Dodge is moving closer to a return to NASCAR’s Cup Series, with Stellantis reportedly working through the remaining details of a program aimed at the 2027 season. According to The Athletic, discussions have advanced toward a possible agreement, though several pieces still need to come together before the manufacturer can officially return. The goal is to have Dodge back on the grid for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 21, marking its first Cup Series appearance since 2012.
For Stellantis, the move would open a new chapter in its relationship with NASCAR. The company already has a presence in the Craftsman Truck Series through Ram, but returning Dodge to Cup would put the automotive group back in the sport’s premier division. It would also give NASCAR a fourth manufacturer, creating a new dynamic alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota as teams prepare for the 2027 season.
However, bringing another manufacturer into the Cup garage requires more than a commitment to compete. Engine development remains one of the biggest questions surrounding Dodge’s potential return, especially as the 2027 season approaches. According to the latest reporting, Stellantis is working toward an arrangement with ECR Engines, Richard Childress Racing’s engine operation. The proposed deal would give Dodge access to an established engine supplier while the company continues developing its longer-term plans.
That possibility presents an interesting situation for ECR, which has deep ties to Chevrolet through its work with RCR and other teams. Yet a potential partnership with Dodge does not mean RCR is preparing to leave Chevrolet behind. Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that the manufacturer arrangement could move forward without ending those existing relationships. Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota are also reportedly supportive of Dodge’s potential return, recognizing what another manufacturer could bring to the series.
Kaulig Racing could play an important role in making the program a reality. The organization currently fields Chevrolet entries in Cup while running Ram trucks in the Craftsman Truck Series, giving it an established connection to Stellantis. That relationship could provide a starting point as Dodge works toward rebuilding its presence in NASCAR’s top division. However, the final structure of the proposed program remains unconfirmed. Dodge’s last Cup Series season came in 2012, when Brad Keselowski won the championship with Team Penske.
Its departure left Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota as the series’ three manufacturers, a lineup that has remained unchanged since then. A return in 2027 would end that 15-season absence. Yet the remaining negotiations will determine whether Stellantis can meet its Daytona 500 target. Teams need time to prepare cars, secure engines, and assemble the personnel required to compete. With those decisions still ahead, the next few months could be key to whether Dodge makes its way back to NASCAR’s biggest stage.
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