Dodge Accelerates Cup Series Return to 2027

NASCAR will return to a four-manufacturer field in 2027 after Dodge announced it will compete in the Cup Series one year earlier than planned. The Stellantis-owned brand made the declaration at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on Monday, confirming its entry into the premier stock car racing series.

This move places Dodge alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota for the 2027 season. The schedule consists of 36 races, starting in mid-February and concluding with the championship event in early November. By adding Dodge, the sport restores the competitive depth that existed prior to the brand's previous departure.

Kaulig Racing will serve as the initial team to field Dodge entries. The organization will run a two-car program beginning with the Daytona 500. AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to occupy those driver seats. The cars will be Dodge Chargers, marking the model's return to the top tier of the sport.

NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell described the development as a major milestone for the organization. He stated that the commitment demonstrates Dodge's belief in the sport and provides fans with additional excitement for the upcoming seasons. O'Donnell also praised the collaboration between NASCAR, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, and the Stellantis team, noting their deep passion for the brand.

Dodge previously competed in the Cup Series through the 2012 season. The brand left the sport the same month it won its first Cup championship since 1975, a title secured by Brad Keselowski with Penske Racing. Since then, Dodge has re-entered the NASCAR ecosystem through the Truck Series with its Ram brand in 2026.

The accelerated timeline was achieved by bypassing a portion of the standard engine development process. Dodge partnered with Earnhardt Childress Racing to build Dodge-spec powerplants while the team continued 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.

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis stated the plan is to tap into NASCAR's estimated fan base of 20 million and expand it to 80 or 100 million. He described the approach as disruptive, aiming to execute the return unlike any previous entry. Kaulig Racing currently fields five trucks in the series, though none are ranked in the top 10 in the standings heading into the season finale at Homestead, Florida.