Steve Phelps still optimistic about adding manufacturer to NASCAR UPDATES
Today at 08:36 PM
UPDATE 2: Dodge is eying a return to the NASCAR Truck Series as soon as the 2026 season, with the manufacturer having already begun the process to gain NASCAR‘s formal approval to join Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota as competitors in NASCAR‘s third-tier national series, people with knowledge of Dodge‘s plans told The Athletic.
NASCAR is reviewing Dodge‘s submission to field a truck through its "Ram" brand and an answer is expected soon, sources with knowledge of the plans said. While there are no guarantees, sources expect that the league will eventually approve Dodge returning. Such approval would need to happen within a few months to allow Dodge to effectively test its Ram truck before potentially hitting the track in an actual race next year.
NASCAR declined to comment.
— The Athletic —
UPDATE 2-16-2025: While the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season kicked off with Friday night‘s Fresh From Florida 250, preparations for expansion in the following season are already in motion.
CATCHFENCE.com has confirmed that NASCAR has received a formal submission from a manufacturer aiming to join Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota in the series next year.
According to sources, Dodge is the leading candidate to return to the sport, marking a comeback after its 2016 departure with the RAM brand, though the manufacturer had withdrawn official support after the 2013 season.
— Catchfence —
ORIGINAL POST 2-12-2025: NASCAR President Steve Phelps said there‘s legitimate reason for optimism in adding a fourth carmaker to the sport.
Asked what‘s been the toughest part in closing the deal with a fourth, Phelps said it‘s been multifaceted, but pointed out that some carmakers don‘t make V-8 engines, which NASCAR uses, and that the investment is massive. Entering NASCAR would likely require a nine-figure commitment, industry executives have estimated.
