As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, uncertainty surrounds the Kaulig Racing No. 10 future, with the team’s leadership remaining silent while competitors confirm their lineups. The main question at hand is whether Ty Dillon will return to the No. 10 seat or if another candidate will step in as time runs short before the season begins.
Ongoing Questions Surrounding Kaulig Racing’s Second Car
The story of Kaulig Racing‘s No. 10 entry has been unfolding since early summer, when initial reports indicated that the team was negotiating for Ty Dillon’s return for a second year. Dillon, who joined Kaulig at the outset of the 2025 season and took over the car after it was renumbered from the No. 31, was expected to help the team stabilize after several seasons of uncertainty.
Throughout 2022, 2023, and 2025, Dillon moved between multiple teams but had yet to find prolonged stability. When Germain Racing ceased operations, it left him searching for a consistent home in the Cup Series, often working on single-year contracts and handling constant transitions.
Negotiations Appear Close, but No Announcement Yet
By August, optimism grew among fans and insiders when Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice appeared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to deliver an encouraging status update.
“We’re still in negotiations. I think by Friday [August 14], we will 100% know,”
Rice said. Chris Rice, CEO, Kaulig Racing
“We’re real close to having Ty’s deal done again for ’26.”
Chris Rice, CEO, Kaulig Racing
Despite this confident tone, nearly one hundred days have passed since Rice’s comments, and there has been no official confirmation of Dillon’s status. The silence from Kaulig Racing has only deepened the intrigue about who will fill the seat in 2026.
Possible Replacements If Dillon Does Not Return
If Dillon does not sign on for another year, Kaulig Racing must act fast to choose a suitable replacement during a critical point in the off-season. The pool of bright, available talent is shrinking as teams finalize commitments, but Kaulig still has multiple options worth considering.
Christian Eckes stands out as an immediate contender, especially after losing his own ride due to the shutdown of Kaulig’s Xfinity Series program. Eckes has demonstrated his capabilities and has long been seen within the organization as a future fit for the Cup Series. Should Dillon’s seat open unexpectedly, Eckes could become the leading candidate to step up sooner than planned.
Another possibility is Justin Haley, who is already set to drive for the team’s Truck effort in 2026. Haley brings prior Cup Series experience and a strong familiarity with Kaulig’s operations, making him a practical option if the team needs a quick solution to fill the No. 10.
Alternative Strategies Being Considered
Kaulig Racing may also explore a more creative strategy; the organization has previously implemented a rotating “All-Star Car” model with the No. 16 entry in 2022 and 2024, enabling several drivers to share the seat in different races. This tactic could return for the No. 10, letting the team alternate among Tyler Dillon, Christian Eckes, Justin Haley, or even Brenden “Butterbean” Queen—the reigning ARCA Menards Series Champion and a current competitor under Kaulig’s Truck Series program. Such a rotation could provide flexibility while the organization finalizes longer-term plans.
Team Remains Silent, Adding to the Uncertainty
Kaulig Racing has established itself as a competitive outfit in NASCAR’s top tier and recently expanded their ambitions through the Truck Series with Ram. However, with a key seat unfilled and the 2026 season fast approaching, the lack of clarity now overshadows the team’s progress. As fans and industry insiders await word on who will drive the No. 10, speculation continues to mount.
Until the organization officially addresses their driver lineup, debate will persist around the Kaulig Racing No. 10 future. Team principal Chris Rice, Ty Dillon, Christian Eckes, Justin Haley, and Brenden Queen all play pivotal roles in the possible outcomes. As the final pieces fall into place for the upcoming Cup Series season, all eyes remain on Kaulig Racing’s decision and its impact on the sport’s driver market landscape.
