Kaulig Racing’s willingness to pursue a Truck Series entry under a Kaulig Racing potential RAM Truck Series partnership is sparking speculation about a possible shift away from Chevrolet, as team owner Matt Kaulig intensifies his focus on returning to victory lane in NASCAR. The team’s leadership, including President Chris Rice, has openly discussed the factors driving their potential manufacturer switch, aiming to renew their competitive edge.
Exploring a Strategic Move into the Truck Series
Chris Rice, President of Kaulig Racing, has made it clear that a foray into the Truck Series is on the table, provided it helps the organization reclaim a winning trajectory. He alluded to Matt Kaulig‘s revitalized goal for success and hinted at ongoing discussions regarding teaming up with RAM as the manufacturer prepares its renewed Truck Series debut. As Rice shared in a recent interview,
“I think it’s still up in the air. I think it’s a couple teams that’s in the mix. But I can promise you one thing. If we get it. I will guarantee you. I’ll be able to tell you guys and we’ll be smiling about it,”
he said. —Chris Rice, President
The return of RAM to the Truck Series has triggered rumors about teams possibly changing their original equipment manufacturer. While Niece Motorsports has confirmed its commitment to Chevrolet, Kaulig Racing’s signals suggest they are seriously evaluating a switch. Rice emphasized the importance of winning in Kaulig’s strategy, sharing insights from a recent discussion with the team owner:
“He just told me Sunday flying home. He is ready to win again, and when he says that he means it…..So he wants to win. So we have to figure out how to win. No matter what that is…And if that means getting into a bunch of different series, that’s what that means.”
—Chris Rice, President
Kaulig Racing‘s current operations include entries in the Cup Series, fielding drivers like AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon, with Will Brown participating on a part-time basis. In the Xfinity Series, Daniel Dye and Christian Eckles represent the team as rookies running full-time campaigns. Recently, veteran Josh Williams departed following a string of underwhelming performances, reflecting shifting dynamics within the organization.
Addressing Stability and Future in the Xfinity Series
Amid swirling rumors about the sustainability of their Xfinity program—exacerbated by Josh Williams’ exit and the closure of a third car—Chris Rice has publicly defended the team’s position and denied claims of a looming withdrawal.
“I’ve seen something where everybody said the Xfinity program is shutting down. It’s not shutting down. That’s our cornerstone,”
Rice said. —Chris Rice, President
Rice further clarified the situation regarding the team’s future participation levels:
“Will we have three cars? Man, I don’t know, it just depends on funding,”
he added. —Chris Rice, President
Despite uncertainty and ongoing changes, Kaulig Racing is still running the No.11 Chevy on a part-time basis, with Carson Hocevar substituting at Iowa Speedway and delivering a season-matching sixth-place finish in the #11 car. Meanwhile, Josh Williams, though without a permanent ride, remains hopeful about his prospects, noting the challenges of securing a seat in NASCAR.
What This Means for Kaulig Racing’s Next Chapter
The firm pursuit of a Kaulig Racing potential RAM Truck Series partnership reflects a determined effort by Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice to elevate the team’s competitive stature. With ongoing assessment of manufacturer options and a clear intent to secure victories across NASCAR’s major series, Kaulig Racing’s choices in the coming months could reshape their trajectory—possibly breaking away from Chevrolet and redefining their legacy in stock car racing. As the team navigates lineup shifts and manufacturer bids, stakeholders across the sport will be closely watching for the outcome of their next strategic move.
