Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series plans have taken an unconventional turn as RAM returns to the grid in 2026 with a bold approach to driver selection. The team, marking a partnership with RAM that began in August 2025, will field five trucks and is introducing a rotating roster for its fourth entry, sparking anticipation across the series.
Details of the New Driver Selection Format
Kaulig Racing, now featuring both RAM and another OEM within the same team, will run the special #25 RAM 1500 truck as a showcase for free agent talent. In a move that’s expected to excite fans and bring new energy, each race will see a different driver from varied racing backgrounds behind the wheel. The identity of each driver will be revealed on Mondays ahead of race weekends, bringing an element of surprise throughout the season.
“The Free Agent seat gives us the flexibility to bring in talent while keeping fans on their toes. Each driver will bring something unique to the team. It’s a new idea, and exactly the kind of energy we want heading into 2026.”
— Matt Kaulig, Team Owner
Confirmed Drivers and the Search for Fresh Talent
Three of Kaulig Racing’s five drivers for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series are now officially announced: Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley. The fourth seat, occupied by a rotating list of free agents, will showcase a new face every event, while the fifth driver spot remains open. This strategy not only widens the talent pool but offers up-and-coming racers and experienced veterans alike a chance to make their mark in the series.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Describes RAM’s Pipeline to NASCAR’s Premier Level
At a public announcement held at the Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM dealership in Florida, a venue owned by Daniel Dye’s family, former Cup Series star Dale Earnhardt Jr. emphasized the potential impact of RAM’s return. He sees the team as creating a more direct route to the NASCAR Cup Series and a rare chance for newcomers and established names to progress.
“You bring in some grassroots young guy that needs that opportunity, that everybody would be excited about. This has absolutely got a direct path to the Cup Series. All these other programs, there’s a route to cup, but it ain’t direct. Dodge is going to be a Cup team in the next year or two.” [00:30 onwards]
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former Cup Series Driver
“If you jump in one of their five trucks and you go out there and win races, you have supplanted yourself as their future. I would be knocking the door down over a colleague trying to get to Chris Rice to see what opportunity would be there for me if I was a young driver looking for a chance,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former Cup Series Driver
RAM’s Historic Involvement and Anticipation for 2026 Season
RAM has deep roots in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, debuting as a founding manufacturer in 1995. The truck maker’s legacy includes claiming the 2004 championship with Bobby Hamilton, before leaving the series in 2013. Now, with their renewed involvement and innovative driver plan, RAM and Kaulig Racing are aiming to refresh the competitive landscape and harness new talent for the premier ranks of NASCAR.
Outlook for Fans and Racers
The announcement has energized fans and drivers alike, as the new Kaulig Racing NASCAR Truck Series initiative brings unpredictability to every race and opens doors for rising stars. With industry figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and team owner Matt Kaulig championing the approach, all eyes will be on the evolving roster and the team’s performance as 2026 approaches. The next season promises a dynamic mix of grassroots racers, seasoned competitors, and renewed excitement for both the series and the broader progression to the NASCAR Cup Series.
