Picture: First look of Dodge RAM spotted at Michigan International Speedway as NASCAR return looks imminent

The new Dodge RAM was spotted at Michigan International Speedway before the Craftsman Truck Series race. The new car is rumoured to be making a return to NASCAR next season.

Dodge, with its RAM brand, is reportedly set to make a highly anticipated return to NASCAR in the Craftsman Truck Series in the 2026 season, per multiple reports. NASCAR had reportedly received a formal submission from Stellantis (RAM's parent company) to enter the Truck Series with an aim to compete alongside Ford, Toyota and Chevrolet.

While it will begin in the Truck Series, many have speculated that Dodge might re-enter the Cup Series as early as 2027. An official announcement regarding RAM’s NASCAR plans could take place at the Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway. Dodge last competed in the Cup Series in 2012, with RAM withdrawing from the Truck Series after 2012 as well.

The new Truck Series car was spotted at Michigan International Speedway before the Truck Series race, making the announcement of Dodge’s participation imminent. It was shared on Reddit and then on X with the caption:

"RAM at MIS (via u/D3ADgamerZ)."

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is returning to Michigan International Speedway after a four-year hiatus. The two-mile D-shaped oval has long been known for its wide racing surface.

Drivers to watch out for during the race include Corey Heim (the championship leader with four wins this season), Chandler Smith, Daniel Hemric, and Rajah Caruth.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares his hot take on Dodge’s potential return to NASCAR as the fourth OEM

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his enthusiastic perspective on the rumored return of Dodge as a fourth original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the Cup Series.

Dodge, which boasts a storied history in NASCAR dating back to the 1950s and significant success in the 1970s with icons like Richard Petty and Bobby Allison, withdrew from the Cup Series in 2012 due to financial difficulties and officially ended all NASCAR involvement in 2016.

Dale Jr. said on his podcast (via Dirty Mo Media on X):

"Dodge has got such a cool reputation. They've had some ups and downs over the past several decades, but in my eyes, they're still a true muscle car brand. The Dodge Charger from the 70s, a beautiful vehicle, historic. The Challenger, a lot of great vehicles come out of that brand. The Ram truck. Yeah, it's just a cool brand. I'm thrilled that they're considering a return, and I hope it's a successful one, to be honest with you."

Earnhardt Jr. expressed excitement about Dodge’s potential return, highlighting the brand’s enduring reputation as a true muscle car manufacturer. On his podcast, he praised the historical significance of Dodge vehicles like the Charger and Challenger, as well as the RAM truck.