Kaulig Racing Cummins Truck Series is set to become a highlight for motorsports fans, as Cummins Inc.—a long-standing force in American engineering and racing—returns to headline sponsorship in the national racing scene. Cummins has announced that it will be the primary sponsor for Brenden “Butterbean” Queen and the No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 throughout the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, with the team scheduled to start their campaign at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2026.
This collaboration strengthens Cummins’ enduring connection to racing and truck performance innovation. The famous Cummins brand will appear on Queen’s Ram 1500 at all events during the 2026 season, extending a legacy that began in 1989 when Cummins first powered a Dodge Ram. That partnership has resulted in over 3.5 million Cummins-equipped Ram trucks, reshaping expectations for heavy-duty diesel pickups within the industry.
Celebrating a Heritage of Innovation and Performance
Cummins Inc. enters this venture propelled by its reputation for engineering achievements both on and off the track. Brett Merritt, Vice President and President of Cummins’ Engine Business, emphasized the importance of the company’s racing heritage and its future ambitions, stating,
“Cummins has racing in its DNA,”
and further noting,
“From Clessie Cummins’ winning the first Indianapolis 500 as a crew member to our leadership in commercial power, we’ve always pushed the limits of what’s possible. Brenden Queen represents that same spirit – talented, hardworking, and full of momentum. Partnering with both Kaulig Racing and Ram provides the opportunity for us to continue to write our motorsport legacy.”
— Brett Merritt, Vice President and President, Engine Business, Cummins.
This new chapter seeks to intertwine that spirit of innovation with racing ambition, utilizing the expertise that has defined Cummins for more than a century. That deep motorsport tradition continues with their involvement in the upcoming season, as they aim to propel Kaulig Racing and Brenden Queen to new milestones.
Brenden Queen’s Path to the National Stage
Brenden Queen, known in racing circles as “Butterbean,” steps into his first full-time Truck Series season backed by a stellar record. In 2025, Queen excelled in the ARCA Menards Series, recording eight wins and top-five finishes in 17 out of 20 races. His late-season tests in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing caught considerable attention, showcasing a driver with both determination and promise.
Queen’s recent accomplishments led to his selection as the inaugural driver in Kaulig’s new slate of entrants, leading Ram’s high-profile NASCAR Truck Series return in 2026. Reflecting on the opportunity, he shared,
“To have a company with Cummins’ history and worldwide reputation support me is incredible,”
adding,
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this Ram 1500 and represent Cummins and Kaulig Racing every weekend. This is the type of opportunity every driver dreams about.”
— Brenden Queen, Driver.
Kaulig Racing Aims for Success With New Partnership
For Kaulig Racing, the alliance with Cummins signals major growth as they expand efforts in the Truck Series, eager to build momentum with Queen at the helm. Chris Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Kaulig Racing, explained the team’s vision:
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cummins to the Kaulig Racing family,”
and continued,
“Their engineering excellence and commitment to innovation are a perfect match for our vision. Brenden is an exceptional talent, and we’re building a program around him that we believe can compete for wins and make a playoff run right away.”
— Chris Rice, Chief Executive Officer, Kaulig Racing.
Queen’s No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 is scheduled to make its competitive debut during the much-anticipated season opener at Daytona International Speedway. This event promises to mark a significant moment not only for Kaulig Racing, but for Cummins, Ram, and Queen as they join forces in pursuit of championship results on one of stock car racing’s biggest stages.
Looking Ahead to a Promising 2026 Season
The collaboration between Kaulig Racing and Cummins brings together over a century of racing excellence, innovation, and elite performance. With Brenden Queen in the driver’s seat, both organizations are setting their sights on significant achievements for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Fans can expect to see a blend of proven engineering, rising talent, and passionate ambition shaping the new season, as everyone awaits the No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500’s first competitive laps in Daytona.
