The NASCAR rumor mill is buzzing again, this time with whispers that Richard Childress Racing (RCR) could be eyeing a partnership with Dodge if the brand makes its long-awaited return to the NASCAR Cup Series.
With Ram set to return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, it’s only natural that talk has shifted to Dodge’s eventual Cup Series re-entry. Fans are already asking the big question: who will carry the Dodge banner at the sport’s highest level?
Kaulig Racing: The Clear Front-Runner –
Kaulig Racing, the team founded in 2016 by businessman Matt Kaulig, has emerged as the leading candidate to serve as Dodge’s factory team. The Ohio-based organization has rapidly grown into one of NASCAR’s most competitive outfits, already fielding two full-time Cup cars and three in the Xfinity Series.
By the numbers, Kaulig has been impressive. In just seven years, the team has racked up 29 wins across NASCAR’s top three divisions. That track record, combined with Stellantis choosing Kaulig to launch Ram’s Truck Series comeback with up to five trucks at Daytona in February 2026, makes them the obvious starting point for a Dodge Cup program.
Kaulig also has another key connection — its Cup cars run ECR engines, supplied by none other than Richard Childress Racing. And that’s where the next piece of the puzzle comes in. It’s also important to note that ECR also supplies engines to other Cup teams like Trackhouse Racing and Beard Motorsports.
Could RCR Pivot To Dodge? –
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic recently tackled the question in his reader mailbag, and he didn’t dismiss the possibility.
“It’s still too early to definitely state which team(s) will join Kaulig in carrying the Dodge banner whenever it re-enters Cup, as there are several candidates, but Richard Childress Racing is an intriguing option — especially because of its engine program that could then supply engines to other Dodge-backed teams,” Bianchi explained.
But he also pointed out the biggest roadblock: loyalty.
“Whether RCR would actually make the switch from Chevrolet to Dodge is another question. Since RCR first entered Cup back in the late 1960s, it has always fielded General Motors (GM)-branded cars (Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, or Pontiac). Severing these ties would be something team owner Richard Childress, who values loyalty, would not do without great hesitation.”
The Loyalty Dilemma –
Richard Childress and Chevrolet go way back. From Dale Earnhardt’s glory days in the No. 3 to today’s operations with his grandson, Austin Dillon, and future NASCAR Hall of Famer, Kyle Busch, the bowtie has been part of the team’s DNA for over five decades.
Walking away from GM would be nothing short of shocking. But in NASCAR, opportunities to be a manufacturer’s flagship team don’t come around often.
As Bianchi put it, “There are compelling reasons why RCR should consider a switch, if the option is there. Staying aligned with Chevrolet assures RCR will never rise above being Chevrolet’s No. 2 team, with Hendrick Motorsports cemented in the top spot. A hypothetical jump by RCR to a different manufacturer, however, presents an opportunity to be the top dog. If RCR wants to win its first Cup title since 1994, Childress might have to cut his longstanding ties with Chevrolet.”
Not The First Time Dodge And RCR Were Linked –
This isn’t the first time Richard Childress Racing has been tied to Dodge in the rumor mill. Back in January 2013, just months after Dodge exited NASCAR following Brad Keselowski’s championship season with Penske Racing, there was speculation that RCR had been in talks with Dodge about a possible partnership. Nothing materialized at that time, but it showed that Dodge has kept RCR on its radar before — and now, with Stellantis re-entering the sport through Ram, those old whispers are being revived.
Why The Dodge Return Matters –
It’s been a long 14 years since Dodge last competed in the NASCAR Cup Series. Now, with Stellantis investing in Ram’s return to the Truck Series, Dodge’s Cup comeback looks more realistic than ever. If it happens, Dodge will need more than just Kaulig Racing to carry the torch. They’ll need an established, championship-winning organization with resources, credibility, and an engine program. That description fits RCR to a tee.
What’s Next? –
For now, the idea remains just that — speculation. Richard Childress hasn’t hinted at leaving Chevrolet, and GM still provides deep technical and financial support. But as NASCAR continues to evolve and manufacturers fight for top billing, the landscape can change quickly.
One thing is certain: if Dodge does come back, the manufacturer won’t be content with being a mid-pack player. They’ll want to win, and they’ll need partners capable of delivering results.
Source: 5GOATS and The Atlantic
