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Ram Announces Return to NASCAR for 2026 Truck Series

The new Ram Truck concept designed for NASCAR racing.

News Summary

Ram has officially revealed its return to NASCAR after a 13-year absence, planning to participate in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series. This move follows Dodge’s exit from the sport in 2012. At the Michigan International Speedway, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis introduced a new concept race truck while outlining ambitions to expand Ram’s involvement to the Cup Series. The company aims to field at least four trucks in the Truck Series opener at Daytona, as it incorporates the iconic 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine back into its lineup, signaling a commitment to performance and heritage.

Brooklyn, Michigan – Ram, an automotive brand under the Stellantis umbrella, has announced its return to NASCAR for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season after a 13-year hiatus. This announcement took place at the Michigan International Speedway before the FireKeepers Casino 400 event, signaling a significant change for the brand and the sport.

Ram’s reentry into NASCAR comes on the heels of its sister company, Dodge, having exited the league following the 2012 season. Dodge left the sport after Brad Keselowski clinched the Cup Series championship driving a Dodge Charger that year. This move marks the first new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) entry into NASCAR since Toyota debuted in 2004.

At the event, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis introduced a new Ram 1500 concept race truck, which showcases design elements from the Ram Sport Truck lineup, incorporating features from popular models like Warlock, Rebel, and RHO. The alterations and enhancements to this race truck are intended for superior aerodynamic performance, aiming to capture the competitive edge needed in NASCAR racing.

Kuniskis expressed aspirations for Ram to expand its NASCAR involvement beyond the Truck Series, suggesting that they ultimately aim to enter the Cup Series as well. He emphasized that while Ram currently lacks a dedicated car for the upper tier of NASCAR, there are hopes for future developments that may lead Dodge back into higher-level races.

The initial goal is for Ram to field at least four trucks in the Craftsman Truck Series opener at Daytona in February 2026. In preparation for this ambitious entry, the company is actively seeking both driver and team partnerships, likening the process to the complexities of securing a date for a prom, indicating the strategic planning involved in hiring talent for its NASCAR campaign.

Additionally, the announcement of Ram’s NASCAR return coincides with the decision to reintegrate the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine into its production lineup, further highlighting Ram’s commitment to performance and heritage in motorsports. This move intends not just to enhance the excitement surrounding the brand but also to leverage a legacy known for power and dependability.

Kuniskis spoke about the strategic importance of NASCAR for Ram, noting that the demographic includes a substantial number of pickup truck owners, making the partnership a logical and beneficial endeavor for the brand’s visibility in the market. This alignment with NASCAR’s existing fan base is expected to help bolster their market presence and engagement with consumers.

NASCAR’s executive vice president, John Probst, acknowledged Ram’s return as a pivotal moment for the sport, emphasizing the significance of welcoming a new manufacturer into the fold. Such an entry is poised to invigorate the series, which has seen notable innovation and evolution over recent years.

To solidify its return and ensure a successful campaign in NASCAR, Ram is developing a marketing strategy that focuses on performance, distinct branding, and clarity of the brand’s ambitions within the motorsport community. The overall approach aims to create a cohesive identity for Ram in the racing world, centering on their commitment to the sport and the powerful narrative associated with the brand.

This forthcoming return to NASCAR is a vital step for Ram as it seeks to revitalize its image and connect more deeply with customers and fans. The extent of Ram’s impact in the Truck Series—and its potential move into the Cup Series—will depend largely on how well the brand executes its plans over the next few years within the NASCAR framework.