Concerns about Richard Childress NASCAR future have surged following Ram’s announcement of a return to the sport alongside Kaulig Racing in 2026, an arrangement that draws attention from notable figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. With changes affecting sponsors, teams, and drivers, including Ty Dillon—Childress’ grandson—questions have arisen about stability and opportunity in NASCAR’s evolving competitive landscape.
Ram’s Comeback and Implications for Kaulig Racing
After stepping away from the NASCAR Cup Series in 2012 and the Craftsman Truck Series in 2016, Ram, the iconic brand spun off from Dodge, has decided to rejoin the series. Their return is scheduled for 2026, partnering with Kaulig Racing. Kaulig has predominantly raced with Chevrolet since 2016, making this shift particularly significant for the team and its drivers as they prepare to become a multi-OEM operation. This evolving dynamic draws natural comparisons to Roger Penske, who has thrived while partnering with several manufacturers across IMSA, IndyCar, and NASCAR, cementing relationships with Ford, Porsche, and Chevrolet, respectively. Penske’s ability to manage diverse allegiances has set a benchmark for versatility, yet this approach is not without risk or precedent in the current NASCAR landscape.
Ty Dillon’s Uncertain Path as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Raises Concerns
Ty Dillon, currently seated 32nd in the points without a top ten finish, was previously the center of fanfare following his performance in the Atlanta Cup Series race, where he famously knocked out Denny Hamlin during the In-Season Tournament. He fueled on-track drama with his memorable words,
“For all you Denny fans out there, I just knocked your favorite driver out.”
– Ty Dillon, Driver. Though Dillon battled valiantly through that tournament, ultimately falling to Ty Gibbs, his present standings reflect a challenging season, and the future appears weighed down by Kaulig Racing’s realignment.
The mid-August announcement of Ram’s collaboration with Kaulig for up to five Truck Series entries marked a pivotal moment. Dale Earnhardt Jr. discussed these developments candidly on his podcast, voicing unease about how the new partnership might impact drivers caught in the shuffle. He explained,
“This absolutely, I’m assuming, jeopardizes or terminates their relationship with Chevrolet going forward with their Xfinity program, their Cup program…I think for Ty Dillon, it could put his ride in jeopardy.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Personality. The suggestion is that shifting manufacturer loyalties could trigger broader changes across Cup and Xfinity Series teams, with drivers like Dillon facing increased competition for seats, uncertainty about sponsorships, and possible removal from a stable ride altogether.
Kaulig Racing’s Rapid Expansion Plans Stir Industry Buzz
Kaulig Racing, active in both Cup and Xfinity Series, has operated five teams in 2025: two Cup rides for Ty Dillon and AJ Allmendinger (the latter heading to a part-time Xfinity seat with JR Motorsports next year), plus three Xfinity entries featuring Daniel Dye, Christian Eckes, and several alternate drivers. In a bold move, Kaulig plans to double its teams to ten, bringing in an estimated 50 additional members. While such a swift and expansive growth could intensify existing pressures on drivers and staff, Kaulig Racing’s leadership maintains confidence in handling the unique logistics and partnerships of being a multi-OEM team.
Chris Rice, the team’s president during this transition, stressed that shifting to multi-brand alliances is manageable, remarking,
“They do it all the time, Penske does it, a lot of people do it, so that you have OEMs in different series,”
– Chris Rice, President, Kaulig Racing. He continued to acknowledge their gratitude for long-standing Chevrolet support, stating,
“It’s a totally separate deal, we’re very fortunate for what we’ve had over at Chevrolet.”
– Chris Rice, President, Kaulig Racing. This reassurance, however, does not entirely quell anxieties expressed by Earnhardt Jr. or the fans of drivers whose contracts and trajectories could be affected.
Dale Jr. Champions Ty Dillon’s Perseverance
Despite these high-level concerns, Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains vocal about Ty Dillon’s resilience and racing spirit. Reflecting on Dillon’s near-victory in the bracket challenge, Earnhardt Jr. shared,
“Remember the in-race bracket challenge and how he went through and did all of that? …Damn. Almost won it,”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Personality. He went on to praise Dillon’s on-track determination:
“How many races have we seen where…we see this guy jump up there and go for it and send it and gain, you know, six, eight spots in the final three laps to grab a top 25…He’s one of those guys who just doesn’t give up. His day is never over.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Personality. These observations reinforce Dillon’s reputation for late-race surges and refusal to concede, traits that could be vital as competition for secure Cup Series seats intensifies.
Chris Rice Steps Up as Kaulig Racing Appoints First CEO
In anticipation of the upcoming transformation, team owner Matt Kaulig has promoted Chris Rice from president to the organization’s first-ever CEO. Having started with Kaulig Racing as a crew chief in 2016, Rice has since overseen the acquisition of 27 Xfinity Series trophies and 2 Cup Series wins. This next step places him at the helm during one of the team’s most critical transitions, as Kaulig Racing embarks on its partnership with Ram and dramatically expands its operations. Matt Kaulig commended the promotion by stating,
“Chris Rice is the real deal,”
– Matt Kaulig, Team Owner. He further underscored Rice’s dedication and growth:
“From his early days on pit road to President and now CEO of Kaulig Racing, his journey reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion that define this sport.”
– Matt Kaulig, Team Owner.
Rice expressed gratitude for this leadership role and conveyed optimism about the organization’s direction:
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for Matt’s trust in me. From day one, our goal has been to create something special here at Kaulig Racing, not just wins on the track, but a culture where people love to come to work every day. With our partnership with RAM and the opportunity to continue grow in 2026, the future has never been brighter for Kaulig Racing.”
– Chris Rice, CEO, Kaulig Racing. The synergy between Kaulig’s growth ambitions and Ram’s re-entry could position both partners for greater recognition and achievements across NASCAR’s platforms.
What Lies Ahead for Richard Childress, Ty Dillon, and NASCAR
As Kaulig Racing gears up for a rapid doubling of its fleet and adapts to a new manufacturer alliance, uncertainty lingers around the Richard Childress NASCAR future. For Ty Dillon, whose 2025 campaign was marked by perseverance and flashes of potential, his position within Kaulig’s Cup Series lineup is under threat due to shifting manufacturer associations. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s outspoken concerns spotlight the delicate balance teams must achieve when expanding operations and changing partnerships, especially when family ties and driver development are on the line.
The next season will test not only the resourcefulness of teams like Kaulig Racing and leadership figures such as Chris Rice and Matt Kaulig, but also the adaptability of seasoned drivers like Ty Dillon. NASCAR’s ongoing manufacturer realignment and the influx of new resources could trigger a domino effect across the sport—reshaping driver lineups, altering competitive hierarchies, and impacting the careers of rising talents. Fans and industry observers are watching closely to see if Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s apprehensions will materialize, or if Kaulig Racing’s ambitious blueprint will set a new standard for multi-OEM success in modern stock car racing.
