Ram Truck’s Return to NASCAR: The Truck Series Begins in 2026
Starting in 2026, Ram plans to re-enter the NASCAR scene with a full-time campaign in the Craftsman Truck Series. The announcement coincided with the Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway — a deliberate choice in the heartland of Detroit’s automotive industry, where Chevrolet and Ford have long dominated NASCAR competition.
Ram-Demption: A Bold Reentry into NASCAR
Branded as “Ram-Demption,” the campaign features a Ram 1500 concept race truck in a striking Gloss Black and Molten Red livery. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis recently used the truck for a promotional run at Darlington Raceway, suggesting that the Truck Series program is a preliminary step towards a potential return of the Cup Series under Stellantis’ global umbrella.
“We’re aiming to hit the track at Daytona in eight months,” Kuniskis said. “Our approach is unlike anything anyone else has done.”
A New Manufacturer in NASCAR’s National Ranks
Ram will be the first new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to join NASCAR’s national ranks since Toyota introduced its Tundra in 2004. John Probst, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer, noted that discussions about Ram’s reentry gathered momentum late in 2024.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve welcomed a new manufacturer,” Probst explained. “Toyota’s debut marked a significant milestone, and this is another big moment for our sport, our current partners, and potential new competitors.”
Bringing Back the HEMI V8: A Nod to Performance
The Ram 1500 concept was showcased at Darlington Raceway, setting the stage for the brand’s return to competition. Meanwhile, Ram also announced plans to bring back the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to its production lineup — a nod to the brand’s performance roots. Kuniskis admitted that removing the HEMI had been a mistake and that the move to reintroduce it was driven by customer feedback. The HEMI returns with a new emblem featuring a ram’s head emerging from a V-8 block, aligning with Ram’s renewed focus on high-performance vehicles.
Kuniskis outlined that Ram’s goal is to have at least four trucks at the 2026 Daytona season opener. However, he emphasized the importance of finding suitable team partnerships to support those efforts.
“We’re looking for the right team partners to bring this idea to life,” Kuniskis said. “Our long-term plan is to progress beyond the Truck Series and get into the Cup Series. This is not a short-term play.”
Ram was officially spun off from Dodge in 2010. Dodge last raced in NASCAR’s Cup Series in 2012, with Brad Keselowski earning the championship for Team Penske that year. Previously, Dodge Ram pickups secured three Truck Series manufacturer titles (2001, 2003, 2004) before leaving after the 2013 season. Drivers like Bobby Hamilton (2004) and Ted Musgrave (2005) piloted Dodge Rams to Truck Series championships during that era.
Securing a Team Partnership
While Probst declined to speculate on Ram’s potential team alignments, he expressed confidence that the competition to partner with Ram would be spirited.
“They want to be competitive, so I expect they’ll work hard to line up a top team,” Probst said, echoing Kuniskis’ earlier remarks.
Probst also noted that any new Cup Series effort from Ram would require an 18-month lead time for engine development and body approval. He hinted that discussions with other manufacturers about joining NASCAR were ongoing and promising.
“We’re optimistic that at least one other manufacturer is close to making a commitment,” he said. “There are a couple of others in earlier discussions, but we’re confident in our position as a good investment for any OEM.”
