Dale Earnhardt Jr. Exposes Ram’s Final Goal With 2026 Truck Series Entry

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has given his verdict on what is the ultimate goal of RAM with the return to stock car racing.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Exposes Ram’s Final Goal With 2026 Truck Series Entry

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

Since 2014, when Dodge left NASCAR, there has been only three OEMs in the stock car racing pyramid, Chevy, Ford and Toyota. But a fourth manufacturer is set to enter the NASCAR in 2026, as iconic brand RAM announced their return to the sport in the 2026 season. This was brought into the attention of Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.

RAM have been part of the sports till 2012, when they ended their successful stint with the sport. Talking about it in the latest episode of his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted that Cup return is the ultimate goal of RAM with their Truck Series entry. But it’s not the factor that excites his the most, as he is looking into the manufactures’ Xfinity Series plans.

They want to go Cup racing. They’re not coming to the Truck Series just to run trucks. Be curious to see what, if anything, they do in the Xfinity Series. I think the Xfinity Series is going through an evolution anyways.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.

Further talking about the point, Junior asserted that the OEM might not enter the second tier anytime soon as it is going through a phase evaluation. The JR Motorsports co-owner believes RAM will race in Truck and Cup Series until the second tier series discovers it’s true identity regarding the vehicles they races and other factors.

They may pause on that to kind of see where the Xfinity Series is in five years. What’s its identity? What even type of vehicles are we racing? They might just do trucks and Cup only.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Kevin Harvick gives his verdict RAM’s NASCAR return

On his Happy Hour podcast, 2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick has given his verdict on the manufacturer’s return. He sees it something that is meant to happen and he was confused with they left the sport 13 years ago, as RAM is one of the true NASCAR that has been part of the sport, as the marketing reach the brad had with racing was significant.

Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick (Via @SPEEDSPORT/X)

It’s really neat to see RAM come back to the Truck Series. They were always such a big part of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and everything that happens and has happened with it through the years. So, they just, I mean — it’s just NASCAR. They’re just a NASCAR brand. I don’t know why they ever left. 13 years ago. I’m happy that they’re back.

Kevin Harvick said.

In the same discussion, Harvick declared the decision to enter in 2026 was the correct one from RAM as the since the series turned spec engine had reduced the barriers to entry. They team only has to work on the designs of the truck, to make it faster, which makes racing simpler and more competitive.  

It’s a great time to come into the Truck Series, because of the spec engine. You don’t have to develop an engine. You basically are going to develop the aero side of things with your body. It’s a lot simpler to get started in the Truck Series.

Kevin Harvick added.

The comments from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick shows the whole racing community is excited about the latest announcement. This is sign of the good days that is ahead of the sport and more OEMs might be coming into the sport.

Also Read: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Declares Rodney Childers’ Sacking Has Derailed Justin Haley’s 2025 Season