Iconic American Car Brand all set to make an anticipated return to NASCAR, know details

Dodge is poised for a comeback in NASCAR after a long absence. The name has been ingrained in the NASCAR tradition for more than a decade.

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Varul Chaturvedi

Dodge in the frame

Dodge in the frame

Highlights:

Dodge's early roots within NASCAR go back to the 1950s.

The Truck Series presents an opportunity for Dodge to revive its Ram brand.

Dodge is poised for a comeback in NASCAR after a long absence. The name has been ingrained in the NASCAR tradition for more than a decade. According to The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, the return of Dodge is deemed "imminent," as there are plans for Dodge to enter its first Truck Series since 2016. 

Dodge's early roots within NASCAR go back to the 1950s, which culminated in a total of 217 Cup Series wins and a championship victory in 2012 with driver Brad Keselowski. However, the manufacturer exited the sport that very same year, leaving the likes of Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota as the most dominant in the field. Speculations and wishes have inhabited the dreams of fans and analysts alike regarding the possible Dodge return so that something new can take up the competition with the establishment.  

Truck Series: A Strategic Re-Entry Point  

The Truck Series presents an opportunity for Dodge to revive its Ram brand, arguably the cheapest tour to enter under asphalt conditions with a large degree of conformity and control in specifications; engine control comes from Ilmor Engineering's NT1 V8. Historically, Ram claimed three Truck Series manufacturer championships (2001, 2003, 2004), making it the logical platform to begin reestablishing momentum.Bianchi reported:  

“NASCAR is reviewing Dodge’s submission to field a truck through its ‘Ram’ brand, and an answer is expected soon, sources with knowledge of the plans said. While there are no guarantees, sources expect that the league will eventually approve Dodge returning.”

 

 

This move would give Dodge the opportunity to fine-tune how it operates before perhaps moving up to the more distinguished competitions, like the Cup or Xfinity Series. 

Rebuilding Momentum in a Competitive Landscape  

Dodge's return may also breathe another gust of life into the race for manufacturers in NASCAR. For some years, including the recent ones, it has been pretty much Chevrolet that has called the shots, but Dodge's name and legacy call for it to come into the limelight as a possible spoiler. A solid Truck Series showing can go a long way towards increasing active engagement from both the old fans and a new wave of motorsports fans.  

Dodge's purported re-entry is an effort very much awaited in the racing community as NASCAR weighs this out, to see whether or not the brand will reunite with American motorsport history.

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