Dodge announced plans to return to NASCAR Cup racing in 2027 with two Chargers entered by Kaulig Racing, a move made just three months after the automaker revealed the initiative. The company is rushing its comeback despite skepticism over the tight timeline, opting to skip a full year of preparation that would have delayed its return to the series.
Stellantis’ Ram division had already signaled its NASCAR ambitions by rejoining the Craftsman Truck Series in February 2026, its first participation in 13–14 years. Dodge’s decision to follow less than a year later surprised industry observers, who had predicted a Cup return would require at least two years of development work.
Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands and SRT for Stellantis, rejected concerns about the accelerated schedule.
Kuniskis explained that Dodge began Cup car development almost immediately after Ram’s Truck Series debut at Daytona.
Kaulig Racing, which currently fields five trucks in the Truck Series, played a key role in accelerating Dodge’s Cup return. The team’s ability to manage both Truck Series operations and Cup development allowed Dodge to fast-track its re-entry, though the dual focus added complexity. NASCAR’s aerodynamics approval served as a critical confirmation that a 2027 debut was feasible.
The 2027 NASCAR season begins February 21 with the Daytona 500, leaving Dodge less than three months to finalize preparations. While competitors typically spend years refining cars before Cup entry, Dodge’s strategy relies on continuous on-track adjustments—a method that could alter how brands approach NASCAR returns.