NASCAR Rant Report - Wednesday, February 19th

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Major headlines out of Tuesday:

Ram to Return to Truck Series in 2026
Rumors of a Day's of Thunder Sequel

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the day.

Ram to Return to Truck Series in 2026:

Ram is set to make a significant return to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2026 after a decade-long absence. The brand, which last competed in the series in 2016, has submitted a formal application to join the Craftsman Truck Series. This move follows Dodge's withdrawal of factory support from NASCAR's national series in 2012, although "ghost" cars with Dodge emblems continued until 2016. Ram's return is expected to feature trucks powered by Chevy LS-based engines, which will help reduce costs and ease manufacturer integration. This comeback could also signal Dodge's potential return to other NASCAR series, such as the Xfinity and Cup Series, with a possible Cup Series re-entry in 2028.

Dodge has a storied history in NASCAR, capturing three Truck Series manufacturer championships (2001, 2003, and 2004) and a driver championship with Bobby Hamilton Sr. in 2004. The introduction of the standardized Ilmor Engineering NT1 V8 spec engine in 2018 has simplified the process for manufacturers, making Ram's return less complex. Discussions are ongoing about Dodge's potential return to the Cup Series, with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK Racing) being a potential partner due to Brad Keselowski's deep ties to Dodge.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps has confirmed that there is genuine interest from manufacturers worldwide, and the organization is actively engaged in discussions with multiple OEMs. The sport's recent momentum and cost-cutting measures are drawing interest from manufacturers, making it an ideal time for Dodge to rejoin the field. If successful, Ram's return to the Truck Series could pave the way for Dodge's re-entry into the Cup Series by 2028.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Rumors of a Day's of Thunder Sequel:

Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Hall of Famer and vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, has revealed ongoing discussions with actor Tom Cruise about creating a sequel to the 1990 racing film "Days of Thunder." Despite the original film's mixed reviews, it has become a cult classic among racing enthusiasts. Gordon, who has maintained a close friendship with Cruise, is enthusiastic about the project and believes it could rejuvenate NASCAR's presence in mainstream media.

The original "Days of Thunder" introduced NASCAR to a broader audience and featured memorable lines like "Rubbin', son, is racin'," delivered by Robert Duvall's character Harry Hogge. Gordon noted that advancements in film technology could allow for more authentic and immersive racing scenes in a sequel. While concrete plans have yet to be finalized, Gordon remains optimistic about the potential for a sequel or alternative projects, such as a compelling docuseries, to bring NASCAR back into the cinematic spotlight.

The idea of a sequel has gained momentum, especially with the success of motorsport films like "Ford v Ferrari", the popularity of sports docuseries like Netflix's "Drive to Survive," and the upcoming Formula 1 film. Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the original, is reportedly open to reviving the franchise. Gordon's involvement, along with the potential return of Cruise, could reignite interest in NASCAR and introduce the sport to a new generation of fans.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Miscellaneous:

The CW Network delivered impressive viewership numbers for the NASCAR Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona, attracting 1.8 million viewers, the largest audience for an Xfinity Series race in nearly three years. This marks a strong start to The CW's partnership with NASCAR.

NASCAR on FOX will continue to use side-by-side commercials during green-flag racing for its network races, ensuring that viewers do not miss any on-track action. Full-screen ads will be shown during stage breaks and caution periods.

AirMedCare Network will sponsor Corey LaJoie at the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race in Atlanta. LaJoie has a strong track record at Atlanta Motor Speedway, making this partnership a strategic move for both parties.

Henderson Motorsports plans to appeal the disqualification of Parker Kligerman's win in the Fresh from Florida 250. Kligerman's truck was found to be too low during post-race inspection, leading to the win being awarded to Corey Heim.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on these topics.

This newsletter is constructed by AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

Check out our Source Materials Page for today’s 29 sources.

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