Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Don't Expect NASCAR's Top Teams to Jump to Dodge in 2027

Dodge's NASCAR Return Is Coming, But Who's Actually Switching?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. just poured some cold water on the idea that NASCAR's powerhouse teams are lining up to ditch their current manufacturers for Dodge when it reportedly rejoins the Cup Series in 2027. And honestly, his logic checks out.

Dodge has been sitting on the sidelines since pulling out of NASCAR after the 2012 season, and rumors of a comeback have been swirling for a while now. But rumors of a manufacturer return are one thing — convincing established, championship-caliber organizations to blow up their current setups is a completely different challenge.

Why Earnhardt Jr. Is Skeptical

According to Earnhardt Jr., the reality is that teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske have deep, long-term relationships with Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford respectively. These aren't just sponsorship deals — they're engineering partnerships built over decades, with shared R&D, engine programs, and technical resources that took years to optimize.

Switching manufacturers mid-championship-run isn't just risky, it's expensive and disruptive. Teams would essentially be starting from scratch on engine performance, aerodynamics packages, and chassis compatibility — all while their competitors keep refining systems that already work.

Who Might Actually Take the Dodge Deal?

Earnhardt Jr.'s take suggests Dodge's most realistic path back into NASCAR runs through mid-tier or smaller teams looking for a fresh manufacturer partnership, rather than poaching from the sport's elite. Historically, that's actually how manufacturer expansions tend to work — new or returning OEMs partner with teams hungry for factory support rather than trying to lure away proven winners.

That doesn't mean Dodge's return isn't a big deal. A fourth manufacturer in the Cup Series would shake up competitive balance, parts supply chains, and even driver recruitment. It just means the shake-up probably won't look like the biggest names in the sport suddenly showing up in Dodge colors.

What This Means for NASCAR Fans

For fans, this is a storyline worth watching heading into 2027. Manufacturer competition has always been part of NASCAR's DNA, and a Dodge return adds a new layer of intrigue — even if the immediate impact on the sport's top-tier teams is limited. Keep an eye on which teams commit early, because those decisions will shape the manufacturer landscape for years to come.