Dodge announced its return to the NASCAR Cup Series for 2027 at the 2026 SEMA Show, ending a 14-year absence from the sport's top level. Kaulig Racing will field the Dodge entry, moving over from its current Ram Craftsman Truck Series operation.
Tim Kuniskis, Stellantis North America head of American brands, framed the fast-track approach as essential to Dodge's strategy. "Everyone said it was impossible to get back in one year. We said, 'Watch this,'" Kuniskis said. "Sure, we could spend three years planning, testing and perfecting ... or we could do all three in real time, on the track."
Dodge last competed at the Cup level in 2012 with Penske Racing. The current NASCAR Cup car, the Next Gen model, has run since 2022 and differs significantly from the Generation 5 car Dodge previously raced.
Kaulig Racing owner Matt Kaulig said the announcement marks "a monumental time to be a member of Kaulig Racing" and highlighted the team's decade-long journey since its 2016 founding.
The driver lineup announcement is set for NASCAR Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami this weekend. Kaulig currently runs Ty Dillon in the No. 10 and AJ Allmendinger in the No. 16, with no expected changes. Brad Keselowski, recently available after leaving RFK Racing, has not yet discussed the opportunity with Dodge, though he stated "everything's on the table" regarding his options.
Dodge will reveal its new Next Gen NASCAR Cup Car on Friday, December 4th at the Snowball Derby in Pensacola, Florida.