NASCAR insider reports Dodge could make Cup Series return in 2027

NASCAR could have four manufacturers in the Cup Series for the first time since 2012 next season as Dodge is 'increasingly likely' to return.

That is according to The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, who reported on Thursday that Dodge could be set to feature at the top level of NASCAR racing as soon as next year, likely with Kaulig Racing.

Dodge returned to NASCAR competition this season, competing in the Truck Series with five full-time trucks at Kaulig, but they have always made it clear that their long-term ambition was to get back to Cup racing - something they last did in 2012.

Now, while hurdles remain if they are to return in 2027, Bianchi reports that the team has made progress in key areas, such as their body undergoing initial wind tunnel testing, and a breakthrough in terms of how they would produce their engines.

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2027 Cup Series return matches CEO's ambitious plan

A return in 2027 would match a bold ambition set out earlier this year by Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands and Ram CEO at Stellantis, Dodge's owner.

Kuniskis has driven Ram's return in the Truck Series and, ahead of the 2026 season, revealed that he wanted Dodge to be on the grid for the 2027 Daytona 500.

“The sport has changed so much since we left,” explained Kuniskis back in January. “There was no such thing as a charter when we left; it is significantly more complicated than it was when we left.

“So our full intention is to go to Cup, but it is very very complicated with the simulators and the engine program and all that stuff, so we'll see.

"But we're really happy to be able to get in with Truck now, and I told everybody our goal would be to get into Cup [at] Daytona next year, and so far, every single person has told me that's absolutely impossible and I’m crazy and it’s never gonna happen.

“I don’t know, I’m not giving up yet.”