Kaulig Racing is preparing for its debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this February at Daytona International Speedway, marking a new chapter for the team and its veteran driver, AJ Allmendinger. However, the organization faces challenges as its Cup Series program copes with a reduction in shared data from Chevrolet, following the introduction of RAM as Kaulig’s Truck Series partner and a possible future manufacturer switch.
New Manufacturer Partnership Alters Data Flow
The recent decision by Kaulig Racing to field trucks with RAM—a first for both the team and this brand in NASCAR after more than a decade—has shifted the dynamics of manufacturer collaboration. While Kaulig Racing’s Cup cars will continue to run with Chevrolet, the involvement with RAM in the Truck Series has led Chevrolet to reduce the amount of technical data and resources previously available to Kaulig.
Trent Owens Discusses the Information Cutbacks
Trent Owens, returning as crew chief for AJ Allmendinger, discussed the implications of these changes during an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Owens highlighted the impact that decreased access to information has had on the team as it navigates preparations for the upcoming season.
“A lot of those channels are definitely turned off,”
Owens said.
“There’s some things you have to get from Chevrolet to run a Chevrolet car, which we still are. The manufacturers provide a lot of the simulator time and the simulation tools. NASCAR has things set up with each manufacturer now where a lot of data gets processed through those channels.”
— Trent Owens, Crew Chief
“We’re certainly missing a lot from what we had last year.”
— Trent Owens, Crew Chief
“Some of that we’re privy to, and some of it we’re not. We’re certainly missing a lot from what we had last year.”
— Trent Owens, Crew Chief
How Kaulig Racing’s Teams Are Impacted
Chevrolet’s restrictions on sharing simulation tools and technical support with Kaulig have already affected the team’s preparation. The flow of manufacturer-specific data is crucial for optimizing performance, and Kaulig now finds itself navigating the 2026 season with fewer resources than in past years.
This change arrives as Kaulig operates two full-time entries in NASCAR’s Cup Series, with AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon each piloting a Chevrolet. With RAM Trucks joining Kaulig’s competition roster for the Truck Series, the data challenges could influence both immediate and longer-term prospects for the entire organization.
The Broader Implications for Team and Series
The shift in data-sharing policies reflects the strategic concerns of manufacturers competing in NASCAR, as teams that diversify their alliances may risk vital engineering support. For Kaulig Racing, the move could signal a future manufacturer change in the Cup Series, especially as RAM’s presence grows in NASCAR. This development is significant for AJ Allmendinger and his crew, as they adapt to these new limitations and strive for strong performances despite the adjustments.
The outcome of Kaulig’s dual-manufacturer approach will be closely followed by industry insiders, fans of the Cup Series, and partner entities such as SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Both Allmendinger and Ty Dillon, guided by Trent Owens’ leadership, are set to face a season shaped by both innovation and adversity as the organization navigates these complex changes.
🗣️ "We're certainly missing a lot from what we had last year."@KauligRacing crew chief Trent Owens speaks on the lack of information flow the team is getting ahead of 2026 with @RamTrucks joining the team in @Kaulig_Trucks competition.
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/i6ZQT8FhkF
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 9, 2026
