For a little over a decade, NASCAR has been ruled by three manufacturers: Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. There have been whispers of other manufacturers joining the party, but nothing substantial has come from it. Recently, Ford and Toyota unveiled brand new 2024 spec cars that will run from next season onwards. Chevrolet has been oddly silent, and the new cars could be a chance for new manufacturers to come in. In light of all this, there have been rumors of Dodge returning to the sport, especially with the current technical climate. However, fresh reports could deal a big blow to its hopes of entering the stock car racing series.

As it turns out, Dodge has officially stopped the production of its Charger and Challenger lines. In addition to that, they also stopped production of their Chrysler 300 line. Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer at Stellantis, said in a statement, “We are celebrating the end of an era — and the start of a bright new electrified future — by staying true to our brand.”

After nearly two decades, these cars will finally be retired. Safe to say, all the men and women who worked hard to build these cars will be sad to see them go.

What does this mean for Dodge’s hopes to come back to NASCAR?

Since this is the case, it would be difficult for Dodge to enter the Charger or the Challenger into the series. Their only chance is if, in the future, NASCAR decides to explore the electric car route. This is because the brand is trying to focus on new electrified vehicles.

It is truly the end of an era for Dodge because the company entered production in 2005. All vehicles manufactured were based on the ‘L’ Car platform, and these cars lasted for a very long time. During their long tenure, around 4.3 million units were sold, which is pretty surprising. In fact, the Challenger even managed to beat the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro in the consumer market. Despite all of this, the death knell of the Charger and Challenger have been rung.

Why is Dodge Not in NASCAR? Will it Come Back?

What car will Dodge roll out on the streets in the future?

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Like most other manufacturers, Dodge is choosing to go down the electric vehicle route. As a matter of fact, the Challenger’s spiritual successor is the electric muscle car concept, the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee. To be precise, the car has two doors, and there will soon be a production version of this in the future. As for NASCAR, if the sport does elect to embrace the EV revolution, everyone will have to adapt.

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Ford and Toyota are already anticipating this and responded with their new releases. Now, will Chevrolet join the party or be on the back foot in 2024? Meanwhile, Dodge will have to dig deep to try and compete in the consumer market. If they are serious about a return to NASCAR, they need to step up their efforts. According to a late 2022 report from Sports Business Journal, Dodge did hold talks with NASCAR for a possible return. However, it appeared that those talks have stalled and such plans are officially on ice.