Dodge to return to NASCAR Cup Series in 2027

Dodge will rejoin the Cup Series next season, bringing the number of manufacturers in NASCAR’s top division to four alongside Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. The series runs 36 races, from mid-February to early November. Dodge is owned by Stellantis and unveiled the move during the November 2 SEMA event in Las Vegas.

Kaulig Racing plans to field two Dodge Charger cars. AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are slated to drive, with the team’s lineup due to be formally announced during NASCAR’s championship weekend in Homestead, Florida. The cars are expected to appear at the Daytona Clash on February 13, before the Daytona 500 eight days later.

Dodge last competed in the Cup Series in 2012, when Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing won the championship. The brand returned to NASCAR through its Ram trucks in 2026 and had previously expected to move into the Cup Series in 2028.

Tim Kuniskis, who leads American brands at Stellantis North America, said Dodge chose to prepare for its return on the track rather than spend several years planning and testing. NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell described the commitment as a major moment for the sport and welcomed Dodge’s return.

To meet the accelerated timeline, Dodge partnered with Earnhardt Childress Racing to build engines for its cars alongside ECR’s Chevrolet work. Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota accepted the arrangement, viewing a fourth manufacturer as beneficial to the series. NASCAR also continues to seek additional manufacturers, with a possible opening around a new engine platform planned for 2030 to 2032.