Dale Earnhardt Jr on RAM NASCAR pipeline was a major topic on his recent YouTube podcast, as the former driver discussed RAM Trucks’ collaboration with Kaulig Racing and their direct approach to moving drivers into the Cup Series. The announcement of RAM‘s official NASCAR comeback, revealed at Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM dealership in Florida on August 23, 2025, sets the stage for the OEM’s entry into the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, aiming for a significant impact in the racing world.
RAM Trucks and Kaulig Racing Launch Direct Cup Series Path
The return of RAM to NASCAR was made official at a dealership owned by Daniel Dye’s father, located on North Tomoka Farms Road in Daytona. RAM, as an original equipment manufacturer, plans to field five trucks in partnership with Kaulig Racing for the 2026 season, establishing an unprecedented direct pipeline for talented drivers eyeing a future in the Cup Series.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on what this deal could mean for rising and established racers. He highlighted the importance of scouting drivers from the Xfinity Series, local circuits like the Cars Tour, regional champions, and veteran racers eager for another shot at competition. Earnhardt believes RAM’s format provides a uniquely straightforward path compared to the more winding roads offered by other manufacturers.
He explained the advantages for aspiring Cup Series drivers with the RAM Truck initiative:
“You bring in some grassroots young guy that needs that opportunity, that everybody would be excited about. This has absolutely got a direct path to the Cup Series. All these other programs, there’s a route to cup, but it ain’t direct. Dodge is going to be a Cup team in the next year or two.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“If you jump in one of their five trucks and you go out there and win races, you have supplanted yourself as their future. I would be knocking the door down over a colleague trying to get to Chris Rice to see what opportunity would be there for me if I was a young driver looking for a chance,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
Before solidifying the deal with Kaulig Racing, RAM approached several other teams, including Niece Motorsports, GMS Racing, and Rette Jones Racing, but only the North Carolina-based Kaulig team agreed to be their official partner. This deal marks Kaulig Racing as the first NASCAR organization competing with two OEMs under the same governing body, reflecting both innovation and risk in the sport’s landscape.
Changes in the 2026 Cup Series Schedule Bring Excitement
Earlier this month, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, gave his perspective on newly announced tweaks to the 2026 Cup Series schedule. The schedule, unveiled by NASCAR’s governing body on August 20, 2025, includes significant shifts aimed at energizing racing fans and participants alike.
The upcoming season will start with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, a non-points exhibition scheduled for early February 2026. The regular season‘s first official race, the Daytona 500, takes place at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, setting a familiar yet exciting tone for the year.
A standout change for 2026 is the relocation of the All-Star Race from North Wilkesboro Speedway, which previously hosted the event, to Dover Motor Speedway. As a result, North Wilkesboro’s event transitions into a points-paying race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts about this notable adjustment:
“The big news for me on the 2026 @NASCAR schedule is @NWBSpeedway getting a points race! I can’t wait to call 400 laps of night racing there on July 19. It’s massive for the surrounding community, and every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The North Wilkesboro race is set for July 19, 2026, and stands as a significant moment for local fans and the broader NASCAR community. The revised schedule also includes two new off-weeks during the regular season, one after the Martinsville event at the end of March, and another following the Indianapolis race in late July. These breaks will allow teams and drivers a chance to regroup and recharge during a demanding season.
What These Changes Mean for NASCAR’s Future
The partnership between RAM Trucks and Kaulig Racing promises a new, transparent route for emerging talent and seasoned drivers to ascend toward the prestigious Cup Series. Dale Earnhardt Jr. on RAM NASCAR pipeline underscores the potential for the sport to become more accessible and competitive. The schedule revisions, highlighted by Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s enthusiasm, aim to keep the fan base engaged, while also delivering new opportunities for communities and industry stakeholders connected to venues like North Wilkesboro Speedway. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these reforms reshape the landscape of NASCAR and influence both current drivers and the next generation of racing stars.
