The NASCAR Truck Series has been a three-horse between Chevy, Ford, and Toyota since Dodge pulled factory support from the division over 10 years ago. Ram hasn’t competed in any national series since then, but it’s on the precipice of its return to the “Tough Trucks of NASCAR” after a long hiatus in 2026.
According to a report from Catchfence, NASCAR has received a formal submission from a fourth manufacturer to compete in the Truck Series. Ram is set for a 2026 debut as the Truck Series’ fourth manufacturer, 10 years after the last Ram race truck competed in the division. While Dodge pulled official factory support across all three NASCAR national series at the end of the 2012 racing season, “ghost” cars wearing the Dodge emblem continued to compete in the Truck Series until 2016.
Dodge boasts three Truck Series Manufacturers’ Championship wins in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Bobby Hamilton Jr. won the 2004 driver’s championship driving a Ram race truck.
Though it will have a Ram emblem on the front, the pickups will be powered by Chevy LS-based engines, which provide motivation for all three of its current manufacturers. This has helped reduce costs for team owners and helps to make manufacturer integration easier.
Ram’s return to the Truck Series signals that Dodge may return to other NASCAR national series, including the Xfinity and Cup Series. In fact, Dodge is currently on the hunt for an engine manufacturer to provide power for a Cup Series return in 2028. The last time Dodge competed in the Cup Series was in 2012, exiting on a high note with the driver’s championship, compliments of Brad Keselowski.
Additionally, NASCAR is digging into the viability of additional cost-cutting actions. This could include a complete overhaul of the Truck Series bodies, which could make it easier for the likes of Ram to rejoin the fray.
Currently, the three Truck Series body styles include the Chevy Silverado RST, Ford F-150, and Toyota TRD Tundra.
Comments
Did I read that right i.e. Ford and Toyota are already running Chevy LS engines?
That’s right. Ilmor build Chevy based engines not only for NASCAR trucks but, ARCA as well.
what a slap in the face to the other companies’ engineers. i’d be embarrassed. my thoughts go back to oldsmobiles with chevy engines.
Dad and his good friend, Mike, each bought a new 1977 Pontiac. Dad asked me why the engines did not look the same, the reason being that his car had the 301 Pontiac and Mike’s had the 305 Chevy.
NASCAR is a joke now. We need a race with cars straight from factory with just a roll caged added. EVs can be really better since it new technology and it will help companies make better EVs.
How fn stupid. Nascar needs to shut off the lights, fill the infield with water and have a fishing contest.
How shocked those chevy haters must be by finding out the truth …too funny
I guess it makes sense … since nobody else much makes a V-8 engine anymore … and the LS engines are such a successful design !!!!!
But it makes a JOKE of the other “Bodies” on the trucks.
Maybe bring back the – I.R.O.C. Series . they all have the same engines anyway !!!!
The IROC Series is back. They started running races again in 2024.