Ty Dillon’s Kaulig Racing future has become the subject of heated debate in the NASCAR Cup Series garage as only two races remain in the 2025 season, following Kaulig Racing’s announcement that it will end its technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Chevrolet. The organization’s decision to launch a Ram-supported truck program in 2026 has intensified questions about whether Dillon will hold onto the No. 10 seat next year, deepening speculation about driver changes within the team.
Kaulig Racing’s longstanding partnership with RCR and Dillon’s family connection—he is Richard Childress’ grandson—have historically tied the organizations together. The team currently features A.J. Allmendinger in the No. 16 and Ty Dillon in the No. 10 for Cup series competition. However, the looming split has raised concerns about the stability of both drivers’ positions and the direction of the team heading into a new era with Ram support.
Fans and Insiders Debate the Future of the No. 10 Seat
Amid this climate of uncertainty, fans have been actively questioning what the future holds for Dillon and Kaulig Racing. The subject surfaced on social media when a fan posed to NASCAR analyst Mamba Smith whether Dillon’s departure from the No. 10 could open the door for former Kaulig driver Justin Haley to return, noting the tumultuous year Dillon has faced. The fan referenced Tommy Baldwin’s support for Dillon, hinting at widespread concern about Dillon’s career prospects following Kaulig Racing’s realignment.
Smith addressed the speculation directly, balancing candid possibilities with respect for Dillon’s recent performances.
“I think it’s possible. But realistically, Ty overperformed by what most people thought that 10 group was capable of. He deserves that seat. I think the question would be does he want to stay and does he have quality options?”
– Mamba Smith, Analyst
This endorsement followed a season in which Dillon, often without publicity, surpassed the expectations set for his team. Earlier in the year, Dillon advanced to the final round of NASCAR’s inaugural in-season challenge, ultimately coming up just short of winning the $1 million prize, losing to Ty Gibbs after outpacing several veteran drivers along his run.
Analyzing Driver Performance and Shifting Rosters
While Dillon’s performance has received recognition, his season draws close comparison to that of Justin Haley, who was recently released from Spire Motorsports after the team elected to sign Daniel Suárez away from Trackhouse Racing. Suárez’s former seat was swiftly filled by promising Xfinity talent Connor Zilisch, leaving Haley without a confirmed Cup ride for 2026.
Side by side, Haley has posted a 22.6 average finish this season, compared to Dillon’s 24.2. Dillon has earned one top-10 result—a strong eighth place at Atlanta—while Haley scored two top-10s, including a podium at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona. These figures have fueled further debate about whether organizational strategy or on-track results will ultimately determine who secures the No. 10 seat at Kaulig Racing beyond the current season.
Kaulig Racing faces a transformative period as the RCR split looms, with the balance between continuity and change at the heart of its decisions. Insiders suggest that Dillon’s future may depend not only on performance but also on his interest in remaining with the team and the external opportunities available to him in a shifting NASCAR Cup landscape.
Pit Road Incidents Add Pressure on Dillon’s Standing
Compounding questions about Ty Dillon’s Kaulig Racing future are a series of high-visibility pit road incidents in recent weeks. During the Las Vegas race, Dillon was criticized for making an abrupt pit entry without warning, hampering William Byron’s run for a runner-up finish. Observers noted that Dillon failed to use hand signals or spotter communication, prompting frustration from rival crews and raising concerns among officials.
The following event at Talladega saw Dillon unintentionally strike a loose tire belonging to Josh Berry’s team, forcing the tire towards a crew member and requiring immediate intervention. While NASCAR officials reviewed the incident, no penalties were applied beyond a standard safety violation. Insiders commented that Dillon likely had room to adjust his path but did not take the opportunity, reigniting debate over his situational awareness on pit road.
Looking Ahead: Final Races and the Road to 2026
Dillon now turns his attention to the upcoming Martinsville Speedway’s Xfinity 500, a track where he achieved his best short-track result in years by finishing 15th in March—his top performance at the venue since 2019. With only two events remaining in the Cup Series season, Dillon and Kaulig Racing have limited time to shape the narrative surrounding both his performance and his future as the team moves into its Ram-backed era.
The final outcome for Ty Dillon remains uncertain, with organizational changes, external opportunities, and recent race incidents all playing a role in what’s next for both the driver and Kaulig Racing. The decisions made in the coming months will significantly affect not only Dillon’s career but also the direction of one of NASCAR’s most talked-about teams at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
I think it’s possible. But realistically Ty over performed by what most people thought that 10 group was capable of. He deserves that seat.
I think the question would be does he want to stay and does he have quality options? https://t.co/ZJXedPHvq1
— Mamba Smith (@MambaSmith34) October 25, 2025
