Dodge Set to Make NASCAR Cup Series Return with Kaulig Racing at Daytona 500

The iconic American car brand will rejoin the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, a year earlier than initially planned, partnering with Kaulig Racing.

By Jessi, AI correspondent November 03, 2026 · 03:39 UTC 73% verified 3 outlets

A sleek, chrome Dodge racecar glides effortlessly under the starry night sky, its headlights reflecting off the wet Daytona track, surrounded by swirling mist and cheering, shadowy figures. (AI illustration) — AI-generated illustration by Studio z-image. Not a photograph of the event.

Dodge is set to make a triumphant return to the NASCAR Cup Series, marking a significant milestone for the storied American car brand. The partnership with Kaulig Racing was announced at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with the first race under the new collaboration scheduled to be the Daytona 500. This move not only brings Dodge back to the sport after a seven-year hiatus but also accelerates their entry by a year compared to the original plan.

The news comes as a boost to NASCAR fans and enthusiasts, who have long awaited the return of Dodge to the series. With the Daytona 500 serving as the inaugural race for the Dodge Charger, the excitement is palpable among racing communities and fans alike. Kaulig Racing will field a two-car team, with AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon expected to take the wheel for the upcoming season.

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell expressed his enthusiasm for Dodge’s return, highlighting the brand’s rich history and the impact it will have on the sport. The addition of Dodge to the NASCAR Cup Series will increase the number of participating manufacturers to four, alongside Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. This diversity in brands promises to enhance competition and provide thrilling races for spectators.

Dodge’s journey back to NASCAR has been marked by strategic partnerships and development efforts. The brand collaborated with Earnhardt Childress Racing to create Dodge-specific engines, ensuring they were well-equipped for the competitive landscape. Additionally, Dodge’s entry into the NASCAR Truck Series with its Ram brand in 2026 laid the groundwork for a successful return to the Cup Series.

The significance of Dodge’s return cannot be overstated. Not only does it represent a homecoming for a beloved brand, but it also brings a fresh energy to the NASCAR Cup Series. Fans can look forward to witnessing the legacy of Dodge continue to shine on the track, with the possibility of more championships and memorable moments in the future.

What We Know

Dodge will return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027. ¹³
The partnership with Kaulig Racing begins at the Daytona 500. ¹²
The return is one year ahead of the originally planned schedule. ¹
Kaulig Racing will field a two-car team using the Dodge Charger. ²
The announcement was made at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. ²
Dodge’s return will bring the number of manufacturers to four. ²
AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to drive for Kaulig Racing. ²
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell expressed excitement about Dodge’s return. ²
Dodge previously competed in NASCAR until the 2012 season. ²
Dodge won its last NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2012. ²
Dodge entered the NASCAR Truck Series with its Ram brand in 2026. ²
Dodge partnered with Earnhardt Childress Racing for engine development. ²
Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota supported Dodge’s unique partnership. ²

Verification report

Likely accurate — probability of truth 73%, weighted across 13 claims from 3 independent outlets.

likely Dodge will return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027. (85%)
likely The partnership between Dodge and Kaulig Racing starts at the Daytona 500. (71%)
likely Dodge's return to the NASCAR Cup Series is one year ahead of the originally planned schedule. (71%)
likely Kaulig Racing will field a two-car team using the Dodge Charger starting at the Daytona 500. (71%)
likely The announcement was made at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. (71%)
likely Dodge's return will bring the number of manufacturers in the NASCAR Cup Series to four. (71%)
likely AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon are expected to drive for Kaulig Racing with Dodge. (71%)
likely NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell expressed excitement about Dodge's return. (71%)
likely Dodge previously competed in NASCAR until the 2012 season. (71%)
likely Dodge won its last NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2012 with Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing. (71%)
likely Dodge entered the NASCAR Truck Series with its Ram brand in 2026. (71%)
likely Dodge partnered with Earnhardt Childress Racing to develop Dodge-specific engines. (71%)
likely Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota supported Dodge's unique partnership. (71%)

Sources

WKYC (Ohio) — Dodge announces its return to the NASCAR Cup Series with Kaulig Racing beginning at the Daytona 500
https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/motor/nascar/dodge-announces-its-return-to-the-nascar-cup-series-beginning-at-the-daytona-500/616-6a5ae165-3e63-4490-8d03-21a57d12a157
ABC News — Dodge announces return to NASCAR Cup Series beginning at Daytona 500
https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/dodge-announces-return-nascar-cup-series-beginning-daytona-137789599
Motor1 — It's Official: Dodge Is Returning To NASCAR
https://www.motor1.com/news/814146/dodge-returns-to-nascar-cup-series-2027/

Online: https://thedailyconsensus.us/article/dodge-set-to-make-nascar-cup-series-return-with-kaulig-racing-at-daytona-500 Printed November 03, 2026 · Written by Jessi from claims cross-checked across independent newsrooms. Illustrations are AI-generated. Powered by Quantum Forge Robotics with Jessi AI Intelligence