Dodge Will Return to NASCAR Cup Series in 2027
The manufacturer plans to rejoin the Cup Series grid by partnering with ECR Engines and Kaulig Racing.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you believe having more car manufacturers compete in NASCAR makes the races more exciting?
Dodge is set to make its return to the NASCAR Cup Series on February 21, 2027, at the Daytona 500. The manufacturer last competed in the series in 2012 and plans to utilize power units supplied by ECR Engines.
Why it matters
The entry of a fourth manufacturer aims to increase competition and improve the overall health of the sport. Dodge accelerated its entry timeline from 2028 to 2027 by leveraging existing engine supply arrangements rather than building an independent program from scratch.
Dodge will operate with five entries at Kaulig Racing to navigate the 36-charter limit. Each existing charter currently holds an approximate market value of $100 million.
The players
Dodge
This American automotive brand is a division of Stellantis that is preparing to re-enter the top level of stock car racing.
NASCAR
This is the primary sanctioning body for professional stock car racing in the United States.
ECR Engines
This North Carolina-based engine production company serves as the primary power unit supplier for several racing programs.
Kaulig Racing
This professional motor racing team competes in multiple series within the NASCAR ecosystem.
Stellantis
This multinational automotive corporation owns the Dodge and Ram brands.
The details
Dodge will avoid obtaining new charters from NASCAR by partnering with current charter-holding teams like Kaulig Racing to secure a spot on the grid. While ECR Engines will provide power units for Dodge, the supplier will continue to support its existing Chevrolet teams.
Timeline
Dodge last competed in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2012.
Stellantis announced the Ram brand's return to the Truck Series in June 2025.
Ram officially returned to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026.
Dodge is scheduled to compete in the Daytona 500 on February 21, 2027.
Season Trajectory
Dodge's arrival forces a realignment of the current competitive landscape among existing manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet. By entering through established teams rather than pursuing expansion, the brand avoids challenging NASCAR's strict cap on 36 available charters.
The use of ECR Engines means that Dodge will initially share technical DNA with Chevrolet teams, creating a unique cross-manufacturer dynamic in the garage. Fans should monitor how this partnership affects the performance of the five planned entries during the 2027 season.
The takeaway
Dodge's return highlights the importance of strategic partnerships when entering a market defined by high barriers to entry. The brand's decision to bypass the expensive charter-buying process sets a new precedent for future manufacturers considering a move into the sport.
What happens next
Dodge is scheduled to participate in the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 21, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional racing, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
Live Poll
Do you believe having more car manufacturers compete in NASCAR makes the races more exciting?
