It’s been brewing up for years, in speculation for months, and finally, it could be said confidently, the possibility of Dodge re-entering NASCAR, is more or less, over. This is because the iconic car manufacturer recently announced some pretty big news.
That being of the discontinuation of two of its most popular car models, the Challenger and the Charger, being discontinued from production effectively from next year.
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“Dodge, with the Challenger and Charger, they really found a way to really get to that muscle car root. These cars definitely expressed it … and were able to hold onto that essence,” Stephanie Brinley, principal analyst at S&P Global said. “Having that clear DNA and clear expression of what they’re supposed to be is helping make the transition to electric.”
But is there still some hope for the Dodge to NASCAR hopefuls?
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There is still a sliver of light in the Dodge-NASCAR reunion story
Yes, Dodge is discontinuing the Charger and the Challenger, with the Charger being the stock car the company last raced in the sport in. But there is still a possibility of them re-entering the premier stock car racing league.
It is no secret now that NASCAR is evaluating, quite seriously, the prospect of having an all-electric series, with an exhibition race of EVs slated for next year’s Clash weekend in Los Angeles.
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On top of that, on many occasions in recent memory, senior officials have admitted that they are considering the entry of new OEMs into the sport.
Now this, coupled with the admission by Dodge to entering the EV market space could lead to a re-imagination of the iconic muscle car brand jumping back into the sport, in a new era, with new technology, a new identity, but the same spirit.
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Whether this comes true or not, only time will tell.