The 2026 NASCAR season is set to introduce many changes just weeks before the green flag drops, with Michael McDowell Truck Series 2026 participation among the standout developments. High-profile drivers, rule shifts, and innovative team strategies are energizing the national scene, while established organizations like Kaulig Racing and manufacturers such as Ram are making bold moves as Daytona approaches in just over a month.
NASCAR’s Landscape Settles as New Season Approaches
This year’s “Silly Season” has been far less turbulent than last year’s, as the antitrust lawsuit and charter disputes that caused delays in 2025 have reached resolution. NASCAR leadership has shifted, with Commissioner Steve Phelps stepping away, focusing industry attention back to the racing itself as the Daytona 500 draws near. NASCAR’s official championship format announcement is expected soon, calming much of the speculation that previously surrounded the off-season.
At the Cup Series level, driver stability is the defining trend for 2026. Only two drivers will change teams full-time: Connor Zilisch heads to Trackhouse Racing, while Daniel Suárez transitions to Spire Motorsports. All other teams are keeping their current lineups, reflecting a rare period of consistency compared to recent years. The most notable changes are emerging in the lower national series, particularly the rebranded O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.
Recognized Cup Drivers Return for Expanded 2026 Truck Series Campaigns
Interest in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has grown thanks to returning Cup Series veterans and expanded manufacturer involvement. Michael McDowell will compete in the Truck Series opener at Daytona, piloting the No. 7 Chevrolet with Spire Motorsports, supported by Tibbetts Lumber. This entry, which had a rotating roster of drivers last year, signals a part-time but strategic effort for McDowell.
Ross Chastain, another Cup standout, is increasing his presence in the Truck Series with a larger partial schedule for Niece Motorsports. After making five starts in 2025, including a strong second-place finish at Charlotte, Chastain is set to contest up to eight races in the No. 45 Chevrolet thanks to new rules allowing Cup drivers greater participation.
“It’s great to be back with Niece Motorsports in a larger capacity this year,”
Chastain said in a team release.
“When I heard about the rule change, I knew we had to run more races together. We’ve got a great core group of people here in Salisbury (N.C.), and I want to bring them all back to Victory Lane. I’m thankful to have the opportunity and appreciate the ownership group and our partners for making it happen, along with everyone at Trackhouse for allowing me to run in the Truck Series.”
— Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Cup Driver
Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will also return to the Truck Series for the first time since 2008, competing for Tricon Garage in the unique June street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Hailing from El Cajon, Johnson will pull double duty that weekend, racing in both the Truck and Cup Series events, and is already confirmed as an Open Exemption Provisional entrant for the Daytona 500.
Kaulig Racing and Ram Partner to Transform the Truck Series
Kaulig Racing is breaking new ground in the Truck Series through a dynamic partnership with Ram, which is staging a high-profile return to NASCAR competition. Ram will field a five-truck lineup in 2026, marking its first full-season campaign in the series. Key drivers already on the roster include Brenden “Butterbean” Queen in the No. 12, Daniel Dye in the No. 10, and Justin Haley in the No. 16—all driving Ram 1500 trucks.
The team’s five-truck lineup is rounded out by two unique entries. The No. 25 will serve as part of Ram’s Free Agent Driver Program, carrying various drivers throughout the year and removing the pressure of pursuing the championship. The final seat will go to the winner of Race for the Seat, an upcoming reality show that will follow aspiring drivers through competitive on-track and off-track challenges, with the series debuting later this month.
“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*s,”
CEO Tim Kuniskis said in team announcement. — Tim Kuniskis, Ram CEO
By combining established talent, a rotating free-agent position, and a reality show winner, Kaulig Racing’s full-scale effort with Ram is poised to bring fresh energy, talent, and fan engagement to the Truck Series as the 2026 season kicks off at Daytona.
What the 2026 Season Signals for NASCAR’s Future
The commitment of Cup Series veterans like Michael McDowell, Ross Chastain, and Jimmie Johnson to the Truck Series reflects a renewed focus on cross-series competition and driver versatility. Innovative programs from Ram and Kaulig Racing, such as reality-show competitions and free agent rotations, could set a precedent for talent development and team structure across all NASCAR divisions. As the first races of 2026 approach, fans and teams alike are anticipating how these strategic shifts and high-profile returns will shape the competition and storylines throughout the year.
