Rodney Childers may soon return to NASCAR, with attention now focused on a possible role with the Kaulig Racing Ram Truck Series team as they prepare for a major debut in 2026. As Kaulig Racing gears up to launch a new trucks program, industry veterans and rising stars are eyeing the potential impact on the sport’s future development.
Kaulig Racing’s Expansion into the Ram Truck Series
Childers, who has been spending quality time at home and supporting emerging drivers such as Keelan Harvick and Landen Lewis in the CARS Tour, could join Kaulig Racing in their new venture. The team plans to field five Ram trucks in the upcoming series, sourcing vehicles from Spire Motorsports and possibly reducing their <a href="https://slicksandsticks.com/category/news/xfinity-series/”>Xfinity Series operations. This move reflects Kaulig’s intent to establish a robust Truck Series lineup while reshaping their organization.
The congruence between Truck Series vehicles and Cup Series cars has grown, a fact not lost on industry insiders who see truck racing as increasingly relevant to Cup Series preparation. The transition from Xfinity to Cup, however, is less direct due to the significant differences between those cars.
Kaulig’s alignment with Ram as NASCAR’s newest manufacturer partner has sparked speculation, with Childers especially interested in the possibility. Industry observers have noted that new opportunities could emerge for both established and up-and-coming talents if this partnership continues to develop.
“I know some people needing a good job,”
—Rodney Childers, Team Leader, responding to Matt Weaver of Motorsport
Potential for New Talent Development and Partnerships
The potential for Childers and Corey LaJoie to play instrumental roles in building the flagship Ram Trucks effort at Kaulig Racing has drawn notable attention. This partnership could anchor the team for when Stellantis, which owns Ram, Dodge, and other brands, decides to pursue a Cup Series program in the future. Establishing a solid foundation and a strong talent pipeline is crucial for the sustained success of any new manufacturer-backed entry.
Kaulig Racing and Ram are expected to seek a strategic mix of veteran drivers and younger talents in their initial rosters. The long-term survival and competitiveness of future Cup ambitions will heavily depend on nurturing new drivers early, offering a clear path from Trucks to higher NASCAR levels.
Balancing Multiple Manufacturers at Kaulig Racing
Adding to the complexity, Kaulig Racing plans to continue racing Chevrolet cars in both the Cup and Xfinity Series, all based out of the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, North Carolina. This dual-manufacturer approach raises questions about operational boundaries, as neither Chevrolet nor Ram will want data or resources shared across programs, even if they are competing in separate NASCAR series.
Managing five trucks each week in a competitive field, similar in size to established teams like Tricon or ThorSport, presents significant challenges. There will be considerable work required before the 2026 Daytona season opener to ensure the program meets expectations. The effectiveness of Kaulig Racing and Ram Trucks in collaborating to recruit the right blend of veterans and young talent could set a precedent in NASCAR for years to come.
With anticipation building, the motorsports community will closely watch how Rodney Childers, Kaulig Racing, and their partners navigate these industry shifts. The integration of the Kaulig Racing Ram Truck Series team presents a notable pivot point both for team development and for the broader trajectory of manufacturer involvement in NASCAR.
