As I'm sure most NASCAR fans have heard by now, Dodge is withdrawing from NASCAR competition after the 2012 season is finished. Dodge made a roaring return to NASCAR competition in 2001, headed by former NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham and his team Evernham Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing. Penske Racing joined the list of notable teams in 2003 running Dodges, switching away from Fords effective that season.
But, I could see this departure coming after looking back on the events of the past few years.
For the 2008 season, Chip Ganassi Racing had merged with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to form Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, switching from Dodge to Chevrolet beginning that season, and to this day still run Chevrolet race cars.
For the 2009 season, Gillette Evernham Motorsports had merged with Petty Enterprises, to form Richard Petty Motorsports.
For the 2012 season, Richard Petty Motorsports had switched manufacturers from Dodge to Ford, leaving Penske Racing as the main team fielding Dodge race cars.
In March 2012, team owner Roger Penske announced that Penske Racing will be switching to Fords after the 2012 season.
Having designed and built a 2013 Dodge Charger Sprint Cup car, in a movement by NASCAR to bring more brand identity and individuality to the series, this left Dodge with no major players left to run its brand. Furniture Row Racing was in talks with Dodge to switch away from Chevrolet with the potential purchase of Penske Racing's engine program, and expanding to two teams possibly with Kurt Busch as the second driver alongside Regan Smith, pending sponsorship. Although not disclosed, it was rumored that Richard Petty Motorsports and Phoenix Racing were also in talks with the manufacturer.
Despite winning 55 races since its return in 2001, Dodge announced in August 2012 that it will not be returning for the 2013 NASCAR season. Of the 55 wins as of August 5th, 2012, Penske Racing had 29, with the most recent win with the #2 Miller Light Dodge Charger driven by Brad Keselowski on June 30th, 2012 at Kentucky Speedway.
With Dodge's withdrawal, this leaves Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota as manufacturers represented in NASCAR.
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