Brad Keselowski’s 2012 Dodge title fuels buzz over brand’s Cup Series return in 2027

Brad Keselowski’s 2012 NASCAR Cup Series title in a Dodge is fueling fresh speculation that the brand could return to the sport in 2027.

What happened?

According to a report from *The Athletic* on 26 Jun 2026, Dodge is “increasingly likely” to re-enter the Cup Series next season. Stellantis, Dodge’s parent company, has made a “breakthrough” in engine production and is finalizing plans for a 2027 debut. That would mark the first time since 2012 that NASCAR’s top level features four manufacturers.

Keselowski’s 2012 championship in a Dodge stands as the brand’s last Cup Series season. During that run, Dodge won 12 races with Ryan Newman, claimed two Coca-Cola 600 victories with Kasey Kahne, and took the 2002 Daytona 500 with Ward Burton. Keselowski’s title remains the high-water mark for Dodge in the modern Cup Series era.

Why it matters for Brad Keselowski

Keselowski’s success in a Dodge car ties directly to the brand’s legacy in NASCAR. His 2012 championship came just before Dodge exited the Cup Series after a 12-year run that began in 2001. That season also marked the last time four manufacturers competed at the top level.

Now, with Stellantis eyeing a return, Keselowski’s past achievements could serve as a benchmark for Dodge’s ambitions. The brand’s history in Cup Series racing-anchored by Keselowski’s title-gives it a built-in narrative to rebuild its presence in stock car racing’s premier series.

How the return could take shape

Stellantis already made a move into NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series this season with Ram, partnering with Kaulig Racing to field five trucks. Kaulig, which holds two Cup Series charters, is widely seen as the likely entry point for Dodge in the top series.

Matt Kaulig, the team’s owner, told USA TODAY Sports on 24 Jun 2026 that talks are ongoing but no decision has been made. “They’ve got some things to do,” Kaulig said. “They haven’t decided-we’ll put it that way. So I know they’ll eventually come. Whether it’s next year or the year after, it’s undecided at this point.”

Kaulig’s Cup Series cars-driven by Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger-currently run Chevrolets without full manufacturer support. Kaulig hopes switching to Dodge will bring the kind of backing that anchors teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Team Penske receive.

What comes next?

The next step is for Stellantis to finalize engine plans and secure a Cup Series team. Kaulig Racing’s charters provide a ready-made path, but other teams are also in talks with Dodge.

If the brand returns in 2027, it would join Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford in the Cup Series for the first time since 2012. That would add a fourth manufacturer to a series that hasn’t seen expansion since Dodge’s exit 14 years ago.