By David G. Firestone
So, as I sit here, unable to do YouTube work, I’ve been thinking about Mopar and NASCAR. It has been announced that Dodge wants their RAM brand to return to the Craftsman Truck Series, and may do so as early as 2026. This may open up opportunities for eventual opportunities to return to the Xfinity Series, or even the Cup Series. But here’s my question: Does NASCAR really need Mopar in 2026?
When Dodge returned to NASCAR in 2001, the landscape was much different. Chevy was the dominant brand, Ford was in second place, but it was Pontiac that was the issue. By 2001, Pontiac was all but a spent force. Granted they had just won the 2000 Cup Series Championship with Joe Gibbs and Bobby Labonte. At that point, Pontiac, not just the racing program but the brand itself was on life support. While the brand would last until 2010, the NASCAR program died in 2003. Their final victory was at the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400.
Dodge’s return was needed, as a fourth manufacturer was clearly needed at that point. But that was back in 2001, this is 2025. It does not appear that Chevy, Ford, or Toyota, is on the way out of existence. But is there a need for another manufacturer program? Do they know something we don’t?
I bring this up because over in the NHRA, Toyota announced at the beginning of the season that 2025 would be the last year they would be involved in the NHRA. This led to a number of statements from teams and drivers, but nothing from the NHRA. Toyota has a lot of success in the NHRA, so the timing is odd.
In the words of Paul Doleshal, group manager, motorsports, Toyota Motor North America: “Our NHRA Drag Racing involvement has brought much success and pride across our entire organization. Our NHRA drivers and teams have truly become part of our Toyota family. We look forward to competing for more wins and championships with our supported teams in the upcoming season, and we will work diligently along the way to make sure each team and driver have the tools necessary to compete at the highest level for the years to come.”
Now, this may not be the last year, as both Ford and Chevy have returned after exiting the NHRA in years prior. But, in years past, manufacturers left racing because of lack of on-track success. You really can’t argue that here. Toyota has been very successful. To quote autoweek.com:
“Toyota Motor North America first entered NHRA Drag Racing competition in 2002 and won for the first time at the Winternationals in March of 2004. Toyota has more than 200 race wins, 12 world championships—including back-to-back titles in Top Fuel with Kalitta and Brown.”
Why now? Well, politics may have a hand in this, as certain mindsets in the current administration might hinder Toyota’s ability to perform, both in racing and in business. Could this be another issue for the current administration? Well, it’s not out of the question. Given all of the other bullshit we’ve had to deal with, I wouldn’t be shocked, given that Toyota is a Japanese company.
I’m not trying to stir the pot, just trying to understand this whole situation. I wish Toyota well. I wish Dodge well. I want them to succeed.
Sources Cited:
The Driver Suit Blog 