Ram’s legacy in NASCAR runs deep. They were one of the foundational names in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Dodge‑branded Ram trucks powered through the late 1990s and early 2000s. These delivered championships were defined through truck performance, highlighted by Bobby Hamilton’s 2004 driver’s title behind the wheel of a Ram. But by the early 2010s, shifting corporate priorities and changing regulatory landscapes nudged the brand out of the sport.
Dodge and Ram officially exited NASCAR after the 2012 season. This closed a chapter that began with factory support in 1995. Their absence created a vacuum for the brand, which lost a direct line to motorsports marketing, and for NASCAR, which saw fewer OEMs vying for dominance. Yet, whispers of a return only grew since. Rumblings about a potential reentry first surfaced around new Ram product reveals. This tension set the stage for a bold reintroduction that NASCAR and fans alike had not seen coming.
After a long hiatus, it is now finally official. Ram is roaring back into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. The announcement, made during a Michigan International Speedway promotional blitz, featured the debut of a bold Ram 1500 concept truck and launched the “Ram‑Demption” campaign. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis declared the comeback would be “unlike anyone else”. This signaled a calculated return not just for marketing impact, but for a strategic racing comeback.
The response was immediate. Enthusiasts welcomed the return of the iconic HEMI V‑8. This was in a simultaneous commercial, branding Ram’s revival as a nod to its performance roots. Stellantis even resurrected its SRT division to spearhead motorsport initiatives. This further reinforced the company’s renewed commitment to performance heritage. With attention now shifting to 2026, Ram is positioning itself as more than a flash in the pan. It’s building for the long haul. And speculation is already brewing for a Cup Series return by 2027 or 2028. Let’s see what the fans had to say about it.
Fan speculations add more theories to an unclear future
Under a Reddit discussion thread on Ram in talks with at least one cup team, one fan claimed, “I heard Legacy and Dodge were talking, but Legacy will likely stick it out with Toyota.” This highlighted the brand’s recent manufacturer switch. Legacy Motor Club’s move from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024 was seen as a long-term commitment. Especially with Jimmie Johnson’s influence and growing alliance with TRD. However, the Petty family’s historical ties to Chrysler and Dodge remain in the backdrop. This is keeping the door cracked open for another switch. Albeit an unlikely one for now.
Another comment stated, “Been rumors for weeks that Kaulig will start a truck team with RAM next year and switch to Dodge when they come back to Cup.” The idea of Kaulig Racing establishing a presence in the Truck Series with Ram seems plausible, given their ambition and recent underwhelming results. Entering the lower tier with Dodge could serve as a transition phase. This would allow both the team and the manufacturer to test the waters before a full-scale Cup re-entry.
A third fan noted, “It’s been heavily rumored on social media by some anonymous accounts (that have always been reliable)…if Kaulig switches to Dodge in the Truck Series then they’re pretty much toast in Xfinity and Cup with no factory support.” That reaction reflects a concern that Kaulig might be stretching itself too thin by moving away from manufacturer-backed pipelines like Chevrolet. Losing access to key technical resources in Xfinity and Cup could isolate the team. This could potentially stall its upward trajectory unless Dodge provides serious backing across all tiers.
One skeptical fan added. “I highly doubt it’s RFK, as the article suggests. Jack Roush is too loyal to Ford. It also mentions that Dodge could benefit from Roush Yates Engines, which would leave Ford with no engine manufacturer. I’m pretty sure Roush Yates has always been exclusive to Ford.” It is true that RFK has seen a resurgence under Brad Keselowski. But the odds of a manufacturer shake-up remain slim due to Roush’s long-standing relationship with Ford. They also have the exclusivity of the Roush Yates engine program. That infrastructure would be difficult to replicate under a new badge like Dodge.
Finally, a broader view came from another fan. “The only teams I can realistically see going to Dodge in Cup would be Trackhouse (mostly because they’re tired of playing second banana to Hendrick in the Chevy camp), and Legacy (mostly because of the Petty-Chrysler connection that goes back a LONG way, and because it seems like they’re tired of playing third banana to JGR and 23XI).” This perspective touches on internal politics within each manufacturer camp. Trackhouse often falls behind Hendrick in terms of parts and attention. This is despite its innovation and success. Similarly, Legacy may be finding itself boxed in behind Toyota’s premier teams. If Dodge offers a chance to step out of those shadows, either team could view the switch as a power move to gain autonomy and identity.
With Dodge confirmed for the Truck Series in 2026, talk of a Cup Series return is heating up. Nothing official has dropped yet. But fans are already guessing the likely partners. From engine ties to past loyalties, every clue is under the microscope. The hype shows how much this move matters. Any team that joins Dodge in the Cup could gain a strong ally. Or they end up making a risky bet in an unpredictable field.
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