Kaulig Racing is set to break new ground in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series by implementing a unique dual manufacturer approach for the 2026 season, a move that sets the Kaulig Racing dual OEM NASCAR strategy apart from any other team to date. Team president Chris Rice discussed the balance required to honor the team’s longstanding commitment to Chevrolet while also welcoming RAM’s much-anticipated return to NASCAR.
Kaulig Racing Sets Historic Precedent with Dual Manufacturer Alliance
As Kaulig Racing prepares for the 2026 Truck Series, the team plans to become the first in the sport’s history to field entries from two different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) under the same governing body. This initiative follows years of racing continuity, with Kaulig Racing participating as a full-time competitor in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series since 2016.
Over nearly a decade, Kaulig Racing has maintained a strong relationship with Chevrolet. Within the Cup Series, the team fields AJ Allmendinger in the #16 Chevy Camaro ZL1 and Ty Dillon in the #10 Chevy. In parallel, the Xfinity Series lineup features rookies Daniel Dye and Christian Eckes, both behind the wheel of Chevrolets. With Chevrolet, Kaulig Racing has celebrated noteworthy milestones, including two Cup Series wins and 27 victories in the Xfinity Series.
Introducing RAM to the NASCAR Truck Series
Looking ahead to 2026, Kaulig Racing is marking its debut in the Craftsman Truck Series by introducing RAM trucks, a manufacturer making its highly anticipated comeback to NASCAR. Before finalizing this partnership, RAM explored possibilities with teams like Niece Motorsports, GMS Racing, and Rette Jones Racing. Eventually, Kaulig Racing emerged as the team to align with RAM, particularly after Niece Motorsports decided to continue exclusively with Chevrolet.
The dual strategy posed sensitive questions regarding team loyalty. In a conversation with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass, Chris Rice addressed how Kaulig Racing intends to balance its established partnership with Chevrolet and the exciting prospect of working with RAM. He shared,
“Yeah, well, so we’ve had meetings with Chevrolet, and, you know, I mean, it’s like anything, right? You don’t; we don’t run Chevrolets and XFINITY and Cup, so you got to, kind of. We just told it, you know; we told them why, what, when, and why we needed to do this. And, like, the biggest thing was, is, like, you know, Chevy has been with us for a while. That OEM partner has been there with us for a long time.”
—Chris Rice, Team President
Rice also stated,
“We don’t want to disrespect them at all, because we need them, just like, you know, hopefully they need us, right? So, long story short, I think they went fine. They got to do what they have to do for their OEM, and we needed to do what we need to do… Not a tier one, not a tier one,”
he added. —Chris Rice, Team President
This dual OEM move illustrates Kaulig Racing’s intention to honor existing alliances while remaining receptive to innovation and broader competition in the NASCAR field. The partnership aims to increase the organization‘s flexibility, strengthen competitive dynamics, and expand its reach among fans and sponsors across different platforms.
Leadership Decisions Follow Recent Driver Changes
In an unrelated but recent development, Kaulig Racing also made headlines with personnel changes in their Xfinity Series program. Earlier in July 2025, the team announced parting ways with Josh Williams, who had been behind the wheel of the #11 Chevy since early 2024. Williams’ departure followed a period of underwhelming results, with just 16 top-ten finishes in 231 Xfinity Series starts over the course of his career.
Williams released a statement reflecting on his exit, saying,
“As most of you have seen, Kaulig Racing has made the decision to release me for the remainder of the season. This has been a difficult day for my family, friends, long-time partners, and fans, whom I can’t thank enough for standing by my side through all of this. We will be back soon and looking forward to a much brighter chapter in my racing career. I wish nothing but the best for my guys on the 11 team.”
—Josh Williams, Driver
Despite health challenges and performance concerns, Williams remains positive about his future, even though he has not disclosed upcoming plans. The team continues to nurture rising talent like Daniel Dye and Christian Eckes, signaling Kaulig Racing’s commitment to fresh faces alongside their evolving manufacturer partnerships.
Implications and Outlook for Kaulig Racing’s Dual OEM Path
Looking ahead, Kaulig Racing’s unprecedented move to use both Chevrolet and RAM within the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series represents a strategic attempt to boost adaptability and brand prominence. This decision could influence how other teams consider blending longstanding alliances with new partnerships. By navigating these relationships and continuing to push boundaries, Kaulig Racing is poised to shape the competitive landscape and help drive forward-thinking changes in NASCAR in the years to come.
