@leftturnclub: THE LAST TIME DODGE WON IN NASCAR… AND NOW THEY’RE COMING BACK! September 30, 2012. Dover International Speedway. What seemed like another important victory in Brad Keselowski’s championship run would eventually become a historic moment in NASCAR history: Dodge’s final Cup Series victory before leaving the sport. The 2012 AAA 400 was the third race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, and the championship battle was heating up. Driving the iconic No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger for Penske Racing, Brad Keselowski entered Dover looking to strengthen his championship hopes. For much of the afternoon, Kyle Busch dominated the Monster Mile, leading an incredible 302 of the 400 laps. However, as the race entered its closing stages, fuel mileage became the deciding factor. Busch and Denny Hamlin were forced to make late stops for fuel, opening the door for Keselowski. With just 10 laps remaining, Keselowski took the lead and never looked back. He held off Jeff Gordon by 1.078 seconds, leading only 14 laps all afternoon but capturing one of the most historically significant victories of his career. It was Dodge’s 217th victory in NASCAR’s premier series, and nobody knew just how long the manufacturer would have to wait for another opportunity. Keselowski would go on to capture the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship, delivering Dodge its first Cup championship since Richard Petty accomplished the feat in 1975. It was a remarkable farewell season for the manufacturer, which departed NASCAR’s top division following the 2012 campaign. For the next 14 years, NASCAR’s Cup Series would continue without the Dodge nameplate. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota would battle for supremacy while fans continued to remember the legendary Dodge Chargers that once competed on NASCAR’s biggest stages. BUT NOW, THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER! On November 2, 2026, Dodge officially announced its return to the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2027! Partnering with Kaulig Racing, Dodge will return with two factory-backed Dodge Chargers, bringing a fourth manufacturer back to NASCAR’s premier division. The manufacturer is scheduled to make its points-paying return at the 2027 Daytona 500, marking the beginning of an entirely new chapter. From Richard Petty’s legendary Dodge years to Bill Elliott’s success and Brad Keselowski’s unforgettable 2012 championship, Dodge has played an important role in NASCAR history. And now, after more than a decade away, the manufacturer is preparing to write another chapter. The last Dodge Cup victory came at Dover in 2012. Where will the next one happen? #NASCAR #Dodge #BradKeselowski #Throwback #racing

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Tuesday 03 November 2026 14:41:25 GMT