Kevin Harvick on RAM return to NASCAR Truck Series became a focal point in motorsports as the well-known car manufacturer announced their comeback to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series after a 13-year hiatus, beginning in 2026. Harvick, a champion driver and team owner in NASCAR, offered enthusiastic approval for the return, viewing it as a pivotal move for the sport and for RAM’s legacy.
RAM Announces Comeback to NASCAR Truck Series
After over a decade away from NASCAR’s third division, RAM revealed their plans to rejoin the Craftsman Truck Series starting with the 2026 season. They will enter as the fourth competing manufacturer, joining established brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. The move signals a return for an iconic presence in NASCAR, which last participated in the series 13 years ago. Motorsports observers are especially interested in this development, with many recalling RAM’s previous impact on the series and the broader NASCAR landscape.
The announcement was met with considerable interest, not least because viral YouTuber and part-time ARCA competitor Cleetus McFarland is expected to play a driver and brand ambassador role. This partnership is expected to amplify RAM’s visibility, especially amongst younger and digitally engaged racing fans. The buzz surrounding the arrival of McFarland and RAM suggests a broader effort to blend traditional motorsport enthusiasm with modern digital engagement strategies.
Kevin Harvick’s Enthusiastic Endorsement
Harvick, who captured the NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2014 and once owned a prominent Truck Series team, voiced his support during the latest episode of his “Happy Hour” podcast. He emphasized how integral RAM has been to the Craftsman Truck Series over the years, reinforcing their identity as a true NASCAR brand. Reflecting on their absence, Harvick reiterated his excitement to see RAM return:
“It’s really neat to see RAM come back to the Truck Series. They were always such a big part of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and everything that happens and has happened with it through the years. So, they just, I mean — it’s just NASCAR. They’re just a NASCAR brand. I don’t know why they ever left. 13 years ago. I’m happy that they’re back.”
—Kevin Harvick, via Happy Hour podcast
Harvick’s experience as both a driver and owner gives unique weight to his endorsement, particularly as the series stands at a crossroads—with new manufacturers entering, and team allegiances set for possible shifts in the coming years.
Anticipation Builds Over Team Partner Choices
With RAM returning, discussion has immediately turned to what teams might switch allegiance and join the new program. Harvick himself, having been on the ownership side of the Truck Series, expressed his anticipation for these developments. There is speculation about which organizations might be recruited, especially given their current contracts with other manufacturers. The strategy and timing behind assembling the right teams will be critical for RAM’s successful reintegration.
“I can’t wait to see who their teams are going to be in the Truck Series. I think it will be very interesting to see that play out. Maybe they’ve already got them picked. But building these programs is always intriguing.”
—Kevin Harvick
The choices RAM makes in selecting teams, key staff, and creative direction could define whether this return is a short-term presence or marks a sustained competitive era. There is industry anticipation that teams may be enticed by new sponsorship opportunities and the media attention that follows the re-entry of a prominent manufacturer like RAM.
Strategic Timing and Technical Advantages
Another key factor influencing Harvick’s optimism is the structural changes in the Truck Series, notably the adoption of spec engines. This rule shift has simplified team entry by removing the need for specialized engine development, allowing newcomers to focus on achieving aerodynamic advantage and overall truck design. Harvick believes this opens a door for RAM to set a solid foundation as they rebuild their NASCAR program.
“It’s a great time to come into the Truck Series, because of the spec engine. You don’t have to develop an engine. You basically are going to develop the aero side of things with your body. It’s a lot simpler to get started in the Truck Series.”
—Kevin Harvick
The move to common engines means resources can be put towards bodywork and performance, rather than expensive and time-consuming powertrain innovation. This could allow RAM to become competitive more quickly and efficiently, making their comeback more immediately impactful.
Views on Potential Cup Series Expansion
During his podcast, Harvick also addressed the possibility that RAM’s return to the Truck Series could precede entry into NASCAR’s flagship Cup Series. As a veteran of the sport, Harvick observed that increased manufacturer presence ultimately benefits the racing ecosystem, driving current OEMs—Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford—to invest more heavily and stimulate financial growth among teams. He suggested that further competition could lower barriers for teams seeking sponsorship, making team ownership more attractive and sustainable.
“To have them back in the Cup Series is going to make it better for the Toyota, Chevy and Ford teams, because those manufacturers are going to have to lose some people…They’re going to have to either keep spending the same money with less teams, or spend a little bit more money. So, as a team owner in the past, when more manufacturers compete, the better it is for the team, because you get more funding, which means you can sell the sponsorship for less.”
—Kevin Harvick
This view reflects Harvick’s broader belief in the competitive virtues created by additional brands, which not only improves racing quality but also injects more economic opportunity into the sport. For team owners and prospective sponsors, a more crowded field means renewed promotional battles and opportunities for leveraged sponsorships—not just with RAM, but across NASCAR’s entire structure.
Broader Implications for NASCAR’s Future
Harvick’s passionate comments on RAM’s return capture a sense of renewed momentum within the NASCAR community. Many insiders, including those like Harvick who have been involved as both drivers and owners, perceive this as a sign that series such as the Truck division remain vibrant and promising for well-known brands as well as up-and-coming manufacturers. Given that organizations such as Dodge and Honda have long considered or teased potential entries into NASCAR, RAM’s return could serve as the catalyst that encourages these and other brands to make their own moves.
The evolving dynamics within the garage, prompted by spec engine rules and greater marketing opportunities, position RAM at a unique juncture. Their approach—balancing proven NASCAR talent with new media strategies tied to personalities like Cleetus McFarland—signals both respect for the sport’s tradition and a focus on connecting with new audiences. In the months to come, fans and analysts will closely watch which teams partner with RAM, how their trucks perform, and whether Cup Series ambitions will materialize soon after this calculated re-entry into top-flight racing.
Ultimately, Kevin Harvick’s vocal support, combined with RAM’s strategic timing and the enthusiasm surrounding their bold plans, has brought a new layer of excitement to the NASCAR Truck Series. This could ultimately reshape the sport’s competitive landscape and inspire more brands to pursue NASCAR victories in the years ahead.
