Stellantis, the automaker behind Ram and Dodge, has announced plans to pour $13 billion into its US manufacturing network over the next four years. CEO Antonio Filosa is steering the company toward a more US-centric manufacturing approach.
But what impact will this have on Ram and Dodge’s NASCAR ambition? Let’s take a deeper look.
Will Stellantis’ $13 Billion Push Put Ram and Dodge Back in NASCAR Victory Lane?
Dodge’s NASCAR return is the story to watch in 2025. As the automaker and its Ram truck brand re-enter the sport, more details about drivers and teams are expected to drop soon.
Stellantis-owned Dodge and Ram are preparing a long-awaited NASCAR comeback. Dodge’s Cup Series entry may take up to three years to materialize, but Ram’s return could arrive by 2026, aided by the current engine framework in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Dodge and Ram both have a championship pedigree in NASCAR. Dodge captured the 2012 Cup Series title with Brad Keselowski before withdrawing, while Ram won two Truck Series championships, including Ted Musgrave’s 2005 crown, before leaving after 2012.
Stellantis has confirmed that it will re-enter NASCAR after 13 years, with Ram teaming up with Kaulig Racing for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Up to five trucks are expected to hit the track for the 2026 season opener at Daytona, but the team has yet to announce the drivers for its new ‘super team.’ For now, no other Ram entries are planned outside Kaulig’s operations.
Matt Kaulig, the owner of Kaulig Racing, implied that Stellantis intends to enter the Cup Series eventually.
“We wouldn’t do this if we didn’t think that,” Kaulig said. “For now, we’re keeping it separate and if that happens and it very well could, we’ve been open in that all NASCAR teams want to be a key partner but if there’s no room at the other OEMs, then there’s no room.”
For now, Kaulig’s ongoing programs with Chevrolet in NASCAR’s top two divisions will remain unaffected by the new Ram partnership, as Stellantis currently lacks a brand presence in those series.
Kaulig Racing and Kaulig Trucks will operate separately from Kaulig’s two buildings at the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, North Carolina.
With its huge U.S. investment, Stellantis is clearly leaning into its American heritage, and few things capture the American spirit better than NASCAR.
While they’ve dipped their toes into the Truck Series, it seems unlikely they’ll stop there. The Cup Series represents the pinnacle of NASCAR, and given Stellanstis’ resources, it’s only natural they’ll eventually set their sights on it.