Kaulig Racing and RAM have announced Brenden Queen as the first full-time driver for their new NASCAR Truck Series team, set to launch in 2026. Queen, the reigning ARCA Menards Series champion, will take the wheel as Kaulig Racing expands its presence in national stock car racing.
Kaulig Racing Introduces Queen as First Driver for Truck Series Debut
On Thursday, Kaulig Racing confirmed that 28-year-old Brenden Queen will join its newly-formed NASCAR Truck Series team, backed by RAM, when it enters competition for the 2026 season. The team, which is building its debut lineup, has not yet released the truck number Queen will drive. The news was underscored by the team’s public announcement:
“We’ve got our first! Brenden Queen has been named Kaulig Racing’s first full-time @RamTrucks driver for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season!”
— Kaulig Trucks, Team Announcement
ARCA Success Fuels Queen’s Move to Truck Series
Brenden Queen’s breakout year in the ARCA Menards Series elevated him to national attention, making him a natural candidate to headline the new operation. The Chesapeake, Virginia native found early success in late model racing circuits before becoming a prominent figure in ARCA, where he captured eight victories across 21 starts this season. His impressive campaign as 2025 champion has set expectations high as he transitions into the NASCAR Truck Series team structure.
Previous NASCAR Experience and Ongoing Xfinity Series Participation
Queen made his first NASCAR Truck Series appearance at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024, finishing a strong fourth. He also achieved a top-10 finish in the Xfinity Series at Kansas Speedway on September 27, where he drove the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet to ninth place. Queen will gain additional experience by running the final three races of the 2025 Xfinity Series season with Kaulig Racing, allowing him to further prepare for his full-time Truck Series campaign.
Spotlight on Queen for Kaulig Racing’s Debut Truck Team
With the addition of Queen, Kaulig Racing has filled the first of five available seats on its new NASCAR Truck Series team, leaving four spots yet to be announced. As the team’s most high-profile selection so far, Queen is positioned to be the centerpiece of their inaugural effort, drawing considerable attention from fans and competitors throughout the garage. The launch of this Truck Series program is highly anticipated as Kaulig Racing seeks to bolster its reputation in national competition.
Background of Coverage and Notable Connections
Brenden Queen’s Virginia roots place him in the same region as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin and highlight the area’s ongoing contribution to stock car racing talent. Samuel, who has reported on NASCAR for Yardbarker since early 2024 and is a National Motorsports Press Association member, has covered Queen’s rise and the evolution of the new NASCAR Truck Series team. As Kaulig Racing continues to assemble its lineup, all eyes remain on Queen’s progress and the team’s upcoming debut season.
The selection of Queen as the flagship driver signals Kaulig Racing’s commitment to building a competitive and dynamic NASCAR Truck Series team, setting the stage for an exciting debut in 2026.
We’ve got our first! 😏
Brenden Queen has been named Kaulig Racing’s first full-time @RamTrucks driver for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season! pic.twitter.com/mddyYTOqeh
— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) October 16, 2025
