Kaulig Racing and RAM are launching the new “Kaulig Racing reality show,” titled Race for the Seat, aiming to select the fifth driver for their 2026 NASCAR Truck Series team. The reality program, set for early 2026 broadcast, will see a group of aspiring drivers compete for a coveted full-time racing spot, marking a significant move as Kaulig Racing navigates partnerships with both Chevy and RAM in different NASCAR series.
Formation of Race for the Seat and Its Unique Concept
Kaulig Racing, a prominent stock car team, operates Cup Series entries with Ty Dillon in the #10 Chevy Camaro ZL1 and A.J. Allmendinger in the #16 Camaro. Last August, they formed an industry-first partnership with RAM, introducing two different OEMs under the same racing organization and setting the stage for their Truck Series debut. Their latest initiative, Race for the Seat, brings together 15 hopefuls who will face off in ten distinct challenges. This elimination competition will award the winner a full-time seat for the 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season.
FOX will air the premiere episode on January 25, 2026, with the remaining installments streamed on RAM’s YouTube channel. RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis shared his perspective on the project, emphasizing the unconventional approach RAM brings to the sport:
“We promised Ram would approach NASCAR differently, and Race For The Seat is proof. Sometimes raw talent isn’t enough. Many successful careers start with an opportunity, a lucky break, or in my case, a good old-fashioned kick in the a**.”
The show’s production will be overseen by UFC CEO Dana White and Thrill Sports Productions, expanding the cross-industry appeal. The eight-episode series will feature commentary from White, Kuniskis, Kaulig Racing owner Matt Kaulig, and team president Chris Rice, giving viewers behind-the-scenes insight as the competition unfolds across multiple tracks such as Virginia International Raceway and South Boston Speedway in Virginia.
Driver Lineup and Show Format
Kaulig Racing has named an initial trio of confirmed drivers for their 2026 RAM Truck Series entries: Brendan “Butterbean” Queen in the #12 truck, Daniel Dye in the #10 truck, and Justin Haley piloting the #16. The #25 truck will see rotating drivers-picked from a selection of free agents-while the central focus of the show is finding who will pilot the newly established #14 truck through its competition format. This blend of established names and rising stars is expected to draw attention from across the industry as well as NASCAR’s avid fanbase.
Maintaining Manufacturer Balance for the 2026 Season
Kaulig Racing’s move to run Chevrolet vehicles in the Cup Series and RAM trucks in the Craftsman Truck Series has sparked industry discussion. Their dual association with competing OEMs is not typical, demanding careful navigation and transparency from the organization. In an August 2025 interview with NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass, team president Chris Rice spoke about managing manufacturer loyalties and the complexities brought by this approach:
“We don’t want to disrespect them at all, because we need them, just like, you know, hopefully they need us, right? So, long story short, I think they went fine. They got to do what they have to do for their OEM, and we needed to do what we need to do… Not a tier one, not a tier one.”
This comment reflects the ongoing balancing act Kaulig Racing faces as it tries to honor existing relationships, such as with Chevy, while nurturing its ambitious new partnership with RAM. The situation underscores both the intense competition and the complicated nature of modern motorsports alliances.
The Road to Daytona and What Lies Ahead
Kaulig Racing and RAM will make their official Truck Series debut at the Fresh From Florida 250, slated for February 13, 2026, at Daytona Beach, Florida. As part of a 100-lap, 250-mile race, this milestone will be broadcast live on FS1, the NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM, providing broad exposure for both the team’s new reality show and its competitive ambitions.
This next chapter not only marks a new approach for Kaulig Racing and their stakeholders, including Dana White and Tim Kuniskis, but it also signals a potential shift in how driver talent is discovered and showcased within the NASCAR landscape. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as veterans like Queen, Dye, and Haley are joined by a new face—selected in front of a national audience via the Kaulig Racing reality show—in a move that might set a trend for future driver development programs.
