A fourth manufacturer is joining the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026, on its way to rival the Chevy Silverado RST at the highest echelon of sport truck racing. The rumors are true, and Stellantis just pulled the cover off the new Ram 1500 race truck set to return to the NASCAR Truck Series next year, marking the brand’s first appearance in the division in over a decade.
Ram pulled factory support from the Truck Series back in 2012, turning the division into a three-horse race between Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. Interestingly, “ghost” cars wearing the Dodge emblem continued to compete in the Truck Series until 2016. Now, though, the official Ram 1500 race truck will take to the track, molded to look like its real-life counterparts.
“For more than a decade, customers and our dealer network asked about getting back into NASCAR. The desire was always there, but we didn’t have a plan that delivered the last tenth and following just didn’t fit our DNA,” said Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram brand. “Now we have a solid plan that will set us apart from the field and will bring fresh new interest and engagement to America’s motorsport.”
Ram’s reentry into NASCAR comes hot on the heels of another groundbreaking announcement, which puts the iconic Hemi V8 engine back under the hood of the production Ram 1500. However, it’s worth noting that as far as the Truck Series goes, all entries utilize a Chevy LS-based powerhouse, regardless of what emblem is on the front of the race truck.
“Ram returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is a major moment for the sport, and a sign that NASCAR remains a strong platform for blue chip brand partners,” said John Probst, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “We are excited to welcome Ram back to the sport. Its identity includes high performance, durability and innovation – characteristics that embody NASCAR and, specifically, the Craftsman Truck Series.”
At this time, Stellantis has not announced any plans to take the Dodge brand to the Xfinity or Cup Series – although that would be the logical progression of its reentry into NASCAR.
Comments
so, Does this mean the Current Fords and Toyota trucks have a chevy engine in them as well?
Yep. Built by Ilmor Enginerring. All LS crate motors. Even when a Ford or Yota wins its still a Chevy
One real world question … when can I buy a regular cab truck for street use … don’t want or need a four-door pickup. Am looking at the short wheel base Silverado, will wait for a regular cab model if not too long (6 months) before sales begin. Sorry Mary … drove Chrysler products for decades before switching to Chevy.
you can buy such right now. Called a Silverado work truck. Stripped down, no options though. If your waiting on one optioned out , forget about it, not going to happen. You can thank CAFE rules for that, along with greed and what the masses want.