Dodge returns to NASCAR in 2027, FedEx Freight replaces Craftsman
NXTbets Pro | Published On: November 6, 2026
NASCAR’s 2027 plans
The manufacturer will join NASCAR as a fourth manufacturer in 2027. The Truck Series will also see a title-sponsor change. NASCAR wants to race in markets that can grow its fan base.
The series is focused on making racing easier to follow, growing driver star power and improving the current seventh-generation car. An eighth-generation car is not planned.
NASCAR audience grows
NASCAR said its audience numbers are moving in the right direction across several measures. Attendance across the sport’s 38 race weekends is up 5% overall, and attendance among children under 12 is up 12%. Social media impressions are up 34%, and interest among adults ages 18-34 is at its highest level since 2013. NASCAR also said it has seen record attendance at European events. Its free ad-supported TV channel has had a 35% lift since October.
That growth comes alongside some uneven TV numbers. NBC’s Martinsville race drew just under 2 million viewers, and the telecast was down 15% from last year. NASCAR chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell said the Martinsville telecast was the least-watched non-delayed Cup race on broadcast TV. O’Donnell also blamed recent postseason ratings declines on competition from college football and the NFL.
NASCAR tests format changes
NASCAR is preparing a fresh round of competition tweaks for 2027, starting with its qualifying format. The series will review its qualifying metric this offseason and may change qualifying at select events next year. It is still considering horsepower increases for 2027 as well. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Truck Series could serve as testing grounds for new formats. The CW has also expressed interest in midweek prime-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races.
Those ideas fit into a larger effort to make the sport easier to follow. NASCAR said the seventh-generation car still needs improvement, but the series is not moving to an eighth-generation model. Homestead-Miami Speedway remains part of the discussion too, but it is too soon to know whether the track will stay as the championship venue long term.
