Dodge’s path back to the NASCAR Cup Series remains complicated. NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell isn’t hiding how badly the sport wants to see it happen.

Stellantis returned to NASCAR this season through Ram’s Craftsman Truck Series program, but the bigger question has always been whether Dodge will follow it back to the Cup Series. A 2027 launch remains on the table, although the clock is beginning to work against the manufacturer.

O’Donnell has now addressed that possibility directly, making clear that NASCAR would welcome Dodge back next season. But not at the expense of building a program capable of sticking around.

“I want to make sure that they and the sport get it right, so yes I’d love to see them in 2027,” O’Donnell told Sports Business Journal. “But it’s more important for all of us to make it’s a successful launch for Dodge.”

That distinction matters.

The question surrounding Dodge is no longer simply whether Stellantis wants to expand its NASCAR presence. The company has already taken the first step with Ram. The challenge is whether all the pieces can come together quickly enough to put Dodge on the Cup grid next year.

Dodge’s NASCAR return faces a major engine question

Dodge has not competed in NASCAR’s top division since 2012, and building a modern Cup program carries a far different timeline than simply reviving a familiar name.

One of the biggest issues is the engine.

Stellantis has explored whether it could accelerate a Cup entry, but developing a new engine program can take years. That has raised the possibility of Dodge using an existing NASCAR engine supplier as a short-term bridge while Stellantis works toward a longer-term solution of its own.

Sports Business Journal reported that ECR Engines, the sister company of Chevrolet organization Richard Childress Racing, has been mentioned within the industry as one potential option. Ford is considered unlikely to pursue an engine-supply arrangement with Dodge, while Toyota’s interest remains unclear.

Another possibility raised in the report would involve Dodge initially working from its old 2012 engine architecture.

Stellantis declined to comment to SBJ about a potential short-term engine arrangement.

The uncertainty helps explain why O’Donnell’s comments carry more nuance than a simple endorsement of a 2027 return. NASCAR wants another manufacturer. It also wants Dodge’s comeback built to last.

“They’ve got an incredible group that’s putting all kinds of resources behind it, but we’re also going to be smart about it and make sure that we don’t want to rush to a decision, we want them in for the long term like we would for any one of our partners, so still working closely, still remain hopeful but we still have got work to do for sure,” O’Donnell said.

NASCAR wants Dodge back, but the 2027 clock is ticking

There is little mystery surrounding Dodge’s historical importance to NASCAR.

The manufacturer has left and returned before, most notably coming back in 2001 after an absence of more than two decades. Its most recent Cup run ended after the 2012 season, when Brad Keselowski delivered Dodge a championship in its final year.

Now, more than a decade later, Stellantis is laying the groundwork for another chapter.

Ram’s return to the Truck Series gave the automaker an immediate foothold in NASCAR. When that program was announced, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis made clear that Cup was part of the broader ambition. Dodge has since emerged as the natural candidate to carry Stellantis into NASCAR’s premier series.

The question is how quickly that ambition can become a viable race program.

A decision would likely need to come soon for a 2027 debut because of NASCAR’s short offseason and the preparation required to launch an entirely new Cup effort. If Stellantis cannot settle the engine question and other necessary pieces in time, a return could slide to 2028 or beyond.

O’Donnell isn’t putting a deadline on it publicly. His message is more significant than that.

NASCAR wants Dodge back. It would love to have Dodge back in 2027. But after a 14-year absence, getting the manufacturer through the door is only part of the job.

NASCAR wants to make sure it stays.