Ram Returns to NASCAR: A New Chapter in Motorsports
The Ram brand, owned by Stellantis, announces its return to NASCAR for next year, marking a significant milestone in the world of motorsports. This return, which will begin in the Truck Series, represents the company’s first step towards creating a stock car program in the prestigious Cup Series.
Following its exit in 2012, Ram will compete in the Truck Series, facing Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. This move makes Ram the first manufacturer to join NASCAR at a national level since 2007.
The announcement was made by Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram, during the Cup race at the Michigan International Speedway. Kuniskis, known for his ambitious plans and projects, including 25 product announcements in 18 months, stated that Ram will enter the competition aggressively with the aim of generating impact.
The way we’ll do it will be different from any other. We were out of NASCAR for 12 years because the return on investment is a challenge. But now that we’re back, with the Hemi and other surprises, it makes sense to be back.
Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Ram
Kuniskis also expressed his intention to leverage NASCAR’s extensive fan base, estimated at 20 million, with the goal of expanding it significantly. “We have a plan and we know how to carry it out. We believe that people will like our proposal because it will be exciting,” he added.
Ram took advantage of the Cup race in Michigan, near Detroit, the automotive capital, to announce its return. A demonstration of its truck was held on the main straight before the start of Sunday’s race.
Kuniskis anticipates having between four and six trucks in Daytona for the inaugural race in February. John Probst, senior vice president and NASCAR’s chief racing development officer, indicated that Ram might not be the only new manufacturer to join, as conversations with other brands continue. The last time NASCAR welcomed a manufacturer in the Truck Series was in 2004 with Toyota.
Stellantis, which includes 14 automotive brands, such as Dodge and Chrysler, sees this return as a strategic opportunity. Dodge competed in NASCAR until 2012, the year it celebrated the Cup title with Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing. Kuniskis concluded by saying: “We have cars in our company.”We are excited that Ram has interest in the Cup Series. We are very close to another manufacturer. We believe we are a good investment for a manufacturer.
John Probst, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Racing Development at NASCAR
