Dodge to race in NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2027

Dodge will field two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series starting at the Daytona 500 in 2027. The manufacturer announced the return Monday at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. This schedule brings the brand back one year earlier than previously planned.

The move restores a fourth manufacturer to the top tier of stock car racing. Dodge joins Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota in the 36-race schedule that runs from mid-February to early November. NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell called the return a significant milestone. He said the commitment gives fans another reason to be excited about the upcoming season.

Kaulig Racing will operate the two Dodge Chargers. AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to drive the cars. O’Donnell praised the partnership between NASCAR, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, and Stellantis. He described their passion for the sport as phenomenal and expressed eagerness to see Dodge on the racetrack.

Dodge last competed in the Cup Series during the 2012 season. The brand left the sport the same month Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing won the championship. That title marked Dodge’s first Cup victory since Richard Petty won his sixth title in 1975.

Dodge returned to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026 under its Ram brand. Kuniskis stated that Ram aims to grow NASCAR’s estimated fan base of 20 million to 80 or 100 million. Kaulig Racing fielded five trucks this season, all of which currently sit outside the top 10 in the standings before the finale at Homestead, Florida.

Developing a new engine for the Cup Series typically takes two years. Dodge shortened that timeline by partnering with Earnhardt Childress Racing. The team will build Dodge-spec powerplants alongside its regular Chevrolet operations. The Athletic reported that Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota allowed this unique arrangement because they believed a fourth manufacturer would benefit the overall health of the series.