dodge returning to NASCAR several times over the years, but for every rumor I decided to cover, there were at least ten more I chose not to. The closest it felt to reality was when NASCAR President Steve Phelps commented on Dodge’s supposed return in 2021. Even then, he merely said, “I won’t confirm or deny that.” Kuniskis’ vague statement carries a similar weight.

      Even if this can be seen as an indirect confirmation of Dodge's interest in returning to the Cup Series, it’s still not a sure thing. Historically, manufacturers have expressed intentions to join NASCAR, Formula 1, and other racing series without ever following through. A lot must align correctly beyond just constructing a car. Securing a team, or ideally multiple teams, is essential for fielding entries.

      Speaking of teams, Kuniskis and Ram have yet to finalize one. He aims to establish a partnership by the season opener in Daytona in February 2026. The truck that will race at the superspeedway is expected to resemble the newly unveiled Ram 1500 NASCAR Concept.

      The sleek race truck concept was revealed this weekend at Michigan International Speedway. It debuted from a specialized “donut” trailer with folding sides, emerging in a cloud of tire smoke. These guys definitely know how to make an entrance.

      “For over a decade, customers and our dealer network have requested our return to NASCAR. The desire has always been there, but we lacked a plan that met our standards, and the timing just wasn’t right,” Kuniskis stated. “Now we have a solid strategy that will differentiate us from the competition and generate renewed interest and engagement in America’s Motorsport.”

      You can bet NASCAR is pleased to welcome a fourth manufacturer, even if only in one series. Discussions are underway to potentially expand that to the premier Cup circuit.

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Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor

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Ram Makes a Comeback to NASCAR, and Dodge Could Join With a Cup Series Competitor

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis announced the return of the brand to NASCAR and suggested that a new entry into the Cup Series might emerge from within the organization: "We have cars in our company."