Pit This Time may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our coverage. Learn more.
Dodge is coming back to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, starting with the Daytona 500, its first Cup races since 2012. Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis, announced the return Monday at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, The Associated Press reported.
Kaulig Racing will field two Dodge Chargers. AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to drive them, according to the AP.
O’Donnell: ‘A significant milestone for the sport’
“Dodge’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series is a significant milestone for the sport,” NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said in a statement. “This commitment speaks to Dodge’s belief in our sport and gives fans another reason to be excited about what’s ahead.”
“The partnership between NASCAR, (Ram CEO) Tim Kuniskis and the entire team at Stellantis has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have a deep passion for NASCAR and its ability to showcase the world’s top brands, and we can’t wait to see Dodge on the racetrack for the Daytona 500 and beyond.”
Kuniskis vowed that the brand would be disruptive and said Ram would help turn NASCAR’s fan base, estimated at 20 million, “into 80 or 100 million,” the AP reported.
The engine deal
Building a Cup engine was the biggest obstacle to a 2027 return. Dodge will get its engines from ECR Engines, which is owned by Richard Childress Racing and also builds Chevrolet engines, The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi reported.
RCR is staying with Chevrolet, Bianchi reported, and ECR is expected to build engines for both brands. One condition is that ECR cannot simply put a Chevrolet engine in a Dodge; the two engines must have distinct technical differences. NASCAR and all three current manufacturers, Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, had to sign off on the arrangement, according to Bianchi.
Dodge’s NASCAR history
Dodge left the Cup Series after the 2012 season, the same year Brad Keselowski won the championship in a Dodge for Penske Racing, now Team Penske. It was Dodge’s first Cup title since Richard Petty won in 1975.
The Stellantis group came back to NASCAR this season, when its Ram brand returned to the Truck Series.
What’s next
Kaulig has not formally announced its 2027 driver lineup. Dillon won the 2011 ARCA championship with RCR, the team owned by his grandfather, Richard Childress, whose company will now build Dodge’s engines.
The 2027 Daytona 500 opens the Cup season in February. The 2026 season ends Sunday, November 8, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Leave a Reply