Kaulig Racing has announced a temporary exit from the Xfinity Series following a challenging 2025 season, as the team redirects its efforts to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Cup Series campaigns. The Kaulig Racing Xfinity Series exit marks a strategic pause rather than a permanent departure, with leadership vowing a future return to the competition that defined their legacy.
Historic Achievements and Difficult Decision
After almost a decade of achievements in the Xfinity Series, including 27 race wins and notable performances at tracks like Daytona and Indianapolis, Kaulig Racing found itself facing a tough year in 2025. The organization recorded no wins, just six top-five finishes, and an average result near 18th place across 93 races, prompting the decision to step back from Xfinity racing in 2026.
The team’s journey began in 2016 with founder Matt Kaulig, starting as a modest single-car operation. Under Chris Rice’s stewardship, Kaulig quickly rose to prominence with drivers such as A.J. Allmendinger—whose sixteen victories played a major role in the team’s success—Justin Haley, and Daniel Hemric. The team’s memorable first win came at Daytona in 2019, when Ross Chastain celebrated victory in his trademark fashion.
Kaulig Racing’s CEO, Chris Rice, expressed his deep emotional connection to the Xfinity Series, acknowledging the decisive turn being taken.
“This Xfinity Series is where we were born and raised. We have made a choice that we need to focus really hard on our Truck program and our Cup program to push it forward. So you guys will see us back in the Xfinity Series in the coming years, but we’ve got to pause it for a little bit.”
— Chris Rice, Team President
Xfinity Series Roots and Organizational Growth
For Rice and the team, the Xfinity Series represented much more than just a competition field. The organization forged its identity and culture through consistent effort, driver development, engineering gains, and community. Their first win, secured by Ross Chastain at Daytona, became an iconic moment in NASCAR for both Kaulig Racing and its fanbase. The team’s story includes standout achievements such as A.J. Allmendinger’s historic victory at the inaugural Indianapolis Road Course in 2021 and Justin Haley’s crucial role in reaching the Championship 4 in 2020.
“Sorry for the emotion. It’s been some emotions for me over the last month as we made this decision. It’s not like we want to. We really don’t have a choice.”
— Chris Rice, Team President
Over the years, Kaulig Racing developed a reputation as a proving ground for NASCAR’s up-and-coming drivers, dedicated crew members, and innovative teams. The Xfinity program was the foundation for their leap into the Cup Series in 2022 and established them as a fierce competitor alongside juggernauts like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.
“We got a lot of people, as you’ve seen in that picture. I’m very thankful for everybody that has made that program. Twenty-seven wins and so many top-fives, but we’ve got to pause it until you see us come back.”
— Chris Rice, Team President
Strategic Shift Toward the Truck Series
The focus now turns to Kaulig’s pivotal role in RAM’s return to NASCAR. With Dodge (RAM) not having fielded a factory-backed team since 2012’s championship run with Brad Keselowski, Kaulig Racing will spearhead the RAM program by building five RAM 1500 entries for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season. Chris Rice noted the necessity of reallocating team resources and energy to ensure sustainable competitiveness and growth in both the Truck and Cup Series during this new chapter.
“We are not leaving the Xfinity Series, but we didn’t have a choice. We’ve got to focus on our RAM trucks, and we’ve got to focus on our Cup program. As much as we love the Xfinity Series, we’re not quitting, we’re pausing.”
— Chris Rice, Team President
Rice’s message mirrors Kaulig Racing’s ethos of “trophy hunting,” highlighting ongoing ambition and adaptability even as the team steps back from its Xfinity roots. While the 2026 season will mark a decade without a Kaulig Xfinity entry, the commitment to return remains clear and intentional.
Building a New Chapter: Kaulig’s 2026 Truck Lineup
As Kaulig Racing halts its Xfinity program, it charges forward in the Truck Series with a dynamic roster. Brenden Queen, fresh off an ARCA championship, will headline the lineup. Daniel Dye, making the jump from his rookie Xfinity campaign and previously gaining experience in the Truck division, joins Queen as the team expands its youthful core. Reuniting with the organization, Justin Haley returns after a stint in the Cup Series with Spire and a trade with Daniel Suarez, bringing experience highlighted by four Xfinity wins, three Truck triumphs, and a strong Cup performance in 2020.
“Proud to announce I’m returning to Kaulig Racing, this time with @Kaulig_Trucks! It’s hard to put into words what this means. This team believed in me from the very beginning, and to come full circle with people like (team president) Chris Rice and (team owner) Matt Kaulig, who have always supported me like family, means everything. I couldn’t be happier and prouder to return home with Kaulig and Ram Trucks!”
— Justin Haley, Driver
With factory support, Kaulig Racing is poised to blend the energy of younger drivers with the strategic insight of experienced veterans. Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley form a trio that balances hunger and know-how, and two additional seats remain open, indicating even further team expansion.
The Significance of Kaulig’s Xfinity Exit and What Lies Ahead
The Kaulig Racing Xfinity Series exit marks a dramatic but forward-looking moment for the organization. While the departure is driven by recent struggles and a need to support RAM’s historic NASCAR return, all signs suggest an eventual re-entry into the Xfinity Series after a period of realignment. Fans and observers are reminded that Kaulig Racing’s legacy is one of resilience, keen development, and an unwavering commitment to competing at the highest level.
Team leaders, from Matt Kaulig to Chris Rice, remain steadfast that this move is only an intermission, not a swan song. As Kaulig Racing shifts its focus and builds out one of the strongest factory efforts in the Truck Series for 2026, the broader NASCAR community will be watching to see how their legacy evolves and when the Xfinity Series will once again feature their signature colors and competitive spirit.
.@RossChastain captures first win for Kaulig Racing at Daytona #NASCAR https://t.co/xxGmRON1Qx pic.twitter.com/Pp0d9Gw3Uq
— Angie Campbell (@angiecampbell_) July 6, 2019
