Kaulig Racing is making headlines with its bold entry as RAM’s flagship team in the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, setting the pace for a revitalized partnership that will see up to five RAM 1500 trucks on the grid. The announcement places the Kaulig Racing RAM Truck Series effort at the center of NASCAR’s evolving landscape, with Cup veteran Justin Haley, ARCA champion Brenden Queen, and young talent Daniel Dye all securing seats for next season’s campaign.
RAM’s Factory Comeback with Kaulig Racing
The return of RAM, a division of Stellantis, to the NASCAR national stage marks its first factory-backed team since 2012 – a significant move underscored by its alignment with Kaulig Racing. In 2026, Kaulig will enter up to five RAM-branded trucks, rejuvenating the manufacturer’s presence in one of motorsport’s most competitive series. This official partnership was revealed as Kaulig Racing, an established organization known for its championship-contending campaigns, steps into the factory role, bringing new energy and resources to the RAM brand within NASCAR.
This decision follows Kaulig Racing’s earlier revelation that Brenden Queen, a recent ARCA Menards Series champion known for his racing prowess and streak of momentum, would join as a full-time Truck Series driver. Queen’s quick rise and championship status inject further excitement into the expanding lineup.
A Powerhouse Trio: Haley, Queen, and Dye Set the Tone
Kaulig Racing’s move was further amplified when Justin Haley, who lost his Cup Series ride after 2024, signed on to headline the RAM-backed effort, making his return to the team where he previously achieved notable playoff success. Haley spent five seasons with Kaulig, making the Championship 4 in the 2020 Xfinity Series playoffs. The team’s new direction allows Haley a return to his racing roots, where he can aim at fresh achievements with significant manufacturer support.
“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to race with Kaulig Racing again,”
said Haley.
“Coming back to launch this Truck program means a lot to me.”
– Justin Haley, Driver.
Alongside him, Daniel Dye brings youthful vigor as he transitions from completing his Xfinity rookie season at Phoenix to full-time Truck racing. Dye’s personal story is closely intertwined with the RAM brand, as he recalls using RAM vehicles for both kart racing and family travel throughout his upbringing.
“Getting to drive for Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series while representing RAM next year is truly special for me,”
said Dye.
With reigning ARCA champion Brenden Queen rounding out the lineup, Kaulig Racing now fields an impressive mix: a proven Cup driver, a fast-rising rookie, and a reigning champion. The collective experience and fresh talent make this team a formidable presence in the upcoming season. Kaulig’s five-truck approach stands as not just expansion, but a visible declaration of intent to dominate the RAM Truck Series landscape.
High Stakes and Next Generation Ambitions
Kaulig Racing’s investment in both veteran and young drivers positions them as a team to watch in 2026. The addition of several big names under the RAM umbrella signals the team’s commitment to winning and innovation. The drivers’ backgrounds reinforce how deeply the series taps into longstanding NASCAR tradition, new opportunities, and diverse personalities, all coming together for a robust team dynamic.
Brenden Queen’s path from ARCA champion to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is proof of both his talent and Kaulig’s investment in promising drivers. Daniel Dye’s full-circle moment with RAM adds authenticity and resonance to the story. Meanwhile, the experienced Justin Haley finds renewed motivation in a familiar setting armed with a manufacturer that’s investing heavily in national competition. Kaulig’s trophy-driven approach finds fresh meaning as this group targets series titles and major race wins as a factory-backed powerhouse.
Phoenix Showdown: Parsons Steps In at Spire
While Kaulig Racing grabs attention for 2026, the 2025 Truck season closes with another notable storyline as Stefan Parsons takes the wheel for Spire’s No. 7 truck at Phoenix. Parsons, 27, son of Phil Parsons and nephew of racing legend Benny Parsons, notches his eighth national start of the year and sixth in Trucks with this season finale drive. Having completed five races with Young’s Motorsports, with finishing spots ranging between 12th and 25th, Parsons is no stranger to the circuit’s competitive grind.
Stefan Parsons brings a strong resume, including 11 Truck starts last year for Henderson Motorsports, achieving a sixth-place best and earning three top-10 finishes. He now enters Spire’s well-tested No. 7 truck, which has delivered consistent results throughout the year with 12 top-10s, eight top-fives, and two wins from a rotation of drivers that includes Kyle Busch, Carson Hocevar, Justin Haley, JJ Yeley, and Patrick Emerling.
“Spire always brings fast trucks to the track, and I’m ready to go out there and make the most of it,”
said Parsons.
The Spire program underwent significant changes after Watkins Glen, with Andrés Pérez de Lara stepping out and the No. 07 truck being parked. Corey LaJoie’s points have since shifted to the No. 77 entry, heightening anticipation for the season-end. Parsons’ participation rounds out an unpredictable year and he aims to stand out in a crowded Truck prize hunt.
The Broader Impact: Shifting Gears and Breaking Trends
RAM’s move to position Kaulig Racing as a factory flagship is a major milestone, both for the manufacturer and for the broader series. This strategic decision injects fresh competition at a time of growing manufacturer activity and reshuffling team rosters. Enthusiasm from fans and stakeholders alike is palpable as factory support often signals a new era of technical advancement and expanded driver opportunities in the Kaulig Racing RAM Truck Series.
The announcement comes as Cup and Xfinity drivers like Haley, Queen, and Dye seek new platforms to compete at the front, blending proven success with the ambition of rising stars. The synergy between Kaulig’s aggressive team-building and RAM’s renewed financial and technical backing hints at a future where established and emerging talents race side by side for top honors.
As Kaulig Racing prepares for the 2026 season, and as Spire and other organizations conclude the 2025 calendar, all eyes are on how the competitive landscape will continue to shift. The coming year promises spirited battles, dynamic lineups, and a race for supremacy as new brands and drivers make their mark on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
We've locked in two more.@danieldye43 and @Justin_Haley_ will drive @RamTrucks full-time in 2026 for Kaulig Racing! pic.twitter.com/jPhXU63NdF
— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) October 29, 2025
