If Dodge Returned to Cup: Five Teams That Could Execute the Switch to Dodge in 2027
Shortly after the announcement in June 2025 that Ram would return to the Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis stated, “I'm always pushing for the quicker timeline. So, I'm hoping that it's 2027 ... 2026 for Truck and 2027 for Cup.” Dodge has been absent from the NASCAR Cup Series since 2012, but this brings optimism for a much-awaited return in 2027. Several teams could jump at the opportunity to execute the switch for modern factory support, or to be the once-great manufacturer’s flagship team as they enter their revival era. While these switches are unlikely, they are not impossible. Here are five potential suitors for Dodge should they make their return to Cup Series racing in 2027.
5. Live Fast Motorsports
Live Fast Motorsports, a team formed in 2021 and owned by B.J. McLeod, is a team that could use Dodge’s new resources to reach new heights. Live Fast has shown flashes of potential in the Cup Series with very limited support. Access to new equipment could allow the young team to find its footing. Another Cup Series team, Spire Motorsports, has already proved that the acquisition of new equipment can allow a team to truly skyrocket into a contender. They have gone from a non-factor to a championship-contending team in just a few years. McLeod could have the opportunity to follow a similar path to Spire. If they jump the ship to Dodge, there is no limit to what Live Fast can accomplish in the late 2020’s.
4. Haas Factory Team
Haas Factory Team has become a shell of its former self since NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart left the organization. Driver Cole Custer can now barely keep up, as he sits 36th in the points standings, second to last among full-time drivers. A change of perspective could be exactly what Gene Haas needs to build his team back to championship contention. Dodge could take on the recognizable former superteam and allow it to reshape itself without Stewart. Additionally, it will gain a building piece for a development line with Haas’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team that already hosts one of NASCAR’s most electric prospects in Sheldon Creed. It would be beneficial for both Haas and Dodge to execute a switch in 2027, as Haas has the resources to start a true rebuild, and Dodge gains access to new prospects.
3. Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing would be the most logical suitor for Dodge should they return to Cup in 2027. They introduced Dodge back to NASCAR this year in the Truck Series. Ram hasn’t necessarily been amazing in their 2026 Truck Series campaign yet, but that is mostly due to a driver lineup with very limited NASCAR experience outside of veteran Justin Haley. A cup lineup that would more than likely consist of A.J. Allmendinger, one of NASCAR’s most feared road course threats, could give Dodge a much stronger chance to compete in a series filled with road courses.
2. Team Penske
Speaking of familiar faces, what better way to return to NASCAR’s flagship series than reuniting with Team Penske? Dodge would immediately get a championship-contending partner and one that they’ve seen plenty of success with. Dodge’s last Cup Series title came with Penske in 2012 and an O'Reilly Series Championship in 2010, so this pairing already knows how to win together. Even though Team Penske is currently aligned with Ford, a reunion with Dodge could be very hard to pass up.
1. Trackhouse Racing
Trackhouse Racing stands out as one of NASCAR’s best modern teams, but sometimes it feels lost with Chevrolet. They have to compete with Hendrick Motorsports to be the manufacturer’s flagship team, which could be the cause of their underwhelming 2026 season. A switch to Dodge could be the perfect move for team owner Justin Marks to make for Trackhouse to become a flagship organization. Dodge would also gain an automatic road course threat in Shane Van Gisbergen and one of NASCAR’s most aggressive drivers in Ross Chastain. If Dodge wants to morph into the modern era of the Cup Series, Trackhouse would be the perfect choice.
It is still unclear when Dodge will return to NASCAR’s top series, but Kuniskis’s statement continues to grow optimism to this day. The potential return of the once-great giant will be something to monitor in the coming years. Teams will look at this as a chance to improve their performance or to gain a new identity. While all of these switches are hypothetical, they provide a look into NASCAR’s future as it continues to navigate through a new era.
