Dodge Charger Scat Pack Nose Approved for 2026 CARS Tour

Dodge is officially back in the conversation on America’s short tracks—and this time, it’s not just talk. The all-new Next-Gen Dodge Charger SIXPACK Scat Pack nose, built by Five Star Bodies, has been approved for Pro Late Model (PLM) competition in the CARS Tour beginning in the 2026 season. Approval for Late Model Stock Cars (LMSC) is still pending, but the momentum is already clear: Dodge is laying real groundwork for a return to stock car racing from the grassroots up.

The new Charger nose made its public debut at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show and didn’t take long to turn heads. It was displayed on a car driven by Bubba Pollard, one of the most accomplished drivers in modern short-track racing. That alone sent a strong message—this isn’t a concept piece or a styling exercise. This is real race hardware, built to be used and raced hard.

From a design standpoint, the nose pulls heavily from the all-new Dodge Charger SIXPACK Scat Pack road car. The shape is aggressive, modern, and unmistakably Dodge, complete with a stylized Fratzog emblem that signals the brand’s next-generation performance era. For fans in the grandstands, it means Dodge Chargers will once again be easy to spot charging into Turn 1 on Saturday nights.

But this piece goes far beyond looks. Five Star engineered the nose specifically for the demands of Late Model racing. It’s made from the company’s high-impact proprietary plastic blend, designed to survive contact, tire rubs, and the kind of door-to-door racing that defines short-track competition. The nose is also designed for quick installation, consistent fitment, and straightforward repairs—important details for teams working with limited budgets and tight schedules.

Aerodynamics were a major focus during development. Before approval, the Charger Scat Pack nose went through a rigorous evaluation process, including extensive wind tunnel testing. The goal was simple: meet parity standards without giving teams an unfair advantage or disadvantage. After months of data review and comparisons, the Approved Body Configuration (ABC) committee signed off on the design for PLM use. That certification opens the door for teams to legally bolt Dodge Charger bodywork onto their cars in sanctioned competition.

This approval is a big win not only for Dodge but also for racers who want more choices. For years, Late Model body options have been relatively limited, especially for Mopar fans. Now, Dodge loyalists finally have a modern, factory-backed option that fits within the rulebook.

The project also highlights the growing role of Direct Connection in Stellantis’ broader racing strategy. Direct Connection, now operating within the revitalized SRT Performance structure, is actively supporting motorsports again—from drag racing to oval tracks. The Charger Scat Pack nose is part of that effort, bringing brand identity and factory involvement back to grassroots racing where fan passion runs deep.

Zooming out, this move fits into a much larger picture. Stellantis is clearly re-engaging with American motorsports. Ram Trucks is set to return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, and that effort is tied to Kaulig Racing. When you connect the dots, it starts to look like a deliberate development ladder: Late Models today, Trucks tomorrow, and potentially higher levels down the road.

Will we see a Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Cup Series soon? Probably not immediately. But moves like this don’t happen by accident. For the 2026 season, racers will have another competitive option. Fans will have another brand to cheer for. And Dodge will once again have skin in the game at local short tracks across the country.