Ram is making a dramatic return to NASCAR by re-entering the Truck Series after a 12-year hiatus, aiming for a strong impact before potentially moving towards a presence in the elite Cup Series. This marks Ram as the first new automotive brand to join NASCAR’s national division since 2007. The announcement was made by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis prior to the Cup race at Michigan International Speedway.
Kuniskis has ambitious plans for Ram, including making a total of 25 product announcements over an 18-month period. He made it clear that Ram’s approach in NASCAR will be innovative and forceful, stating, “The way we’re going to do it is unlike anyone else.” He acknowledged the challenges and financial commitments of entering the sport, but expressed confidence that Ram’s return is strategic and makes sense, especially with the introduction of high-performance features like the Hemi engine.
He also noted that NASCAR’s existing massive fan base presents an opportunity to grow interest in the brand, with an optimistic outlook that their plans could expand their audience significantly. Kuniskis teased that the initial stages of Ram’s participation are only the beginning, with more engaging strategies to come.
The official announcement took place at a strategic location—Michigan International Speedway, not far from Detroit, the heart of the American auto industry. Ram capitalized on the proximity to announce its comeback with a truck demonstration before the start of the race. As for the next season, Kuniskis expects Ram will have four to six trucks ready to compete at the Daytona opener in February.
In parallel, John Probst of NASCAR revealed that additional discussions are underway with other manufacturers, suggesting that Ram may not be alone in making a new entry into the sport. He emphasized that decisions to join NASCAR are significant, requiring detailed reviews and high-level approvals, but remains positive about the current developments.
In the context of the larger Stellantis company, which includes brands such as Dodge and Chrysler, the comeback is particularly noteworthy; Dodge exited NASCAR in 2012 after securing the Cup championship with Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing. This return marks a revitalization for the Stellantis group in the American motorsport arena.