Dodge finally makes 2027 Cup Series return official

Dodge made it official Monday night that it will return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027 with Kaulig Racing as its anchor program.

Tim Kuniskis, head of Stellantis North America, announced the news at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The specific car brand was not revealed, as that will be revealed during the Snowball Derby (a prestigious super late model race) in Pensacola, Florida, in early December.

Kaulig Racing will reveal its 2027 team lineup this weekend during the NASCAR season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to remain the team's drivers.

“Everyone said it was impossible to get back in one year. We said, 'watch this,'" said Kuniskis. "Sure, we could spend three years planning, testing and perfecting ... or we could do all three in real time, on the track. It's going to be exponentially harder this way. But slow has never been part of Dodge DNA. LFG."

Dodge SRT Racing is spearheading the project. They lead all of Dodge’s North American motorsports efforts.

ECR, the engine company of Richard Childress Racing, is rumored to be involved as Dodge's engine provider, at least for its return. An engine program has been one of the biggest hurdles for the manufacturer getting back in the series.

Dodge last had an entry in the Cup Series in 2012. In its final season, it won the Cup Series championship with Brad Keselowski for Team Penske.

The history of Dodge in the Cup Series dates back to its first win in 1953.

The company returned to NASCAR this season in the Craftsman Truck Series with Kaulig Racing. It is using the Ram brand with five truck entries.

“Dodge’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series is a significant milestone for the sport,” said NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell. “This commitment speaks to Dodge’s belief in our sport and gives fans another reason to be excited about what’s ahead. The partnership between NASCAR, Tim Kuniskis and the entire team at Stellantis has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have a deep passion for NASCAR and its ability to showcase the world’s top brands, and we can’t wait to see Dodge on the racetrack for the DAYTONA 500 and beyond.”